Is it possible to get affordable auto insurance rates with moving violations on your driving record? Even though it becomes harder, you can still enjoy better rates than you’re paying at the moment. These tips should help…

1. Know that you’re NOT alone. Even though this should NOT be an excuse for recklessness, we all are capable of moving violations. Yes, even the best of drivers make mistakes or allow their emotions to dictate to them sometimes.

The mere fact that you understand that being guilty of moving violations doesn’t make you a villain gives you the opportunity to review your actions and options intelligently. Furthermore, you’ll be in a better position to avoid a repeat.

2. Sometimes the error is on the part of the traffic officer. In such cases you’ll do well to challenge it in a traffic court. And don’t forget to inform your agent if the court rules in your favor. Your rates should be lowered accordingly. They aren’t lowered satisfactorily, shop for another insurer.

3. You should pay high rates that result from your moving violations for as long as they remain on your driving records. However, once they are removed from your records, you should get a slash in rate (This should be at the end of three years — Some states keep theirs for up to five years). But painfully, some folks keep paying these high rates long after they’ve been removed from their records.

You have a responsibility if this applies to you. Inform your agent and make sure your insurer adjusts your rates to reflect the positive change. What if they don’t? Then it’s time to shop for another insurer — With a clean record, you can easily get far lower rates with ease.

4. Some states will dismiss your moving violation if you agree to take traffic school. But this provision does NOT apply to all violations. If yours does, take it.

5. Look for an auto insurer that specializes in underwriting high risk drivers. Such an insurer will be able to treat your case on its merit rather than lumping you together with worse drivers. This should help you get some savings.

Insurers are always adjusting rates. Furthermore, they all do NOT have exactly the same rate quotes for similar profiles. Therefore, you’ll save a lot if you take out some time to get and compare quotes from a wide range of insurance companies.