Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving. This includes using your phone, eating and drinking, and talking to people in your vehicle. Other common distractions include fiddling with music or navigation systems while driving. Because they pull focus from the road, these actions increase your risk of an accident.
How distracted driving affects insurance premiums
Insurance companies determine premiums based on risk. When drivers have a record of distracted driving, insurers see them as a higher risk. This increased risk translates into higher insurance premiums. Distracted driving can impact your insurance costs in several ways:
- Accident history: Any accidents caused by distracted driving will likely raise your premiums.
- Traffic violations: Even without causing accidents, distracted driving can lead to traffic violations. Receiving tickets for distracted driving can result in higher premiums. Traffic violations stay on your record, influencing your risk profile.
- Insurance claims: Incidents caused by distracted driving lead to accident claims. Frequent claims, even for minor incidents, suggest risky driving behavior. Insurers may respond by increasing your premiums to cover the perceived higher risk.
- Policy renewals: At renewal time, insurers review your driving record. Distracted driving incidents can lead to higher rates or even policy non-renewal.
The dangers of distracted driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents, and it leads to thousands of deaths. In fact, distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022 alone. While there are laws aimed at curbing distracted driving, the issue persists. Insurance companies consider these statistics when setting premiums.
Preventing distracted driving
There are steps you can take to avoid distracted driving. You can consider using hands-free technology to keep your focus on the road. It can also help to establish rules for your vehicle, such as no texting and driving or eating while driving. You could also try arranging items in your car to minimize the need to reach for them while driving.
Reducing premiums by avoiding distractions
The impact of distracted driving on insurance premiums can be significant. It is impossible to prevent every accident from happening. However, you can lower your risk of causing an accident by putting your phone away and keeping your eyes on the road. Preventing accidents will not only keep you and others safe, but also keep your premiums low.
Protect yourself, others, and your wallet by taking up responsible driving habits.