Getting behind the wheel of a car actually entails some pretty serious responsibility. Vehicles are wonderful transportation innovations. However, they can also be deadly pieces of machinery when operated in an irresponsible manner. Traffic violations can range from the most minor citations that results from careless mistakes to major convictions as the result of criminal negligence. Even small violations can add up over time to cause points to be added to your license. Once a driver acquires 12 points against them, they can potentially lose their license for up to three months. Understanding the difference between minor convictions and major ones can assist people in becoming more responsible and safer drivers out on the open road.

Sweating the Small Stuff

Minor driving convictions are the most common. These infractions include the kinds of things that we have all done at one point or another, either purposefully or otherwise. Running stop signs, speeding, going the wrong direction on a one-way street, or driving on an invalid license all qualify as minor offenses. These types of violations typically call for the defendant to pay a fine. Although, if a driver incurs enough of these penalties over a short period of time, then their license can be revoked, or they may be ordered by a judge to attend some form of driver education course in order to earn back points on their license. Some of the more uncommon infractions that fall under minor convictions can include improperly secured loads on the roadway, unnecessarily slow driving, improper towing, and causing unnecessary noise with a vehicle.

Small Offenses With Big Consequences

Major convictions are the next rung on the ladder. The list of these possible infractions is much shorter. Being convicted of these offenses typically results in having multiple points applied against your license, resulting in car insurance rates that will potentially be higher than prior to the conviction. Many people assume that failing to stop for a school bus is only a minor offense. However, this action and any other moving violations that are related to school zones are major offenses. The severity in the penalty is meant to protect children from the dangers of reckless drivers. Major driving convictions also include failing to report and accident, driving without insurance, or failing to report damage to highway and municipal property as the result of an accident.

When the Book Comes Down Hard

Criminal convictions are those driving offenses that can directly result in jail time. Major and minor offenses often do not require offenders to report before a judge. The offender can simply mail in the payment for their fine. Criminal cases require court appearances for sentencing. Drunk driving is by far the most common of the criminal offenses. In most states, drunk driving is the charge when a driver is pulled over with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or greater. Drunk driving, or driving under the influence, can also be the official charge when drivers are convicted of operating a vehicle while taking medications or other illegal drugs. Officers most often pull over drivers under the suspicion of careless or reckless driving, only to find that the driver is under the influence of a particular substance. Reckless driving is another charge that can be considered a criminal conviction, depending on the severity of the situation.

Refusing breathalyzers, disobeying police officers, racing, and vehicular manslaughter are also considered to be criminal convictions that carry stiff penalties. Drivers can also be convicted of multiple offenses at one time, depending on the actions of the judge presiding over the case. For example, a person involved in an accident where alcohol and state property is involved can be convicted of a DUI, reckless driving, and a possible failure to report damage to state property all in the same hearing.

Auto insurance rates are not set in stone. When people first purchase their policies, their insurers quote them a rate that applies to their circumstances at the time. The reason these rates do not remain static is because people’s lives are not that way. Things occur that cause them to become lower risks for the auto insurance companies, and these clients can call their auto insurers on occasion to inform them that they may be entitled to lower rates.

A Higher Credit Score

Some auto insurance companies set their clients’ rates based in part on their credit scores. When people apply for their coverage, the insurers may ask to perform a credit check. When they discover that these applicants have a history of not paying their bills on time, the insurers determine that they are not acting in a responsible manner.

Statistically, people who are living responsible lives cause and are involved in fewer collisions. Because auto insurance rates are based on how likely drivers are to cause a collision or be involved in a crash that someone else has caused, auto insurers charge higher rates for those who have demonstrated that they are living irresponsibly.

People who have been judged to be irresponsible because of their credit scores may have experienced an increase in their credit ratings recently. This would be exactly the time to call their insurers to update their policies. With higher scores, they would qualify for lower rates.

Living More Responsibly

Auto insurers are aware of who causes a majority of the car crashes. Among this group are young males under the age of 25. Just reaching their 25th birthdays can cause men to see a decrease in their auto insurance rates. However, getting married can accelerate this happy occurrence. A young male under the age of 25 who takes his bride down the aisle can receive as much as a 40 percent discount on his auto insurance rates.

No matter the age or gender, applicants for auto insurance who get married or have their first children are demonstrating to the auto insurance companies that they are taking on more responsibilities. As was mentioned above, auto insurers favor those who are responsible and offer them lower auto insurance rates. After their weddings or the birth of their babies, auto insurance customers must call their insurers to ask for their auto insurance rates to be lowered.

Trading in Their Sports Cars

Generally, it costs more to insure a sports car. Because a sports car may not be appropriate after people begin to have children, they may decide to trade their high-performance vehicles for a sensible and economical substitute. These types of automobiles would not require the insurer to pay the policyholder as much money if they are totaled. They would also not be as costly to repair if they are involved in a collision.

Once people leave their sports cars behind and opt for less expensive vehicles, it is time to give their insurers a call and have their rates decreased.

Moving to a Safer Neighborhood

Auto insurers ask many personal questions of their applicants when they are considering whether or not to offer them a policy. One of these questions is where the car is being driven. Of course, people will need to drive their vehicles in the neighborhoods and surrounding areas in which they live. If these zip codes are known to have particularly dangerous intersections, these applicants will be charged higher rates.

People do not necessarily remain in the same home forever. When they move to another zip code, this offers them an opportunity to call their insurance companies to have their rates lowered. This would definitely be the case if they are moving from a congested city to a much less populous rural area. With fewer cars on the roads, these people’s risk of being involved in a collision goes down considerably.

If people are paying high auto insurance rates, they do not have to worry that these will be their rates for the rest of their lives. The changes that occur every once in a while can help them lower their insurance premiums, but they will need inform their insurers when these events happen so that they can take advantage of the lower rates their auto insurers can offer them.

If you are traveling through Canada, you may want to consider using winter tires while driving during the winter months. In some parts of the country, it is not possible to drive without tires that are made specifically to deal with the snow and the ice. Even if you are an experienced driver, you could still put yourself in peril if you don’t have proper tires.

It Snows Heavily In The Mountains

Those who do a lot of traveling in British Columbia will want to have the right tires to drive through the hilly terrain. In some areas, you may not be able to drive without proper tires that have chains on them. When going up a mountain or any elevated area, it can be hard for tires to get traction. If you are driving a hybrid or other lightweight vehicle, you won’t be able to get up any steep incline unless you have tires that work really well in the snow.

Ice Can Be An Issue As Well

Throughout much of Canada, the temperature can get to negative territory rather quickly. This means that ice is prone to form on roads and other surfaces that have not been treated. Roads that have been treated may not be any better because road salt isn’t as effective during extremely cold weather. The only thing that you have to keep you from sliding off the road is the quality of your tires.

Road Crews Can’t Beat The Initial Burst Of Snow

If a snow storm occurs quickly, the roads may be full of snow or slush that can be hazardous to drive on if you have traditional tires. With traditional tires, it can be difficult to maintain traction when there is a layer of snow or slush between the tire and the road. Unless you are ready to drive at a really slow speed, you should get winter tires and save yourself a lot of hassle.

Your Tires Should Last For More Than One Season

Although buying tires specifically for winter weather can be expensive, your tires should last for more than one winter. Therefore, you are making an investment that will keep your safe for the long-term. It is better to spend a little money on tires now rather than deal with a large medical bill or a large bill for damage done to your car on the road. The Internet may is a great place to look for coupons, special online offers and other discounts for tires that will save you some money this winter.

It is impossible to predict what the road conditions will be during the winter. A dry road can turn slick and icy as soon as the sun sets. Snow squalls are common for those who live by lakes and other bodies of water. Therefore, you never want to assume that your regular tires are going to do the job for you at all times. Assume that you are going to drive in poor road conditions at least once this winter and prepare by getting winter tires.

Auto insurance companies have known for years that certain behaviors exhibited by drivers lead to fewer claims and less risk of insurance loss. In an effort to encourage such behaviors, insurers reward their policyholders with discounts. These discounts offer one of the easiest methods for lowering your car insurance rates.

Our goal below is to introduce some of the discounts your auto insurer might offer. Although you’ll be familiar with many of them, some may be new to you. It’s important to realize that every car insurance company is different, and thus it pays to shop around for the lowest rates.

Discounts Earned By Your Actions

One of the most important factors in calculating your rates is your driving record. Your record has substantial predictive value to insurers. It helps them to gauge the likelihood that you will cause an at-fault accident sometime in the future. Given its weight, it should not be surprising that most insurers offer a discount for maintaining a clean record. If you manage to steer clear of tickets, convictions, and at-fault accidents, you’ll qualify for a rate reduction.

You can also earn a discount by limiting the number of miles you drive. The more you drive, the more likely you are to be involved in an accident. For this reason, most insurance companies extend a low-mileage discount to their policyholders.

If you have recently received your driver’s license, consider enrolling into a driver education course. These courses teach enrollees to drive safely, whether in the presence of aggressive drivers or during poor weather. Graduating from this type of course indicates to your insurer that you’ll make safe decisions while behind the wheel.

Many companies will also apply a discount to your policy once you reach a certain age (e.g. 65). They do so because older drivers tend to drive less, and thus present a lower risk of future claims.

Discounts Influenced By Your Automobile

The type of car you drive will affect your premiums. Insurers take into account that some vehicles are associated with more frequent and costly claims than others. The reasons vary. Some cars are equipped with fewer safety features; some are more attractive to thieves; and some offer less-responsive steering controls.

Each make and model is assigned a score by the Canadian Loss Experience Automobile Rating (CLEAR) system. If your car is given a low score, which implies a low-risk claims history, your rates will be lower than otherwise.

A lot of insurance companies will lower your premiums if your car is equipped with an alarm system or “kill switch” (to cut the ignition). Such anti-theft features lower the likelihood that your vehicle will be stolen.

Anti-lock brakes and air bags may also cause your rates to drop. The former help you to stop your car more quickly, which reduces the risk that you’ll cause an accident. The latter reduces the risk that you or your passengers will sustain serious injuries during an accident.

Discounts Related To Your Insurance Policy

Insurers also extend discounts to policyholders who agree to bundle their policies. For example, if you carry your auto insurance coverages with one company and your property insurance with another, you’ll enjoy a rate reduction for consolidating them under a single company. This is also the case if you have more than one vehicle, and each is covered by an individual policy. Placing them on a single policy is usually less expensive.

You can also save money by paying your premiums on an annual basis. Many people pay monthly, and as a result are required to pay a small administrative fee ($5 to $10) each month. During the course of a year, this can add up to over $100 in extra fees on a single policy.

The deductibles on your coverages provide another opportunity to lower your rates. By raising them, you’ll reduce your insurer’s risk of loss in the event you file a future claim.

One of the best ways to enjoy a discount on your car insurance rates is to compare quotes from other insurers whenever your policy is about to expire. You may be able to save hundreds of dollars each year by shopping around.

James Bartlett Brebner once said, “Americans are benevolently ignorant about Canada, while Canadians are malevolently well informed about the United States.” How right Brebner was. While Americans lionize French-Canadian women, the beauty of British Columbia and the angelic voice of Celine Dion, the chary inhabits of America’s attic lambast Hollywood cinematic bunk, the gross naiveté that passes for American patriotism and 3.2% beer. But recently, the Yanks have gained extra ammunition in their international cockfight with their snowmobiling northern brethren. According to recent polls, Canadians are poor drivers.

Of Pop, Pedals and Portly People
Kanetix just wrapped up a distracted driving study, and discovered that eight out of 10 Canadians admit to at least one poor driving habit. The top offense is eating and drinking while driving. A staggering 39% of Canadian drivers admit to sipping a soda – or “pop,” as the Canadians would say – and nibbling a snack or two while cruising. Coincidentally, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development says that 25% of Canadians are obese, with that number expected to climb to 30% within five years. Ironic, eh?

Rampant Illegality
The next major offence discovered by Kanetix is speeding. Men are the worst offenders, with a full 41% admitting to the occasional joy ride. Speeding not only vastly increases the potential for dangerous accidents, but also balloons insurance premiums, decreases fuel efficiency and may result in more emitted pollutants – but try telling that to the Canadians, or the Germans and their beloved Autobahn. The bronze medal goes to texting and talking on hand-held phones while driving. Both are illegal in the Great White North. Applying makeup arrives near the bottom, with only 3% of Canadians admitting to putting on makeup while driving. Assuming Canada is not brimming with metrosexual men, that means 6% of women admitted to freshening up while gunning through green lights.

Are Canadians Annoying?
But bad driving is about more than illegal habits and mascara. According to a 2011 poll by the Canadian Automobile Association, three out of four Canadian drivers are more irritating now than they were five years ago. Only 2% of respondents believe that the average Canadian driver is less annoying than he or she was half a decade prior – bless their eternally optimistic hearts.

The Dangers of Road Rage
Road rage is when mild-mannered people, the same ones who throw baby showers and offer housewarming presents, turn in purple-faced warriors vying for the occupation of Mafian hitman. In recent years, Canadians have been tossing off the shackles of civility and indulging their pre-Neanderthal selves with malevolent glee. Out of over 5,000 Canadians polled by the CAA, 86% believed that road rage was the most annoying motoring habit. The other top contenders, which included cutting people off, tailgating, excessive aggressiveness and constantly switching lanes, were also concerned with belligerent motoring. Is the Canadian citizenry morphing into a self-centered bunch of rally-racing hopefuls in need of anger management therapy?

But road rage is more than an annoyance or a joke. The report, “Death and injuries from road rage: cases in Canadian newspapers,” by Reginald G. Smart and Robert E. Mann noted that, “It is possible that, on closer inspection, collision statistics could reveal a significant role for road rage as a cause of death and injury on Canadian roads.” The report indicted men as the primary perpetrators with a disproportionately large number of female victims. According to the CBC in the article, “The Drive to Survive: Reducing Road Deaths in Canada,” over 200,000 Canadians have met death while driving in the last 50 years, more casualties than in both World Wars. Annoying? Try deadly.

False Math: C+ = B+
But here’s the kicker: The average Canadian driver thinks he or she is better than the average Canadian driver. In Kanetix.ca’s poll, 19% of respondents called themselves a “perfect driver,” which either illustrated their extreme naiveté, arrogance, or 5th-grade sense of humor. A recent Insurance Corporation of British Columbia poll showed that drivers ranked other motorists as a C+ while bestowing a gracious B+ on themselves. As ICBC psychiatrist John Vavrik noted, “People have a hard time looking in the mirror and recognizing that they’re part of the problem.” To curb the popularity of a raised middle finger and lowered right foot, ICBC is advertising a simple prescription, a la Mister Rodgers: smile and wave. Wave with five fingers, please.

In reference to poor Canadian driving habits, CAA spokesman Jeff Walker said, “The good news is they are all correctable behaviours. If we concentrate more on good driving habits … we will all benefit.” All of us except Americans, that is. Americans still have light beer, and their most famous singer is best known for a detachable nose and child molestation lawsuits. Suddenly, bad driving doesn’t seem so bad.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offence throughout Canada. If caught, you may be forced to endure a number of consequences ranging from licence suspension and vehicle impound to higher car insurance rates. But these facts alone fail to demonstrate the true costs of drunk driving in the context of your auto insurance.

Below, we’ll approach this issue by first explaining the significance of your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This is the number most people focus on. It is worth gaining a better understanding of the role it plays in determining whether you are driving while impaired. We’ll also take a look at the effects a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction as well as the direct and indirect costs it imposes.

How Important Is Your Blood Alcohol Concentration?

Police officers can determine the amount of alcohol currently in your body by measuring the amount in your bloodstream. This latter measurement, known as your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), can be taken via a blood test, urinalysis, or breathalyzer test.

Your BAC is important in relation to the maximum allowable limit (0.08). If your BAC is higher while operating a vehicle, you can be immediately charged with an offence, with your car impounded and licence suspended. But many people are unaware they can be charged with a crime, even if their BAC is below the limit. The penalties vary by province.

For example, suppose you live in Ontario, and are pulled over by a police officer. He or she measures your BAC at 0.06. Even though you are below the maximum allowable limit, you are considered to be within a “Warn Range” (0.05 to 0.08).

If this is your first time, the police officer can suspend your licence for up to three days and levy a $150 fine. For a second-time offence (within five years), your licence may be suspended for up to seven days. In addition, you may have to pay another $150 fine and enroll into an alcohol education program. Subsequent offences result in even stiffer penalties.

To summarize, your BAC is important, but not only in the context of Canada’s maximum allowable limit of 0.08. A lower BAC can still pose problems; you may be technically “legal” with regard to the Criminal Code, but still suffer penalties depending on your province.

The Sobering Costs Of Driving While Drunk

If you’re caught driving while drunk, you’ll earn a DUI conviction. There are direct costs, especially if you cause an accident.

First, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs effectively voids your auto insurance coverage. Consider what voided coverage implies. An accident usually results in damage to one or more vehicles; a severe collision may total them. Without coverage, you will be expected to compensate the other driver for any needed repairs. You’ll also need to repair or replace your own vehicle. This alone can cost thousands of dollars, without considering other property damage.

If someone is injured as a result of the accident, you will be held liable for costs related to their hospitalization, therapy, and medications. Severe injuries can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Drivers who were involved in the collision will seek compensation from their respective insurers (via accident benefits). Their insurers will likely file lawsuits to pursue recompense from you.

Lastly, your premiums will likely skyrocket. It is not uncommon for drivers who receive DUIs on their driving records to find that their rates triple. Even if your insurance company offers accident forgiveness, they will be disinclined to forgive an at-fault accident caused while drunk.

Indirect Costs Of Drinking And Driving

One of the “hidden” costs of drunk driving involves the suspension of a person’s driver’s licence. If you rely on your vehicle for your livelihood, losing your licence – even temporarily – can have devastating effects. In Ontario, a first-time DUI offence results in a 3-month suspension. Second and third-time DUI offences produce much longer suspensions. This may cause you to lose your job.

You already realize that drinking and driving make a poor combination. But it is important to have a realistic view of the costs involved. Not only will your car insurance rates rise dramatically, but you may be held liable for damages and injuries that result from an at-fault accident.

If you are looking for ways to save on your car insurance, you are not alone. Millions of people are wishing that they paid less for their insurance. Having to pay even more money to drive your car doesn’t appeal to many, but there are some easy ways to ensure that you don’t have to pay more than you need to.

#1 – Look For Discounts

Your insurance provider will give you discounts based on different criteria. If you bundle your policy with other policies such as a homeowners policy, or a life insurance policy, you are going to save money. A policy holder who has many safe drivers on their policy can save money for that as well.

#2 – No-Claims

If you don’t have any claims, you may be entitled to save money on your next car insurance policy. At the very worst, you may be able to save on your deductible should you ever have an accident. The average savings is going to be around 10-20 percent off your premium.

#3 – Shop Around

The best way to get the greatest deal on anything is to shop around. Compare quotes from different insurance companies and see who gives you the best deal. Most sites will even allow you to compare quotes from various companies, so you can see them side by side without having to travel around the Internet.

#4 – Think About What Kind Of Car You Are Driving

A car that is stolen more often can leave you paying more for your insurance. The more that your insurer has to pay to keep you covered, the more you are going to pay for your policy. Safer cars will cost you less in the long run. Things like airbags, anti-lock brakes and anti-theft devices can help you save.

#5 – Stick With One Company

There are insurers out there who will lower your bill simply for being a loyal customer. Check with your insurance provider to see if there are any ways you can save simply by keeping your policy with the same company. Can’t get any easier than that.

#6 – Eliminate Unneeded Coverage

If you can drop your collision coverage on an older car, or you can lower your bodily injury coverage to a lower rate, you can save money. The less coverage that you have, the cheaper your insurance policy is going to be. Check with the DMV, or with your insurance company, to see what levels of minimum coverage you need to legally drive in your state.

Saving money on car insurance really can be as easy as picking up the phone, or going online. If you are willing to take a few minutes to shop around and check out what your best offers could be, you will save yourself a lot of money over the term of your policy. You owe it to yourself to save as much money as possible on car insurance.