What is the process of fixing my bad driving record?
How Can I Fix My Poor Driving History?
A bad driving record often results in higher auto insurance premiums. When you accumulate violations such as speeding tickets, DUI convictions, and reckless driving, insurance companies will end up viewing you as a high-risk driver. This categorization is what eventually results in higher premiums and fewer coverage options.
Luckily, you can fix a bad driving record and essentially get a “fresh start” with auto insurers. The options that are available to you will depend on your specific record, state laws, and insurance company policies.
Useful tips for fixing your record
Pay your tickets on time
If you get a ticket for a moving or non-moving violation, the first step you should take is to pay it off as soon as possible. Seemingly minor violations (such as a broken taillight or illegal parking) may reflect negatively on your record if the ticket goes unpaid for a long period.
Timely payment will ensure that you don’t end up with costly fines penalties, or even worse, a bad driving record.
Take a safety driving course
While smaller traffic infractions can be easily expunged from your record, more significant violations may take more time to disappear. For example, tickets for speeding or reckless driving may take a few years to be expunged from your driving history.
Taking a safety driving course is an excellent way of reducing points or having tickets dismissed from your record. These driving courses are approved by the state and designed to elevate safety standards while on the road.
Maintain a safe driving record
If you have multiple traffic violations, you can begin to clean them up by driving safely for a certain period of time. For example, maintaining a clean driving record for 3 or more years gives you a strong case to have the DMV expunge previous violations. Many traffic infractions such as speeding tickets, failure to yield, and improper passing can be expunged after demonstrating a clean driving record for a particular period.