Your driving record is generally a significant factor for the insurance companies in determining auto insurance premiums. Generally, insurance companies place you in one of three major categories: preferred, standard, or non-standard. A preferred category is one in which the driver is considered a low risk, and generally has a clean driving record for the past three to five years. The standard category is for moderate risk drivers with reasonable clean driving records and normal, family-type vehicles. The non-standard category is reserved for drivers the insurance company considers to be high risk. Drivers under the age of 25 with only moderate driving experience can expect to be classified as a non-standard risk. Drivers with poor driving records, multiple traffic violations, poor payment histories, or with a record of any alcohol-related violations are usually classified as high-risk drivers. Insurance premiums for high-risk drivers are generally much higher than for preferred drivers. If you're convicted of an alcohol- or drug-related traffic offense, your insurance company may reclassify your risk category and increase your insurance premiums accordingly. Some insurance companies refuse to insure drivers who've been convicted of an alcohol- or drug-related driving offense, and some can even cancel a policy midterm if you're convicted of such an offense. Conversely, if you've had a clean driving record for a number of years, you may qualify for a lower auto-insurance premium. For details, consult an insurance agent.
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