distracted
Distracted driving has been on the rise for years. Even though 48 states have banned texting while driving, it is still on the rise. However, this is just one form of distracted driving. Many other distractions take drivers’ attention away from the road, like changing the radio, checking navigation, or talking to a passenger in the car. If the possibility of a ticket for this offense or the injuries you could sustain from a crash hasn’t scared people enough, the possibility of having your insurance rates increase should. Additionally, if you have been injured by a distracted driver, pursuing a San Antonio car accident claim can help you get compensation for potential insurance rate increases.
How Insurance Companies Assess Driving Risk
It is important to understand how insurance companies assess a person’s driving risk. Every insurance company calculates this differently, however, most use the same factors which include:
- Age
- Gender
- Previous traffic offenses
- Number of accidents
- Location
- Vehicle type
- Credit history
Insurance carriers usually afford the lowest premiums to drivers with a clean record, longer driving experience, and good credit scores. Drivers with more accidents (even if they were not at fault), traffic violations, or are young will generally have higher premiums.
The Financial Impact of a Distracted Driving Violation
Getting caught engaging in distracted driving can have a significant impact on your insurance premiums. Even if you avoid an accident, simply receiving a citation for distracted driving can result in a noticeable rate increase.
- Ticket or Citation: Insurance companies often categorize distracted driving violations as a high-risk behavior, which can increase premiums anywhere from 10% to 30% depending on the provider and state regulations.
- Accident-Related Increases: If distracted driving leads to an accident, the financial consequences are even greater. A single at-fault crash can result in a 50% or higher jump in premiums, especially if there are injuries or significant vehicle damage.
- Points on Your License: Some states assign points for distracted driving offenses, and accumulating too many can lead to license suspension—which in turn causes insurers to raise rates or even deny coverage.
- Long-Term Costs: Many insurance companies keep violations on your record for three to five years, meaning you could be paying thousands of extra dollars over time due to a single instance of distracted driving.
In short, even if distracted driving doesn’t cause a direct accident, it can still drain your wallet in the form of higher premiums.
Can Insurance Companies Track Distracted Driving?
Many drivers assume that if they aren’t caught, their distracted driving habits won’t impact their insurance rates. However, insurance companies now have ways to monitor driving behavior. Many providers offer telematics programs, such as Progressive Snapshot or Allstate Drivewise, that track factors like speed, hard braking, and even phone usage while driving. Some insurers collect data through smartphone apps, while newer vehicles come equipped with event data recorders (EDRs) that can reveal if a driver was distracted before an accident. While these programs can offer discounts for safe driving, they also have the potential to increase rates if risky behaviors are detected.
How to Avoid Higher Insurance Costs Due to Distracted Driving
The best way to keep insurance costs low is to stay focused while driving. Following state laws, using “Do Not Disturb” features on smartphones, and limiting interactions with in-car technology can help reduce distractions. Some drivers may also benefit from a defensive driving course, as many insurers offer discounts for completing safety programs. Additionally, those enrolled in telematics programs should be mindful of how their driving data is collected and used.
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