You have a lot to worry about after a Virginia reckless driving conviction. You may have to serve jail time, pay a fine, and face a license suspension. Your car insurance may not be your primary concern. However, it is something that you need to think about.
Good News and Bad News About Car Insurance After a Reckless Driving Conviction
First, let’s talk about the good news. Virginia insurance law specifically provides that, “No insurer shall use any information pertaining to any motor vehicle conviction or accident to produce increased or surcharged rates above their filed manual rates for individual risks for a period longer than 36 months. This period shall begin no later than 12 months after the date of the conviction or accident.” In other words, a car insurance company can only increase your premium for a three-year period after your conviction.
Next, let’s consider the potential cost. Over those three years, your car insurance may go up by more than 200 percent. The insurance company may consider your reckless driving conviction, previous driving record, age, and other factors to determine the specific amount that your premium will increase. However, an insurance increase after a reckless driving conviction may not always happen and can vary from insurance company to insurance company.
The Best Way to Avoid Reckless Driving Penalties Is to Avoid a Conviction
It is easier to try to avoid a conviction before it happens than it is to undo the consequences of that conviction later. If you have been accused of reckless driving, then it is important to talk to an experienced reckless driving defense attorney as soon as possible about your rights. The cost of hiring a lawyer may be much less than the potential financial and emotional costs of a reckless driving conviction.
Please call The Wilson Law Firm today to learn more about what you can do to protect yourself from the potential consequences of a reckless driving conviction. We would be pleased to provide you with a free consultation so that you can make an informed decision about your future.
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