Ways That Auto Insurance Companies Will Deal With Unsafe Drivers
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Auto insurance rates have a way of inching upwards over time; unsafe drivers tend to make auto insurance high overall. This designation, commonly assigned to first time or teenaged drivers, can also be assigned for a wealth of other issues, including but not limited to reckless or high speed driving, multiple tickets, driving while under the influence of alcohol or substances, driving for stunt or races, driving a modified or sports type car, and drivers of motorcycles or other often-termed recreational or pleasure vehicles. For these categories of drivers, finding affordable auto insurance can be challenging, and insurance companies are not inclined to be generous or forgiving for these types of drivers should unsafe activities result in a traffic ticket or auto accident.
One way that auto insurance companies will deal with unsafe drivers is to increase their monthly auto insurance rates. What this can mean for the unsafe driver is that auto insurance rates increase to the level where they are virtually unaffordable. Taking a driver safety course can sometimes assist with keeping rates manageable, but more often than not high risk or unsafe drivers are pushed into a separate category for auto insurance carriers where they are paying the highest rates – often for just minimum coverage levels. This is why it is advantageous to moderate driving habits and ensure that the risk level for the auto insurance carrier remains manageable.
Another way that auto insurance companies will deal with unsafe or high risk drivers is to cancel the driver’s insurance policy, effectively leaving the driver without insurance coverage while on the road. This is an extremely dangerous place for the driver to find himself or herself in, and leaves them wide open to resorting to insurance carriers who may offer coverage for exorbitant rates. If the policy is not suspended outright, an insurance carrier may impose significant fines for unsafe driving habits, or even a period of suspension before coverage can be resumed. This can present a significant disruption to the driver’s daily schedule as they wait for the suspension to be lifted. Since carrying auto insurance is a state-mandated requirement, it is not optional to drive unless coverage is in place, and an unsafe driver may have to resort to public transportation or favors from friends and family while coverage is sought.
The best way to avoid such difficulties is to avoid being classified as an unsafe driver. This can be accomplished by practicing safe driving habits, limiting consumption of alcoholic beverages when responsible for driving, taking a driver safety class, joining auto clubs and learning more about safe driving practices, and being a safe and respectful driver while on the roadways.
