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Copyright © 2009 Sarah Simmons
Auto insurance is mandatory by law in most states, but insurance can be expensive, especially during the current economy. As a consumer, it's always a smart idea to seek assistance from an impartial third party Insurance Quotes site and let the insurance companies earn your business.
Shopping around for insurance quotes can ensure drivers receive the best rates, but how can you make sure you are getting the lowest auto insurance quotes possible? Certain factors can affect how high or low your auto insurance quotes are, and one of the easiest ways to get lower auto insurance quotes is to keep your driving record clean.
While most drivers know the most common traffic laws (don't speed, stop at red lights, signal for turns, etc.) you might be surprised at some of the laws that will not only drive up auto insurance quotes, but most likely result in the loss of your license. Not only is it expensive and difficult to get your license back, but once you do, your auto insurance rates will shoot through the roof.
To avoid adding points to a driving record, (and to keep auto insurance rates low) avoid the following infractions:
Failure to Install an Ignition Interlock System
If you ignore a court order to install an ignition interlock system, you'll get hit with a one-year suspension and be charged as a disorderly person.
Lying on an Application
The state comes down hard on false data. If caught submitting false information on your license application, you can possibly face prison time, fees as high as $500, and lose your driving privileges for up to two years.
Refusing a Breathalyzer Test
The state equates refusal to taking a breathalyzer test with having a BAC of .10%. Regardless of if you're innocent or not, your driver's license will be immediately suspended for up to one year. In addition, you may be hit with an MVC insurance surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
The penalties increase with each conviction. A first DUI offense will result in losing your license anywhere from three months to one year and spending up to 30 days in jail. A second DUI that occurs within 10 years of the first offense will cost you up to 90 days in jail and a two-year suspension.
Driving without Car Insurance
Don't test this law. Insurance is mandatory. Failure to have coverage will result in a one-year suspension, fines up to $1,000, a $250 surcharge for three years, and possible community service.
Accumulating Points on Your Driving Record
If you accumulate a total of 12 or more points on your driving record, regardless of what the points were for, the MVC will issue a Notice of Scheduled Suspension of your driving privilege.
Abandoning a Vehicle
If you leave your vehicle for four hours or more on or along a limited-access highway without permission, you'll face a fine of up to $500 and possibly lose your license for up to two years. Any subsequent violations could possibly result in a five-year suspension.
Hit-and-Run
Leaving a scene of an accident, especially when injury or death is involved, is a major crime. Even if you're innocent, you'll still face heavy repercussions including fines of up to $5,000, possible jail time, and loss of license for one year.
Failure to Pay Child Support
Possibly the most surprising infraction, if you fail to pay six months of court-ordered child support payments, you'll lose your license until all payments are made.
Loaning Your Driver's License
If caught loaning your license to another driver, you'll get hit with fines as high as $500, possible jail time, and a suspended license.
Insurance companies look at each driver's record before offering an initial auto insurance quote. The number of years that an insurance company looks back changes by company, so if you had a poor driving record five years ago, but have improved your driving record over the last three years, try looking for insurance companies that adjust rates according to a three-year record.
About the Author:
Article written by: Sarah Simmons. For nearly 2 years, http://www.InsuranceQuotes.com/ has been a major resource for consumers interested in lowering their insurance costs. Helping thousands of people save money nationwide, InsuranceQuotes.com stands firmly behind the belief that everyone deserves affordable insurance.
Read more Articles written by Sarah Simmons.
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