Reader question:

I want to be a good driver and keep my driving record clean so that I can continue getting good rates on my car insurance and possibly a discount. Any tips for this?

Marilyn

Sure, why not?

I think it’s really great that you’re trying to watch how you drive and keep your record clean. Many people don’t understand that safe driving is actually a huge factor in car insurance rates. They understand to some degree, but only to the point where they know that their rates will be affected if they happen to get into an accident. Few consider the fact that, even if you don’t have any accidents on your record or even any dents on your car, getting a speeding ticket or a drunk driving charge can make your car insurance rates skyrocket.

The best way to avoid this is to make a sort of plan for yourself, what I like to call the Safe Driver Insurance Plan. There’s nothing official about it, it’s just sort of a list of things that you promise to yourself to do so that you can both protect yourself, your car, and your low auto insurance rates. It’s really easy to mess up and watch your rates go up high in a company that doesn’t have forgiveness. It’s also really easy to avoid situations that might send your rates up.

I suggest that any driver that doesn’t want to see any increase in their car insurance rates in the future draw up a plan with themselves that takes into account all of the main factors of rising insurance costs, not the least of which is sticking with only one company and refusing to check other quotes in case something has changed and somebody else is offering a better deal than they are.

The main things that you should focus on are defensive driving for in case you get into a situation that might lead to an accident, and to avoid getting into those situations; adhering to the law, and that means no speeding, even if you are late for work; keeping your car up to date with the latest safety equipment. You might also want to take a driver’s ed course to brush up on your knowledge and get a discount.

Cheers,

Fashun Guadarrama.