High Risk Drivers

We understand that life happens and sometimes incidents do occur even with great driving skills. In many cases, especially with young drivers, the lack of experience will result in having a bad record. In any matter, Precision has programs for high risk drivers.

Who is considered High Risk?

Drivers with multiple (2 or more) minor moving violations such as speeding or failure to stop will no longer qualify for the good driver discount. Although it may seem harsh to be considered in the class of high risk drivers with just 2 minor violations, no longer qualifying as a good driver will make a big difference in your insurance premium.

Attending traffic school can prevent you from having that 2nd ticket affect your auto insurance premium.

Having more than one at-fault property damage accident or one at-fault accident with bodily injury will place you in the high risk driver category. The threshold for property damage is now $1,000. So the amount of damage you cause will determine if your premium will be affected at renewal. Some carriers, not industry-wide, offer accident forgiveness.

Any major violations like reckless driving, hit and run, or driving under the influence (DUI) will have a huge impact financially. In addition to your insurance premium, you may face additional costs that can put a dent in your pocket book and might even effect your quality of life. Your job may even be in jeopardy. We recommend you practice safe driving habits and keep a designated driver or option on speed dial.

How long will it take to get preferred rates again?

Minor violations and accidents will remain on your driving record for 3 years. For major violations, you’ll begin to see better rates after 3 years but they will remain on your record for 7-10 years depending on the convicted offense.

Most insurance companies will rate it based on the violation date and others (generally preferred carriers) by the conviction date. Minimize delays in court to have your violation clear sooner.

Suspended License

If your license is suspended, you can still get insured. In fact, you should get insurance as soon as possible. However, you will have to endure a rate increase. Any interruption of your driving privilege will disqualify you for the good driver discount. You will qualify for the discount again once you have had 3 consecutive years with an active license. A license interruption will prevent you from getting coverage from a preferred carrier like Mapfre Insurance.

SR-22 Filing

This filing is submitted electronically to the DMV and demonstrates that your license number has met the financial responsibility required by law to drive. You will generally need this filing for a period of 3 consecutive years and in order to reinstate your driver’s license. Despite what most insurance agencies advertise, it is not free. The cost ranges anywhere from $15 to $35 depending on the insurance carrier. However, it may be free to you if the agency is willing to cover the cost. It will usually be included in any broker fee that is charged and hidden to make it seem as if it was free.

At Precision, we disclose the filing amount to you so you are aware of how much it actually cost you.

SR-22’s are also available even if you do not own a vehicle (Non-owner policy) for those who on occasion, borrow another car that does not belong to another household member. Highly recommended to ensure you are protected in the event the registered owner of the vehicle you borrowed had a lapse in their insurance. Protect yourself.