Traffic fine insurance headache for South African motorists

Traffic fines can have a significant impact on your car insurance premium in South Africa.

Traffic fines are recorded on your driving record, which is used by insurance companies to evaluate your risk as a driver.

As such, the more violations you have on your record, the riskier you are perceived to be, and the higher your insurance rates will go.

Factors that can affect your coverage premiums in South Africa in terms of traffic fines include the type and frequency of the violation, the fine amount, and your driving history.

According to Fines SA, serious violations such as driving under the influence, reckless driving, and excessive speeding carry more weight than minor offenses such as parking tickets.

If you have multiple violations within a short period of time, it raises red flags, too.

Furthermore, the cost of the fine can be a factor in determining your insurance rates, especially if the amount of the fine is high.

This can indicate that you are a riskier driver who is more likely to have accidents or cause damage to your vehicle.

Insurance companies will also look at your driving record over the past few years to assess your risk.

If you have a history of traffic violations, your insurance rates are likely to be higher.

Minimising the impact of traffic fines

There are several ways to minimise the damages that traffic fines do to your record.

The best and most obvious way is to avoid getting fines at all by obeynig traffic laws, driving defensively, and avoiding aggressive or reckless behavior on the road.

Pobody’s nerfect, as they say, so this isn’t always possible. Fines SA thus recommends taking a defensive driving course.

While several insurers have confirmed that such a driving course won’t immediately lead to premium discounts, it will make you a safer driver.

Therefore, over a longer period, you will have a better claims record and enjoy a lower premium than your peers.

If your insurance rates have already increased due to traffic violations, you can also consider shopping around for a new policy.

Different insurance companies weigh violations in their own unique way, so you may be able to find a better deal elsewhere.

Finally, it’s always advised to contest a traffic fine if you believe it was unjustly issued.

Fighting an unjustified fine can prevent it from being added to your driving record, which will help you maintain lower insurance rates.

“Traffic fines can have a significant impact on your insurance rates in South Africa, but there are steps you can take to minimize the impact,” conclued Fines SA.

“By driving responsibly, considering a defensive driving course, shopping around for insurance, and contesting unjustified fines, you can keep your insurance rates as low as possible.”