Auto Insurance Companies Can Raise Your Premiums for Receiving Traffic Citations

Auto insurance companies do not offer the same rate to every driver. If you think you might be paying too much for your coverage or are surprised at how little you pay compared to what you've heard from friends and family it is because each individual case is assessed by insurance underwriters. These underwriters look at the following aspects of the applicant to determine how much they will pay for auto insurance coverage:

• Age
• Gender/marital status
• Driving record
• Credit score
• Region
• Miles driven each year

Some Tickets Could Raise Your Premium

The above factors basically add up to how much risk you represent to your insurance company. Once you are given a premium and start your coverage then you still have to be conscious that your rate is by no means fixed. If you file a claim or receive certain moving violations or tickets then your risk will go up and your auto insurance company could punish you by way of increasing your premiums. Some of the more serious citations that could immediately lead to a hike in your rate include:

• DUI
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Running a red light/stop sign

Compare Auto Insurance Quotes Today

If you have a clean driving record and are cited with a minor ticket then your insurance company may let you slide. However, if you have a spotty record or are cited for a DUI or for excessive speeding then your auto insurance rates will most likely go up. Talk to an auto insurance agent today to learn about your risk and whether or not you're paying too much for coverage.