A recent study on aggressive driving and road rage has revealed a few alarming statistics. But what’s the difference between the two? Can road rage affect your car insurance rates?
Over the last several decades, the rise in the number of cars on the road and congested traffic on our highways and city streets has resulted in road rage becoming prevalent in our society. A recent study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that aggressive driving was the cause behind 56% of all fatal road accidents.
The study also revealed that aggressive driving, more often than not, led to road rage with the intention of physical harm. But what sets the two apart? And can it lead to higher car insurance rates?
Differences Between Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
It is important to understand that aggressive driving and road rage is not the same. Rather, road rage stems from aggressive driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aggressive driving is defined as “an individual committing a combination of moving traffic infractions in order to risk other persons or property.”
Road rage is as simple as drivers exhibiting angry behavior. It is typically a more violent form of aggressive driving. In California, road rage is classified as a felony assault with a deadly weapon. Being charged with road rage in the Golden State can result in a $10,000 fine, suspension of one’s driver’s license, and up to four years in prison.
How Does Road Rage Impact Your Car Insurance Rates?
If a driver is charged with road rage and their insurance provider learns about it, it can have a negative impact on their car insurance rates. However, the insurer is unlikely to cancel the driver’s coverage completely.
A car insurance provider can only cancel a driver’s policy if they fail to make their monthly payment or provide inaccurate information on the initial application.
In the event of road rage, a car insurance company is unlikely to renew the coverage at the end of its term. However, they can raise the driver’s car insurance rate. As a result, the insured might leave the company searching for more affordable car insurance rates.
But the policyholder will certainly be categorized as a high-risk driver. Therefore, they have to pay higher auto insurance rates regardless of which provider they choose. There are legal complications involved as well. You can expect a citation if you are pulled over for reckless driving, speeding, or tailgating.
However, the more frequently you do this, the longer your record will become. If you let road rage entice you into bad behavior, such as verbal threats, physical intimidation, or causing damage to other vehicles, you may face serious legal consequences.
If you are a repeat criminal, police officials may report you to the courts. The other party could potentially sue you. A judge may suspend your license, and you will have to file an SR-22 application to drive your car legally.
SR-22 Insurance After a Conviction
If your driver’s license has been suspended due to an act of road rage, you will need to fill out an SR-22 form to drive again. An SR22 (or FR-22 if you live in Florida) is a certificate of financial responsibility that you will need to drive after your license has been suspended.
If you fail to renew your SR22, your insurance company will call the DMV, which may suspend your license again. Some insurance companies refuse to provide SR22 due to the added risk. However, the companies that do provide this type of protection typically charge high rates. Make use of Way app to use our car insurance tool to obtain free quotes.
Tips to Help Lower Car Insurance Rates
If your road rage has led to an increase in your premiums, there are a few things you may do to mitigate the situation. Before purchasing an insurance policy, always shop around and obtain several quotations. Every insurance company is unique. An insurer that provided you the best quotes in the past needn’t be the best option for you today.
You should also keep an eye out for any discounts, such as a good student, senior, or military discount. Most importantly, strive to be a safe and responsible driver. The DMV will remove many offenses from your record over time. The better your driving skills, the lower your insurance rates will be in the future. On that note, here are 8 tips that could help you pass your driving test.
How to Curb Road Rage
Road rage is everywhere, but there are several things you can do while driving to avoid becoming the next victim. When driving, remember always to respect the rules of the road and be courteous to other drivers.
Maintain a safe gap between yourself and other vehicles on the road. Make sure you use your turn signals to indicate your intentions at all times. Always allow space for other drivers to merge, whether you are on the freeway or a city street.
Use your horn sparingly. If you must honk, utilize a short, repeated honk rather than a long one. Avoid rude hand gestures and harsh or provocative language.
Use your high beams only when absolutely required. As inconvenient as American roadways can be, road rage isn’t worth the danger it causes. The most essential thing is that you get home safely at the end of the day, and road rage will not help you with that.
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
