Your driving record is a critical factor that insurance companies consider when determining your car insurance premiums in Georgia. This record reflects your driving history over a certain period, including any infractions, speeding tickets, DUIs and at-fault accidents. Understanding how these elements influence your insurance rates can help you make informed decisions about your driving habits and insurance choices.
How Infractions Affect Your Insurance Premiums 
Insurance companies view your driving record as a gauge of your risk level. The more infractions you have, the higher risk you are to insure; this can lead to higher premiums. Here's how different violations can impact your costs:
- Speeding tickets—This may increase premiums, especially if you have multiple offenses. Insurers consider speeding a risk factor for accidents.
- DUIs—Result in significant premium increases. A DUI conviction is one of the most severe offenses in the eyes of insurers, reflecting a high-risk behavior that could lead to costly claims.
- At-fault accidents—Directly increase your premiums as they demonstrate a history of causing accidents. The financial implications of these can affect your insurance costs for years.
Maintaining a Clean Driving History
Maintaining a clean driving record is essential for keeping your insurance premiums low. Here are some strategies to help you achieve this:
- Drive cautiously and within speed limits.
- Avoid distractions while driving, such as using your phone.
- Participate in defensive driving courses to improve your driving skills and possibly qualify for insurance discounts.
- Understand and follow all traffic laws.
- Use driving apps that monitor and encourage safe driving habits.
Long-Term Impacts on Auto Insurance Premiums
The impact of infractions on your insurance premiums doesn't disappear overnight. Most insurers look back at least three to five years when evaluating your driving record. However, the effect of these infractions diminishes over time, provided you maintain a clean record going forward.
The total amount of your rate increase varies widely among insurers. This variability underscores the importance of shopping around and comparing quotes, especially after receiving a traffic violation or being involved in an accident.
Contact Us
Peachstate Insurance, with several locations across Georgia, including Atlanta, is dedicated to finding the best coverage options and getting you a personalized auto insurance quote.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.