How Speeding Can Affect Your Car Insurance Connecticut

Reader’s Question:

I got a speeding ticket here in Connecticut and I worry that it can affect my car insurance right away. Does this single traffic citation be a reason for my car insurance to go up?

Geoffrey

Greenwich, CT

Whether your car insurance in Connecticut will go up or not will depend upon the circumstances of the speeding ticket you were cited for. It will only have an effect on your car insurance if this is a serious violation and you get convicted for it. For instance, if you are found guilty (or plead guilty) for speeding and pay the necessary fine, the court will notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state so that your violation will be put on your driving record. Your insurer can be aware of your moving violation if they check your motor vehicle record (MVR) when your car insurance is up for renewal.

Depending on the rating system of your car insurance provider, a particular traffic offense, like speeding, will have an effect on your car insurance premiums. For instance, that one speeding ticket you got could not have an effect on your premiums, but it would most probably remove any good driver discount that you have. But if your MVR shows that you have had a conviction for a moving violation in the past, then this traffic citation that you have now can be a reason for your car insurance premiums to go up.

Majority of the states let every insurer to establish their own rating system and make a decision which moving violations and how many offenses or accidents could have an effect on the car insurance premiums of their consumers. The insurers should file their pricing with the state insurance regulator to be authorized.

How to Find the Best Insurance Company

Reader’s Question:

I’d like to know how I can choose between auto insurance companies effectively. How do I know I’m getting the best deals and reliable service?

Donatello

Portland, OR

Good question. Getting the right auto insurance company is just as important as getting the best rates. However, this is easier said than done to a lot of people. Listed below are a few useful tips to maximize your chances of getting the right kind of auto insurer for you.

1. Independent Rating Agencies - Moodys, J.D. Powers, A.M Best, and Standard & Poor offer a wealth of information to consumers by rating/scoring the performance of different companies. Scores fall under categories such as billing and payments, customer service, and pricing. This can help you get a good idea about the insurers you should be doing business with.

2. Online Comparison Websites - Use these to obtain free quotes and compare offers coming from many different insurers. This is a good way to maximize your ability to spot the best-priced policies in the market.

3. Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) - This is another resource that consumers should take full advantage of. The BBB helps by educating people about good business and learning about complains against certain companies. This will help you become a smarter consumer.

4. Ask Around - Referrals can be a great way to find out about the best auto insurance companies. Ask your friends, relatives and co-workers. Doing this can lead to some valuable insights that can help you choose your auto insurer effectively. You get instant feedback from their actual experiences with the companies they went with as well.