Car Insurance Rate Alabama AL

Reader’s Question:

I heard from a friend that getting a citation would increase my auto insurance rate in Alabama. Another friend also told me that getting a traffic ticket would also increase my auto insurance premium. I am just curios and also confused. What is the difference between citation and ticket? Between the two, which would affect my car insurance rate more?

Elias

Decatur, AL

Well, the two are just the same. It is normally used interchangeably which I normally do.

But just to give you a clearer idea I researched on the exact definition of these two and found that citation is defined as a legal document that is issued either by the court or of an administrative office of the government.

On the other hand, ticket (or traffic ticket to be more exact) is a citation that is used and issued by the law enforcing officers to drivers who violated traffic rules.

And since you’ve mentioned that your friend told you that getting a citation or traffic ticket would increase your auto insurance rate in Alabama that still depends on the traffic violation and to your car insurance company.

First, let me be clear this by saying that a ticket or citation would only reflect on your record if you were found guilty of it or is convicted of it. So as long as it’s not on your record your auto insurance company would not find about it. Next, let’s say you were convicted of the said violation, now it depends to your auto insurance company on how they will take evaluate this matter.

Every car insurance company uses different guidelines in setting auto insurance premium. Normally, if it’s a first time minor traffic violation, insurers “forgive” its policyholders and will opt not to increase the rates. However, this is a case to case basis. I would suggest asking your car insurance agent in Alabama for clarification on this matter. I hope I was able to help you with your question. Cheers!

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance rate, car insurance tips