Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Driving Safety Class May Impact Insurance Rates

By Adriana Noton


A motorist might decide to take a driving safety course to help erase a traffic ticket if they have a previously clean record. Motorists may also choose to take a driver's course if they have a perfect driving record to help reduce their overall insurance rates. Those are just two of the many reasons people take motor vehicle safety courses.

Even the courses given in school for new drivers can be considered safe driving courses. Although first time drivers usually pay a higher premium some insurers offer lowered rates for those who have completed school or private classes in driving. The reason behind this is that the inexperienced driver may be more likely to have an accident if they have not had formal instruction.

Insuring rental cars is just as important as insuring the privately owned vehicle. Unless a driver's personal policy covers rental units they normally purchase a policy from the rental company. No matter how the renter decides to insure the auto it is important that they practice safe driving because an accident will be expensive and often raises the rates on their private policy.

When choosing coverage for a rental car the motorist should assure they are covered by their private policy or that credit card insurance covers accidents. Assuming you will be insured by anyone without expressly checking the policy is never an acceptable course of action. If coverage is unavailable through a driver's personal policy or credit card company then the cost of the insurance from the rental company will be far less than the cost of an accident.

Avoiding an accident or a ticket is usually preferable to spending time in remedial safety classes. The lessons taught in many of these courses can be very important to maintaining a safe and accident free record. If the course offers training and tips in how to avoid accidents in inclement or hazardous weather it is important to pay attention as these are conditions where the potential for accidents is greater.

It doesn't matter if the motor vehicle you will be on the road with is a rental auto or your own safety checks of important systems are important. Important safety equipment such as brake pads should be checked by a mechanic while the motorist themselves may perform other safety checks. Assuring that all lights on the auto work and that turn signals are functioning can not only avoid a traffic citation but an accident.

People attending classes so they can get their first license may be attentive and excited by these courses as they represent the freedom of a license. Seasoned motorists may be less enthusiastic and attentive though especially if they are taking the courses to erase a traffic citation from their record. On the other hand these courses can reward everyone in terms of safety and accidents avoided.

Classes for motorists should be state accredited in order to be accepted by most states and insurance companies. If taking a course to lower insurance rates the motorist should check with their particular insurer to be sure they class they have chosen is accepted by the company. Each insurer has different guidelines for safety classes and how they reward safe drivers for taking them.




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