April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and while most drivers know that texting behind the wheel is dangerous, far fewer understand the full financial and legal consequences that can follow a single moment of distraction. The ticket you receive at the scene may be least of your worries.
Here is what distracted driving could really cost you…
Higher Auto Insurance Premiums
One of the most immediate financial consequences of a distracted driving citation is the impact on your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies view distracted driving violations as a read flag, and your premium can increase significantly, sometimes by 20 to 50 percent or more depending on your insurer and driving history.
Unlike a minor parking ticket, a moving violation for distracted driving can stay on record for three to five years, meaning you could be paying elevated premiums long after the incident is behind you.
Points on Your License
Most states assign demerit points to their driving record for distracted driving violations. Accumulate enough points and you may risk:
- License suspension or revocation
- Mandatory driving courses at your own expense
- Additional surcharges added to your premiums
- Difficult obtaining or renewing certain professional licenses
Personal Liability Lawsuits
If your distraction causes an accident that injures another person, you could be held personally responsible for any damage beyond what your insurance covers. This could include:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages for the injured party
- Pain and suffering damage
- Property damage repair costs
If a lawsuit judgement exceeds your policy limits, your personal assets, including savings, your home, and even future earnings, could be at risk. This is why carrying adequate liability coverage is so important, not just the state minimum.
Criminal Charges in Serious Cases
When distracted driving results in serious injury or death, the legal consequences can escalate far beyond a civil lawsuit. Depending on the state, drivers may face criminal charges such as reckless driving, vehicular assault, or vehicular manslaughter. These carry the potential for hefty fines, probation, and even imprisonment.
The Costs You Cannot Put A Number On
Beyond the financial and legal fallout, distracted driving can cause harm that no insurance policy can undo. A single lapse in attention can change lives forever, both your own and the lives around you. No text message, notification, or phone call is worth that risk.
Is Your Coverage Enough?
If you are involved in a serious accident, carrying one the state minimum in liability coverage may not be enough to protect you. Umbrella policies, higher liability limits, and uninsured motorist coverage can all play a critical role in safeguarding your finances and your future.
This Distracted Driving Awareness Month, take a moment to evaluate your habits behind the wheel and your auto insurance. Contact us to review your auto coverage and make sure you are protected today.