As a licensed driver, you’re armed with knowledge on how to drive responsibly to safeguard pedestrians, other motorists, and your safety while you’re on the road. However, aside from keeping everyone safe, did you know that you can also save money by being a responsible driver?
Yes, you read that right. If you want to know more, check out the various ways driving responsibly can save you money below.
- Cuts Insurance Cost
Maintaining a safe driving record can lower your car insurance cost. Know that car insurance rates differ from one driver to another. The cost also depends on the state you live in and the insurance coverage you have. While you can’t control state regulations and accident rates, you can make your driving history clean to help lower your insurance rates.
Moreover, some auto insurance companies provide a discount for drivers who complete a defensive driving course. In addition, you can also reduce the points you have on your driver’s license by taking accident prevention, defensive driving, or other courses that help increase your safety driving awareness and sense of responsibility.
- Prevents Cost Associated With DUI
If you’re caught driving under the influence (DUI), you’ll face fines and legal consequences. Not to mention that you’ll lose more money because of higher car insurance premiums and extra expenses, such as an SR-22, which you need to get if you want to reinstate your driving privileges.
An SR-22—also referred to as FR-44 in other states—is not a type of auto insurance. It’s a form or document you’ll need to fill that acts as a certificate of financial responsibility. With it, your car insurance provider promises to keep your state informed of your insurance policy status.
Having an SR-22 is an additional cost, and the amount you need to pay varies between auto insurance companies. On average, it may cost you between US$300 to US$800. The different factors an insurance company considers when computing SR-22 insurance include the driver’s age, marital status, place of residence, driving experience, and driving history. You may want to continue reading this to find out what comes next after you get an SR-22.
If you don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on legal fees and additional insurance expenses, then by all means drive responsibly and avoid distracted and drunk driving.
- Prevents Medical Cost Due To Accident
If you’re not careful enough, you may get involved in a car accident, which usually leads to serious physical injuries. Sustaining severe injuries entails undergoing extensive medical treatment, like surgery, which costs hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Besides the hospital expenses, you may also suffer from emotional trauma that requires counseling and temporary or permanent disability that need long-term rehabilitation. While you may receive a settlement claim, there’s no sure way of telling if the amount is enough to cover all your medical expenses.
- Preserves Your Job
Having an accident may prevent you from working because you need to recover, which equates to lost wages. If you’re the breadwinner of your family, your spouse and children will also suffer drastically.
Investing in safety can save you a lot of money more than you can imagine. Just think about the negative impact of one major car accident on your career and life. Always remember that just one driving mistake could result in a disaster, and you don’t want your family to suffer financially and emotionally because of this incident.
- Avoids Unnecessary Car Repairs
Driving responsibly promotes good car care and maintenance because you’re not pushing your car’s engine into the limit. Of course, you also prevent the repair cost associated with a car crash, which could be hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the damaged part of your car.
Even if you settle a car accident privately for a minor accident and use the money for repair, there’s no denying that your vehicle is no longer safe as it was before the accident. A car accident can break some of your car’s safety features that are impossible to repair unless you buy new parts that may cost a hefty amount of money.
Conclusion
When you drive responsibly, it means you prioritize your and your passengers’ safety. Always be sure to wear your seat belt and abide by traffic rules. All licensed drivers need to be aware of the legal consequences and financial impacts of reckless driving, including medical costs, lost wages, higher insurance costs, and fees associated with DUI. Driving responsibly can save you money and prevent you from experiencing the stress of being involved in an accident or DUI case.