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Violation points that remain on the driving record can affect auto insurance rates in the United States . Like other personal factors such as age, gender or profession , these points offer information on the risk that each driver represents for an insurance company. Although in most states this penalty system works, a small number have alternatives that differ from it, but that in the long run may also end up influencing the monthly premiums that the insured must pay .
In this sense, responsible drivers are rewarded with lower rates . These drivers are characterized by having clean driving records or with very low recorded points. In addition to rewarding them with low rates, some insurers have other incentives to encourage them to maintain good habits. At the other extreme are high-risk drivers , those who tend to committing infractions and, therefore, have a large number of points in the driving record, often with unfulfilled convictions. In these cases, the rates are usually much higher.
In some states, laws require high-risk drivers to purchase a policy SR – 22, a type of coverage aimed at drivers of this type in the United States . It is a certificate of financial responsibility (CFR) that serves as proof that the driver is protected by a policy and represents an essential requirement to legally operate a car in the country if certain crimes have been committed: driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI or DWI) , speeding or practicing reckless driving multiple times. Distracted drivers may also qualify for this type of insurance .
Despite having history points, drivers can decrease them, in many states, if they enroll in a driver’s education program or defensive driving course , an alternative that allows them to obtain a certificate to demonstrate that they have been improving their habits. These educational programs can also be considered by insurers and can influence the monthly rates established .
To control the number of points that the history has, the authorities always recommend drivers check your driving record periodically . In this way, they can have details about the status of their privileges, the accumulated points and the possible errors that could appear in it and that must be corrected as soon as possible.
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