Key Takeaways

• Insurance surcharges are extra fees added to your premium due to risky driving incidents like DUIs or accidents, impacting your auto insurance costs significantly.
• Standard surcharge triggers include at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, and serious violations, which increase your perceived risk as a driver.
• Maintaining a clean driving record and taking defensive driving courses are effective strategies for avoiding surcharges and managing insurance premiums.

Understanding Insurance Surcharges

Insurance surcharges are additional fees on your insurance premium, typically due to specific driving incidents such as DUI tickets or at-fault accidents. These fees allow insurance companies to recoup the increased risk they incur when insuring a driver who has demonstrated risky behavior. It’s their method of balancing the scales, so to speak, ensuring that those who pose a higher risk contribute more to the pool.

The amount of a car insurance surcharge can vary based on your insurer’s policies and the nature of the incident that triggered the penalty. For instance, someone caught driving under the influence may see a more significant increase in their auto insurance premiums when compared to someone involved in a minor fender bender.

Knowing about these surcharges is vital as they can directly impact your auto insurance premiums, so the more you know about these additional charges, the better prepared you’ll be to save money on your auto insurance.

Common Triggers of Insurance Surcharges

Several driving incidents commonly trigger car insurance surcharges. At the top of the list are at-fault accidents, which can significantly impact your premiums. Speeding tickets and traffic violations like running a red light or reckless driving are also frequent culprits. These infractions indicate to insurance companies that you are a higher-risk driver, thus justifying the added surcharge.

More severe violations, such as DUIs or failing to report an accident, are almost guaranteed to result in surcharges.

How Insurance Companies Calculate Surcharges

Insurance companies use a variety of factors to calculate car insurance surcharges. Your driving history plays a significant role; a spotless record might afford you some leniency, while a history of violations will likely result in higher fees. The severity of the incident is another crucial factor. More serious incidents like DUIs or major at-fault accidents will attract steeper surcharges when compared to minor infractions.

Insurance companies also use specific algorithms to assess the risk each driver poses. Moving violations, like speeding tickets, increase this risk assessment, leading to higher surcharges for higher-risk drivers. Essentially, insurance provides view drivers with a history of accidents or traffic tickets as more likely to file future claims, which justifies the increased premiums.

Knowing how these calculations work can help you anticipate and potentially lessen the impact of surcharges on your insurance costs.

Duration of Insurance Surcharges

How long will you pay increased premiums if you’re facing an insurance surcharge? Great question. The duration of car insurance surcharges typically ranges from three to five years. However, the length can vary based on your insurance provider, state regulations, and the nature of the incident that led to the surcharge.

A minor traffic violation might result in a surcharge lasting three years, while a more severe offense like a DUI could extend the surcharge to a maximum of five years. Maintaining a clean driving record is crucial to avoid additional penalties and reduce your premiums during this time.

The Impact of Surcharges on Your Auto Insurance Premiums

There’s no way around it. An insurance surcharge can have a substantial impact on your auto insurance premiums. These added fees increase your premiums, reflecting the higher risk that insurance companies associate with your driving behavior. Depending on the severity of the violation, surcharges can inflate your insurance premiums by up to 40%, creating significant financial stress. The actual increase varies widely, influenced by individual insurance policies and the nature of the risk assessment.

Not paying your car insurance surcharge can lead to dire consequences, such as the lapse of your policy, which can leave you uninsured and vulnerable to further legal and financial repercussions. Understanding how these surcharges work and taking steps to manage and reduce them over time is crucial.

Multiple Claims and Their Effect on Premiums

Filing multiple claims within a short time frame can dramatically affect your insurance premiums. Insurers view multiple claims as a red flag, indicating a higher-risk driver who is more likely to file additional claims in the future. This perception leads to increased premium costs, sometimes significantly so.

Grasping this relationship is key to managing your insurance expenses. Minimizing the number of claims you file can help maintain lower premiums and avoid being flagged as a high-risk policyholder.

It’s all about balancing the need to use your insurance with the potential long-term costs of your premiums.

Strategies to Avoid Insurance Surcharges

The best way to avoid insurance surcharges is to practice safe driving consistently. Obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions, and adhering to traffic law can significantly reduce your risk of incurring surcharges. Adopting safe driving habits is beneficial for your safety and crucial for maintaining lower premiums.

Defensive driving courses can help. These courses improve your driving skills and may qualify you for discounts that can offset surcharges. Additionally, considering your vehicle type and associated risks enables you to make informed decisions about your coverage and potential surcharges.

Exploring different insurance providers and comparing rates is a smart strategy. Different insurers have differing policies and might offer better rates that mitigate the impact of surcharges on your premiums. Staying proactive and informed helps prevent surcharges and manage your insurance costs.

Managing Surcharges

If you face a car insurance surcharge, the first step is to contact your insurance company to clarify why. If you believe the surcharge is incorrectly applied, don’t hesitate to dispute it with your insurance agent. Taking a defensive driving course or maintaining a clean driving record can also help reduce or remove the surcharge over time.

It’s also wise to set aside savings and avoid filing minor claims frequently. This approach can prevent future surcharges and help you maintain lower premiums. Managing surcharges involves taking proactive steps and committing to improving your driving habits to regain your insurer’s trust.

Alternatives to Surcharges

Insurance companies have other ways to penalize policyholders besides surcharges. One common alternative is a rate hike, where the insurer raises the premiums for all policyholders, not just those who have had incidents. This approach spreads the risk across a larger pool but can still significantly impact your insurance costs.

Insurers may also impose restrictions on coverage or apply different fees based on factors like driving history, vehicle type, and risk assessments. Knowing these alternatives helps you better navigate your insurance options and make informed decisions to avoid unnecessary costs.

Emotional and Psychological Effects of Surcharges

The financial burden of insurance surcharges can lead to heightened anxiety and emotional distress. The constant worry about increased premiums and potential financial strain is a stressful experience. Recognizing these emotional impacts and seeking ways to manage them effectively is important.

Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help cope with the stress associated with insurance costs. Additionally, support groups can provide a sense of community and shared experiences, helping individuals navigate the challenges posed by surcharges.

Addressing the emotional side of surcharges is just as important as managing the financial aspects.

Legal Assistance for Surcharge Disputes

If you believe a car insurance surcharge has been unfairly applied, seeking legal assistance can be crucial. Legal support can help navigate the complexities of insurance regulations and ensure your provider treats you fairly. To contest a surcharge from an at-fault accident, you must typically file an appeal within 30 days of receiving the notice.

An appeal process often involves submitting a completed form and a fee to the appropriate regulatory board. If successful, the insurance company must refund any excess premium charged due to the surcharge. Disputing a surcharge can prevent future premium increases and help maintain fair insurance costs.

Summary

Understanding car insurance surcharges and their impact on premiums is crucial for managing your auto insurance effectively. By practicing safe driving, exploring defensive driving courses, and proactively managing surcharges, you can keep your insurance costs under control. Remember, staying informed and taking preventive measures can significantly affect your financial well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a surcharge on an auto insurance policy?

A surcharge on your auto insurance policy is an extra fee added to your premium, often due to incidents like accidents or tickets. It’s a cost for mistakes on the road that can make insurance more expensive.

How long do surcharges last in Massachusetts?

Surcharges in Massachusetts typically last for six years, so you will be affected by them for that duration.

What can cause an insurance surcharge?

An insurance surcharge can be caused by minor accidents where you’re found responsible, traffic violations like speeding or running red lights, DUI convictions, policy lapses, and at-fault claims. These surcharges serve as a reflection of the increased risk you pose to your insurer.

Can I dispute a car insurance surcharge?

You can dispute a car insurance surcharge by contacting your insurance agent. If needed, legal help can guide you through the appeal process.

How can I avoid car insurance surcharges?

To avoid car insurance surcharges, focus on safe driving, take defensive driving courses, and shop for the best rates with different providers. These steps can make a difference!

The post How a Surcharge on Insurance Impacts Your Premiums appeared first on MyImprov.

If you require glasses while driving then wear them. Driving without corrective lenses can result in injury to yourself and others. If your driver’s license includes a corrective lenses restriction, you have to wear your glasses when driving. Being caught driving without glasses is a serious offense in nearly every state.

What Happens if You Get Caught Driving Without Your Glasses?

Driving without glasses results in a traffic ticket or an even more severe traffic penalty. You may face the following penalties for driving without glasses:

• North Carolina – Same as driving without a license (up to $500 fine)
• Florida – Driving without glasses is a moving violation and a second-degree misdemeanor (up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine)
• Texas – A restriction code violation with a fine of over $200 fine

What is a Corrective Lenses Restriction?

A corrective lenses restriction is a notation on the driver’s license. In New York State, the restriction requires the driver to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses when driving. The words “corrective lenses” is printed on the front of the license and some states include further information on the back of the license. Defensive driving school is designed to help drivers learn to predict and anticipate what others drivers may do. If a driver is not wearing their glasses you may have to react more quickly and make up for their inability to see.

Can You Get a Driver’s License if You Are Blind in One Eye?

Although driving restrictions vary from state to state, it is against federal law to prohibit people who are blind in one eye from securing a driver’s license. As long as the individual can pass the same tests administered to everyone else, they are able to get a drivers license. Some states do not allow people with so-called monocular vision to drive at night. Be sure to do your research at your local DMV to determine if you qualify.

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Shot of a happy young woman sitting in her car

Points on your record can make it difficult to acquire affordable car insurance rates.  Fortunately, it does not take a huge ordeal to clean up your driving record and remove points. Enrolling in, and completing a defensive driving course is a great way to show that you are taking steps to better your driving skills.

What do Points Mean?

When you are convicted of a traffic infraction, points will be added to your driving record. If you continue to accumulate points, you may be subject to fines or a suspension of your driving privileges.

Points and Violations on NJ DMV Driving Record

In the state of New Jersey, drivers are given a surcharge if six 6 points or more are posted to their NJ driving record a three-year period. In addition to court fees, these fines must be paid annually for three years. Once a NJ driver accumulates NJ speeding ticket points and other violations that equal 12 points or more, their NJ license may be suspended.

Common Violations

• Failure to yield right of way to a pedestrian 2 points
• Disregarding traffic signals 2 points
• Failing to obey stop/yield sign 2 points
• U-turn violation 3 points
• Illegal passing 4 points
• Reckless driving 5 points
• Passing a stopped school bus 5 points
• Speeding – 15 to 29 MPH over 4 points

30 MPH or more over 5 points

If NJ speeding ticket points are starting to add up, New Jersey drivers can take an MVC approved defensive driving course to reduce NJ speeding ticket points, New Jersey speeding ticket fines, and insurance premiums. These state-approved defensive driving schools are even conveniently available online.

Although the accumulation of points can be a negative thing, there are ways to have points removed from your NJ driving record. Drivers can have up to 3 points removed from their driving point total one year after any of these instances:

• Last NJ moving violation
• No violations within the past year

In addition, with the completion of an approved driver improvement program, up to two points can be deducted from a NJ defensive driving school course every five years. For more information, please contact your NJ MVC.

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Are you curious as to whether or not the hearing impaired can safely drive? There are common misconceptions that those who can not hear, cannot safely drive. This article will clear up many misconceptions regarding deaf drivers as well as detailing certain laws and regulations.

Can You Have a Driver’s License if Your Deaf?

Yes, lack of or diminished auditory capabilities will not hinder someone’s ability to drive. That being said there are still certain precautions to take. For example, since the drivers can not hear sirens from emergency vehicles there are devices to alert drivers. There are also devices to alert drivers if there is a horn and to proceed carefully.

Deaf Driving Laws

Here is a sample of the deaf driving laws in a few states:

• Florida -“Deafness alone will not prevent a person from being issued a driver license.”
• California -“Drivers that are deaf or hard of hearing can adjust their driver safety habits by relying more on their seeing sense to compensate for the loss of hearing.”

Hearing Impaired Driving Restrictions

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), drivers are required to report significant hearing loss. The DMV then determines whether a “HEARING AID OR FULL-VIEW MIRROR (F) restriction is required on your driver license.”

If your driver license does have the restriction you must use a hearing aid while driving and/or your vehicle must be equipped with full-view mirrors. All the mirrors both inside and outside must meet DMV’s requirements.

• Ensure your Florida driver’s license is up to date – Learn how to perform a drivers license check at How to Perform a Florida Drivers License Check!
• For More Information About How to Apply for a New CA Driver’s License in California, Click : How to Apply for a New CA Driver’s License in California

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With some special adjustments and teaching it is possible for those with disabilities to navigate the roads just like able-bodied drivers. Living with a physical disability does not have to mean you are grounded. The ADA, American Disabilities Act) amended the law in 2008 so that the DMV could not deny someone a license based only on their disability. If you want more answers to your burning questions to continue to read. If you go on to enjoy this post check out our other article on Epileptic Drivers.  

Can You Drive if You Are in a Wheelchair?

Yes, thanks to many advances in technology, disabled drivers who use wheelchairs are able to drive. Wheelchairs can be customized to match the motor skills of each individual driver for handicap driving. They are tested by the department of motor vehicles in their home state and when appropriate, restrictions will be noted on their driver’s license. Disabled drivers will also need to be trained at a conventional traffic school or online traffic school. 

Can a Paralyzed Person Drive?

While the way in which they learn and tools which are needed might be different, it is still possible for a paralyzed person to drive. Things that are taken into consideration include the severity of paralysis and vehicle the person is operating.

In What States Can a Disabled Person Drive?

State DMV’s are prohibited from denying disabled drivers from securing a driver’s license. Vehicles must be equipped with proper modifications and drivers must still pass a drivers test. Drivers licenses issued in one state are also valid in all other 50 states. You should also check to see if you qualify for a disabled placard in your state. In Florida, you might be eligible for a disabled placard if you suffer from a cardiac condition, can’t walk more than 200ft without resting, as well as other qualifiers. 

How Much Does it Cost to Modify a Car for Handicapped?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), costs to modify an existing car for handicap driving range from as little as $50 for special mirrors to a few hundred dollars for special hand controls. Specially equipped vehicles with ramps and raised ceilings range from $20,000 – 80,000. You can download a PDF file from the NHTSA website that provides additional information. Some vehicles let disabled drivers actually stay in their wheelchair while driving. Other vehicles allow wheelchairs to fold up for easy storage and transportation. Other possible modifications to existing vehicles include installing wheelchair lifts, raised ceilings and special floor mounts. These modifications tend to be expensive and they must be approved by state DMV’s.

The post Disabled Drivers: Understanding Handicap Driving appeared first on MyImprov.

 

Most states have seatbelt laws, however, they will vary from state to state. If you live in or often drive in New York state it would behoove you to become familiar with NYS seatbelt law.  Failure to obey the New York seatbelt law can result in tickets, accumulated points on license. After you have read through this post take a look at our post on the importance of seatbelt laws. 

NY Seat Belt Law Requirements

The law in New York State requires that all passengers in the front seat wear seat belts. In addition, children under the age of 16 are required to wear seat belts when they are in the front seat and the back seat. Children under the age of four are required to be secured in child safety seats while riding. All children must ride in child restraint systems until the age of eight.

Seat Belt Violation Penalties in NY

The penalty for a seat belt or child safety seat violation in NYS is a fine of up to $50. If the seat belt violation NYC involves a person under the age of 16, the driver may receive a fine of $100. Drivers may receive three driver violation points on their NY driving license if found guilty.  Excessive point accumulations on a NY driver’s license can result in significant fines as well as loss of license and an increase in auto insurance rates. You can mitigate the damage by enrolling in driving school.

Enroll in a New York Defensive Driving Course

The Point & Insurance Reduction Program, aka PIRP, in NYS was created to help refresh driving knowledge. By offering safety tips, teaching defensive driving techniques, and reviewing traffic laws this is easily accomplished. Those who complete a New York defensive driving course may be eligible for a four-point reduction on your NYS driving record. Attending defensive driving school offers a minimum 10% reduction in your automobile insurance premiums. This is for every year for three consecutive years. If you have an NYS seatbelt violation, taking an online defensive driving school class is definitely a smart choice.

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There are a lot of different kinds of problems that plague California leaders today. Road conditions is one that stands out for the majority of the state and traffic is one that seems to affect the larger cities, though some of the smaller ones really struggle with having traffic problems as well.

Derived from too many people in a space that was designed for far fewer of them, leaders cannot just simply take out the population or ask Californians to leave the state. CA leaders are figuring out how to make traffic flow properly and keep roads in reasonable repair not just to decrease road rage, but to help decrease accidents.

Bad Roads and More Drivers Equal More Accidents and Tickets

One of the biggest problems with bumpy roads and too much traffic is that the ratios of accidents and tickets are higher than in many other areas. If you’ve received a ticket for violating a traffic law or causing an accident, you can go to online traffic school as a ticket dismissal course. There are in-person options for traffic school, as well, but it’s much nicer to avoid all of that sitting in a classroom and just focus on getting through the schooling from the comfort of your own home. That way you don’t need to worry about travel time, available space, or anything else that can come along with attending in person.

In some cases you can successfully fight a ticket because of road conditions, traffic problems, and other serious concerns.  For the times that you do receive a ticket that you can’t get overturned right away, traffic school online can solve the problem. That way you won’t get points on your driver’s license and you won’t have to see your insurance rates go way up because of a ticket. It’s clear that there’s a lot of traffic in California and that some of the roads can be improved so they aren’t so bumpy, but that doesn’t mean every ticket issued will be thrown out or easily dismissed.

How California Leaders Are Helping

Among the main suggestions for reducing traffic in areas like LA, where there are simply too many vehicles on the road, are building more rail lines for commuter trains and increasing the bus routes. By improving the bus system for immediate needs and building more rail lines for the future, it’s easier and faster for people in LA to get around. Other California cities are doing similar things and making improvements that can reduce the number of cars on the road. Not only does that help with traffic issues, but it also makes it easier to repair roads, and to keep those roads in good shape in the first place.

Dedicated lanes for buses are something that’s being considered, too. Right now, buses get stuck in the traffic congestion just like cars do. When that happens, taking them isn’t necessarily faster than just driving your own car. If you can’t get there faster on the bus or the train, why pay the money to take them? A lot of people are more comfortable in their own vehicles, and they must see a true advantage before they’ll switch over to using public transit. Dedicated bus lanes to make them faster and more rail lines to keep up with demand would both make a difference. Then the roads would be less bumpy and in better shape, and the amount of traffic drivers have to contend with would be drastically reduced, making things safer and easier for everyone.

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Taking an online traffic school can be an easy way to keep points from getting on your license and can help your insurance rates stay low too. But don’t forget that you have to choose a school the DMV accepts, or they won’t give you credit for it. So, if you’re asking yourself how long does a defensive driving course take, make sure you consider more than just the time involved. Here’s how long each state requires you to complete traffic school according to their state law.

California 

In California, traffic school is 8 hours. However, if you take it online there are no timers, so actual course time will depend on the individual. It could take one to two hours or the entire eight. There is a mandatory 25 question multiple choice quiz at the end in which you need to get 70% correct to pass. Make sure you study!

New York

Traffic school in New York is best known as a defensive driving course. It can stop points from being added to your driving record due to a recent traffic ticket and it can also get NY residents a 3-year auto insurance discount. It will take six hours to complete online. You can finish the course at your own pace.

Texas  

When you receive a traffic ticket in Texas you can take a Driving Safety Course which is very similar to traffic school. The course is 6-hours, but the online version includes 60 minutes in mandatory breaks, so you only have to spend a total of 5 hours taking it.

Florida  

Most FL traffic violators can attend a 4-hour online traffic school or basic driver improvement (BDI) course instead of receiving points on their driving record. However, due to allowance for breaks, students will only have to spend 3 hours and 15 minutes in the BDI online version.  Offenders who have taken the 4-hour course in the last 12 months or are habitual traffic offenders may be designated by the court to take an 8-hour course. There are no timers for this online program, which means students will be able to finish more quickly.

Arizona   

It could take up to 48 hours for an online traffic school to verify your eligibility to take the online course, but once you are deemed eligible, you are required to spend a minimum of 4 hours in the traffic school/defensive driving program.

Kentucky 

Once you receive an eligibility letter from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet you can sign up for an online KY traffic school or 4-hour Aware Driver Course. You must spend a minimum of four hours in the course to obtain your proof of completion certificate and point reduction from the state.

Indiana  

Online Indiana defensive driving school is also four hours long. You can do the entire course in one sitting or log off and back on as often as you like until the four hours have been accumulated.

Nevada  

In Nevada, you are required to spend at least five hours in traffic school online. There is also an 8-hour online DUI course available to those who were ordered by a NV court to take a “Driving Under the Influence” course. The online requirement for this course is six hours.

Virginia

Virginia traffic school is one of the longest online driver improvement courses in the country. It is an 8-hour course, but actual online course time allows for an 80-minute break, which means there is a 6-hour and 40-minutes study time requirement.

Georgia  

Like many states, Georgia has a self-paced online traffic school. You can take it at a time that works for you, complete it all at once, or do it in stages. You will however, must spend a minimum of 6 hours in the course.

New Jersey  

New Jersey requires you to spend at least six hours in traffic school. You can actually remove two points from your NJ driving record by taking the MyImprov NJ MVC approved defensive driving course.

Tennessee 

Four hours is the time you’ll spend taking an online traffic school in Tennessee. You can complete it at a time that’s convenient for you, but you’ll need to spend that length of time to have the course count.

Idaho  

Idaho requires a six-hour defensive driving program or traffic school for their point reduction program. Many sites offer a 10-chapter course that is 36 minutes each. Students can log off and back on as often as they wish. Fortunately, with online traffic school, you can take the course when it’s convenient for you.

What Else Should You Know About Online Traffic School?

There’s usually a final exam to take, and you’ll also have to make sure the course completion certificate finds its way to your insurance company if your state and insurance company gives auto insurance discounts for those who complete the online course.

So, how long does traffic school take? From around one or two to more than eight hours, depending on the state you’re in. Knowing the laws and regulations for DMV approved traffic school in your state is important, make sure you are getting the right program for your needs.

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It can be an exciting time when you have a teen driver in the house, but it’s also a time when you have to set strong ground rules and really know the laws. That way you can protect your teen as much as possible and teach them to be safe on the road. Those are both very important parts of being a parent, and they’re worth considering and learning about. California Drivers Ed is one of the best ways for you and your teen driver to be prepared, but it’s about more than basic traffic laws. Your teen also needs to understand the driving curfews, so they don’t violate the law by accident simply be being out of the house too late.

Getting a License at 16 Doesn’t Mean Ultimate Freedom

There aren’t too many restrictions for teen drivers, but one of the most important ones is the curfew. For the first 12 months after earning their license, teens aren’t allowed to be on the roads between 11pm and 5am. There are exceptions for teens who work late or early shifts, though. If they have a signed statement from their employer about the hours they’re working, they’re legal to be on the road because the reason they’re out is valid and important. Without the statement, they could be ticketed. Even though there’s an online traffic school for ticket dismissal, it’s better and easier to avoid the ticket in the first place.

Keep in mind that it’s not just for 16-year-old drivers. Since the curfew is in effect for the first 12 months after a license is earned, someone who’s 17 when they get their license will still have a curfew to contend with. Age isn’t the main reason for the curfew being dropped or not in effect unless someone doesn’t get their license until they’re already out of their teenage years. At that point, they wouldn’t need to worry about the curfew or the teen driving laws, even though they’re a new driver.

Passenger Requirements Are Important, Too

It’s not just about the curfews when it comes to what’s acceptable for teen drivers. They also must be careful who they have in the car with them, since they can’t have passengers under 20 years old for the first 12 months. Just like with the curfew rules, though, there are exceptions. If someone in the car is over 25, then there can be other people in the car who are under 20. That makes it legal for a teen driver to take one of their parents somewhere along with their younger siblings, for example. The goal is to reduce distractions, which can be especially bad for drivers who don’t have a lot of experience on the roads yet.

Will the Curfew Be Changed?

There are plans and attempts to change laws all the time, and the teen driving curfew in California is no exception. One lawmaker in 2017 lost his 20-year-old daughter in a car crash and introduced legislation that would keep the curfew and other requirements for teen drivers in place until they turned 21, instead of just for the first 12 months after they received their license. Opponents of this change argue that it’s too intrusive for people who work and go to school, for example, or who have other obligations that require them to drive between the hours of 11pm and 5am. Whether or not the law gets changed, though, it’s very important that you and your teen driver know and understand the information that California Drivers Ed offers so the laws can be followed properly.

• Master the ins and outs of getting a California driver’s license – Your ultimate guide awaits at California Driver’s License!

• For information to Applying for a New California Driver’s License, click:
  Applying for a New California Driver’s License

• Find out everything you need to know about California ID Cards in our comprehensive guide, covering application processes, requirements, and uses.

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A hit and run is defined as involving or being a motor-vehicle driver who does not stop post involvement in an accident. People might flee the scene of a car accident for different reasons. Some people run away because they just do not want to deal with the stress of the issue and they hope they won’t get caught. Other people are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, in a rush and do not care, or they may panic when they hit someone and just not know what to do. Some people will go to the police later to admit what they’ve done. Knowing the laws can help reduce panic and ensure that you do the right thing if you’re involved in a hit and run. These laws can also help you protect yourself if you’re being accused of leaving the scene of an accident.

New York is Clear on Their Hit and Run Laws

There are serious consequences if you leave the scene of an accident without giving the other driver your information. That’s because New York law states that anyone involved in an accident must stop their vehicle and trade information with the other driver. Failing to do that is counted as a hit and run even for very minor accidents, which means you could get a ticket that you must deal with. With the defensive driving online ticket dismissal course, you can work toward getting rid of that ticket and you don’t have to sit in a classroom. But it’s still better to avoid the ticket in the first place since fines and fees can also be high.

It’s Not Just About the Ticket

A ticket for a hit and run accident in NY can cost you up to $250, but that’s not all. There can be court costs and other fees along with that amount, and you can also be jailed for as much as 15 days. You’ll see three points on your driving record, and that could cause your vehicle insurance rates to rise dramatically. Your insurance company may even cancel you, and that will force you to find new insurance. If you have to go with a high-risk company, your rates are going to be much more than they were previously, and you’ll have a hard time getting those rates down for several years after the accident.

Be Mindful of What You Say About the Accident

Too often, people who have been involved in a hit and run may blurt out that they didn’t mean to, or something else that implies guilt. It’s very important that you don’t do that because it can affect whether you’re found guilty of the crime or whether you can get your ticket dismissed. Don’t admit any fault and understand what your defense can be. For example, if you truly didn’t realize you struck another vehicle you may not be charged. That can happen to someone backing out of a parking space, or parallel parking, when they just tap the bumper and there’s no damaged caused. But the law says you still must stop.

Take Care of the Issue Promptly

If you’ve been ticketed for a hit and run in New York, make sure you focus on a defensive driving online course for ticket dismissal. That can help keep points off your driver’s license and lower the chances that your insurance is going to rise or be canceled. It’s important to be careful behind the wheel but accidents do happen. If you’re involved in one, knowing the laws and taking the right steps can help you protect yourself.

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