Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Your Insurance in Alberta?
Getting caught for speeding can be an unpleasant experience for anyone. It can affect your driving record, result in demerit points, and a hefty fine. But the question that arises in most people’s minds after receiving a speeding ticket is, does it affect your auto insurance rates? In this blog post, we will help you understand how a speeding ticket can impact your auto insurance in Alberta, and what steps you can take to mitigate the financial consequences.
How Are Auto Insurance Rates Determined in Alberta?
Insurance rates in Alberta are based on several factors, including your driving history, age, gender, location, and the type of car you drive. When you apply for an auto insurance policy, the insurance company looks at these factors to assess the risk involved in insuring you. A clean driving record, without any traffic violations or accidents, is viewed as a good sign of a cautious driver, and lowers your insurance premiums. However, if you have a history of traffic violations or accidents, your insurance premium is likely to be higher to account for the increased risk.
How Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates in Alberta?
In Alberta, a speeding ticket can have a significant impact on your auto insurance rates. Depending on the severity of the infraction, your insurance premium can increase by up to 25% for the next three years. The degree of the consequences depends on how fast you were driving and in what area. For instance, if you were driving at a speed of 140 km/h in a 100 km/h zone, it is considered a severe infraction that will attract more significant punishment. However, if you were driving just 10 km/h over the limit, this may be viewed as a minor infraction that does not attract severe financial consequences.
How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Driving Record?
In Alberta, a speeding ticket stays on your driving record for two years from the date of your conviction. During this time, the ticket can impact your auto insurance rates significantly. If you get multiple tickets within a short period, this could be viewed as a pattern of reckless driving, resulting in higher insurance rates.
What Can You Do to Minimize the Financial Consequences of a Speeding Ticket?
If you have received a speeding ticket in Alberta, there are several steps you can take to mitigate the financial consequences: – Pay the Fine: If you pay the fine promptly, you can avoid further legal action, which could hurt your credit score and affect your eligibility for future auto insurance policies.- Attend Traffic School: Attending traffic school can help reduce your demerit points and possibly prevent your insurance rates from increasing.- Fight the Ticket: If you feel that the ticket was issued incorrectly, you can challenge it in court. However, this is a risky and time-consuming process that may not be worth it in the end.- Shop around for Insurance: If you get a ticket, you may want to shop around for a new auto insurance policy. Different insurance companies have different policies on how they handle speeding tickets, so it’s worth exploring your options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a speeding ticket can have a significant impact on your auto insurance rates in Alberta. It’s essential to obey traffic laws and avoid getting tickets to protect your driving record and avoid higher insurance rates. If you do receive a ticket, paying it promptly, attending traffic school, fighting the ticket, or shopping around for new insurance may mitigate your financial consequences. Finally, whether you choose to fight a ticket or pay the fine, it is crucial to drive more carefully in the future to protect yourself and others on the road.