Auto insurance in Glendale, AZ, is supposed to protect you should you get involved in an accident. It helps to cover repair costs, and it may also feature some benefits that allow you to stay on top of things while you are waiting for things to get back to normal.
However, if you have been the cause of multiple accidents, or if you have a habit of racking up traffic citations, then your insurance carrier might demand more from you. Traffic violations can affect your insurance premiums. While carriers don’t have the power to revoke your license, they can raise your rates to the point where it can be very difficult to drive. In extreme cases, they might drop your coverage completely.
How Long Infractions Stay on Your Record
Just like the DMV, your insurance carrier keeps a tally on how many traffic violations you have committed. These include speeding citations, DUIs/DWIs, and collisions where you are at fault.
Many auto insurance companies offer discounts to those who have a clean driving record. On average, if you have been accident-free for at least five years, you could see a reduction in your premiums. The amount of the discount, and how long you need to have a good record, depends on your carrier. You will want to get in touch with them to see if you qualify and for how much.
If you’ve been involved in accidents, then your insurance carrier will keep a tally on you. These points can last for up to 10 years, depending on the offense. In many cases, you’ll see a rate increase of up to $800 after the first accident. If you get too many citations, then your carrier might choose not to renew your policy at all.
Consider that Arizona mandates that al motorists have an auto insurance policy, and you can see how being unsafe on the road can cost you in more ways than one. Be sure to read up on the details of your insurance policy, and always do your best to make good decisions while behind the wheel.