We all make mistakes, and if you’ve been convicted of a crime while driving, you can see your insurance rates shoot through the roof. You’ve got a lot to deal with, and high insurance rates should not have to be one of them. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to try to lower the rates you pay for insurance as a convicted driver. Here are some tips for lowering your car insurance rates.
Look for the Best Deals
The number-one piece of advice for people looking to pay less on their auto insurance is to shop around for the best deal. Whether it’s by looking through the phonebook or searching online, devote some time to looking for insurance groups who cater especially to convicted drivers. Not only will they offer lower rates, they'll also have experience with people who’ve been in similar situations. If you’re having difficulties looking on your own, get into contact with group such as ConvictionInsure, who make the comparisons for you.Take a Driving Course
As part of your punishment, you may have been required to take a safety driving course. Once you’ve found your insurance provider, check with them to see if taking a similar driving course can net you some lower insurance premiums. Taking such a course will show insurance groups that you are willing to learn from your mistakes and work hard to get back to normal rates. You also might learn some things from a course that will prevent you from getting into an accident in the future.Raise Your Deductible
Your insurance provider may be willing to ask for lower premiums in exchange for you paying a higher deductible when you get into an accident. While a higher deductible may cost more money at the time of an accident, if you’re confident that you’re a safe driver, and you don’t anticipate getting into any accidents, the raised deductible may be a good choice for you. Just be sure that when there is an accident, you'll be able to afford to pay the heightened deductible.Drive Fewer Miles
Insurance companies often base part of the costs of your insurance policy on how many miles you drive. Obviously, the less you drive, the less of a chance you will be in an accident and they will have to pay out. So, to get some lower rates, try cutting the amount you drive. If you can, try carpooling to work with a family member or coworker. Or, take public transit if it’s provided in your area. At worst, you could bike or even walk, depending on the distance. Remember, the less you drive, the less you pay.Along with these methods, you could always talk honestly with your insurance provider. They’re experts, so they may know a few methods for saving you money. If you explain your situation and your willingness to work hard to be a good driver, an insurance representative may just appreciate the personal touch and work with you to lower your rates.
Charles Crawford is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Crawford and O'Brien.
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