Driving With a Past: How to Make Your Insurance Record More Boring 

Alright, you’ve made some choices on the road that you’d rather forget. No big deal. Speeding tickets, fender benders, and maybe even a late-night run through a red light. It happens, for sure. But now your auto insurance rates are through the roof, and it’s time to fix that. The solution? Embrace the boring side of driving, take steps to secure affordable insurance after an accident, and stop driving like it’s a real-life GTA mission! 

Here’s how you can turn your high-risk driving record into a snooze-fest that insurance companies will love. After all, if there’s one part of your life that you don’t want to be exciting, it’s your driving record. Unless you’re a stunt driver, in which case have at it! Read on to see how you can get insurance for bad driving records. 

Put the Brakes On: Embrace a Slower Speed 

Speeding isn’t just risky; it’s expensive. Every ticket you get makes your insurance go up. Washington’s soad rules spell it out: Obey the speed limits. It’s not exciting, but staying within the law saves you cash. Plus, you’ll have more time to enjoy the scenery — like Mount Rainier or the newest start-up coffee drive-thru. And insurance for people with speeding tickets can be even more annoying to deal with after all. 

Think about your brakes, too. Aggressive driving and sudden stops wear them out faster, which costs more in repairs. Driving smoothly and calmly saves wear and tear on your car … and shows insurers you’re not a risk on the road. That’s how you can increase your chance of getting bad driving record car insurance. 

Master the Art of Turn Signals: Uncool but Effective 

Nobody gets cool points for using their turn signals, but avoiding accidents is cooler than a dented bumper. Washington law requires you to signal at least 100 feet before turning. Stick to this rule, and you’ll dodge unnecessary fender benders — and save on premiums. You’ll also avoid getting your Washington driver’s license suspended to boot. 

Insurance companies love data. When you use turn signals consistently, you’re less likely to be in a collision, which makes you a lower risk. Low risk equals lower premiums. Think of it as a simple habit with a big payoff. 

While you’re at it, keep an eye out for others’ signals too. Being able to figure out the actions of other drivers helps avoid accidents, and insurers notice when your record stays clean. 

Timing Matters: Avoiding the Appeal of Rush Hour Chaos 

Rush hour isn’t just annoying. It’s also a big old breeding ground for accidents. More cars on the road mean more chances for things to go wrong. Adjust your schedule if you can and try to avoid all that nonsense. Dodging the mess on I-5 cuts down your chances of adding an accident to your record. And you can protect your sanity in the process, so that’s good too. 

Carpooling or using public transportation are great options. Not only do they save you money on gas, but they also keep your car off the road. Lessening all that wear and tear and eliminating the risk of an accident during your commute is a good way to keep your record squeaky clean. 

Stick to the Right Side of the Law: Stop Trying to Outsmart Cops 

Rolling stops, running red lights, and sneaking into the HOV lane? Bad ideas. Every ticket you get not only costs money upfront but also increases your insurance rates. Washington’s driving laws make it clear: Follow the rules. Think of it this way — fewer tickets mean fewer awkward conversations with your insurance agent. 

Here’s another thing: DUIs are deal-breakers. They’re expensive and dangerous, and they make it almost impossible to get affordable insurance. Washington has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. If you’ve had one, take every step to show you’re serious about turning things around. Ignition interlock devices and alcohol education programs can help rebuild your standing. 

Even small infractions matter. Stop signs, yield signs, and basic rules of the road are your friends. Respect them, and your driving record (and wallet) will thank you. 

Do the Boring Paperwork: Update Your Information Regularly 

Your address, car, and commute distance all affect your insurance rates. If you’ve moved to a quieter area or started driving less, you must tell your insurer. Keeping your information up to date can lead to discounts. It’s not glamorous … but it is worth it when it comes to your wallet. 

You should also keep copies of all your insurance details backed up somewhere, such as in a cloud drive account or even just a spare copy in a file cabinet at home. Remember that there are no good excuses for not having car insurance. The goal is to make sure you have everything up to date and stored in a safe place in case you need to reference it. 

Go Make Friends at School: Utilize Defensive Driving Courses 

A defensive driving course might sound dull, but it can save you money. These classes teach you how to avoid accidents and handle tough road conditions. Plus, they show insurers you’re serious about being a better driver. In Washington, completing a state-approved course can even get you a discount on coverage. 

There are some other ways to save money on top of taking a defensive course. For folks like you who want to know how to lower car insurance premiums, living in a rural area typically means lower premiums because there’s less traffic and fewer accidents. If your job changes or you start working from home, your annual mileage might drop significantly, which insurers consider a win. 

Also, check for bundling opportunities — the one policy to rule them all. If you’ve updated your home insurance or added a new policy, ask about combining them for a discount. Small updates can make a big difference and keep down the chance that a bad driving record affects your premiums too much. 

Have a High-Risk Driving Record? Reach Out to Vern Fonk for an Auto Insurance Quote 

A bad driving record doesn’t have to haunt you forever when you’re trying to get so-called high-risk car insurance. Stick to the basics: Follow the rules, drive safely, and keep your info current. It’s not flashy, but boring drivers pay less. Ready to make the change? Vern Fonk’s here to help. 

You’re not alone in this. At Vern Fonk, we specialize in high-risk, cheap car insurance. Whether you’re dealing with tickets, accidents, or just bad luck, we’ll help you find a policy that works for you. Get a quote online, call us at (800) 455-8276, or visit one of our locations in the PNW today to get going!