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The Reality of Traffic Tickets and Insurance in NC

2/8/2011

 
Ask three different people what affect a traffic ticket will have on insurance premiums in North Carolina, and you will likely get three different answers.  And that really isn’t very surprising.  The DMV and Insurance points systems can be very confusing. 

One common misconception is that the DMV points system and the Insurance points system are one and the same.  These systems are very different and each has its own consequences.  The DMV points system is based on traffic offenses, and determines the status of your driver’s license and your driving privileges.  The Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP) was created by the North Carolina Rate Bureau and dictates allowable insurance premium increases based on driving records and convictions.  The SDIP system looks at a three year driving period, meaning that any conviction can impact your insurance rates for up to three years.  Any time you pay a speeding ticket or other traffic citation without consulting an attorney or negotiating a reduced plea, you plead guilty and a conviction results. 

It is very important to understand the impact of SDIP points on your insurance premiums.  The SDIP is based on 12 points which can increase your premiums the following amounts:

1 Point, 25%             5 Points, 105%            9 Points, 260%
2 Points, 45%           6 Points, 130%            10 Points, 300%
3 Points, 60%           7 Points, 160%            11 Points, 300%
4 Points, 80%           8 Points, 220%            12 Points, 340%

As you can see, depending on the point value of the charges for which you are convicted, traffic citations can be very expensive for an extended period of time. 

A simple speeding ticket can carry anywhere from one to four points.  Accidents carry anywhere from one to three points.  Based on a $100 insurance premium, one point will cost you $300 per year, while two, three, and four will cost you $540, $720, and $960 respectively.  And, remember that your insurance premiums can be impacted for up to three years, so the conviction can cost you up to triple that amount.  When you hire a North Carolina traffic lawyer, they will negotiate for a reduced plea or dismissal, which will reduce or eliminate the points incurred and the increase in your insurance premiums. 

Cornelius (28031) Attorney Kelly Myers handles traffic and speeding tickets in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.  Contact the LKN Law Office to negotiate on your behalf.  You will save money on insurance premiums and, in most cases, will never have to appear at the office or in court.


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    Author:

    Kelly Myers is an Attorney practicing in Cornelius (28031) and Lake Norman, North Carolina.  She handles  traffic and speeding tickets, divorce, and estate planning in Mecklenburg County, NC.  Contact the Law Office of Kelly Myers to speak with a Cornelius, NC lawyer regarding your legal needs.


    DISCLAIMER:
                The material and information contained on this blog is for informational purposes only and no representation is made as to its accuracy. This information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and does not constitute legal advice. Transmission or receipt of information contained in this site and any related communication does not create an attorney-client relationship. Any communication, via e-mail or otherwise, may not be secure and will not be treated as confidential or privileged. This information should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed attorney. 

    This information does not intend to solicit the business of anyone in any jurisdiction where this web site, its content, or the use thereof, may not be in compliance with any law or ethical rule. 

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