Does distracted driving increase insurance rates?
If you get a ticket for texting or another form of distracted driving, it's possible your insurance rate could increase. Whether or not you see an increase depends on your state and insurer. For example, some states prohibit insurance companies from factoring texting and driving tickets into their rates. Ultimately, it's best to avoid using your cell phone while driving for both your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road.
Explore Progressive Answers' auto editorial guidelines to find out why you can trust the car insurance information you find here.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is any action that takes your attention away from the road and towards something else in your car. The biggest cause of distracted driving is usually your cell phone. Whether you look down for a split second to answer a call or send a text message while sitting at a stoplight, it may be considered distracted driving.
What are some consequences of distracted driving?
Distracted driving puts yourself and others in danger, not to mention the potential cost of getting a ticket and raising your insurance rate. Some of the consequences for distracted driving include:
Motor vehicle crashes: The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety states that drivers who spent the most time using their cellphone had the highest rates of near-crashes and crashes.
Moving violations: According to the Governor's Highway Safety Association, GHSA, 34 states and U.S. territories prohibit all drivers from using handheld cellphones while driving. All but Alabama and Missouri consider texting while driving a primary offense, meaning a law enforcement officer can give a driver a ticket for texting while driving without having committed any other offense. The GHSA also reports that 36 states and D.C. ban all cellphone use by novice drivers.
Increased insurance rates: Depending on where you live, your driving record, and your insurance company's policies, getting caught engaging in distracted driving behaviors like texting while driving could lead to a higher insurance premium.
Does texting while driving affect insurance rates?
It will likely impact your insurance rates, but ultimately depends on your insurer and the laws in your state. If you get a ticket for distracted driving, including texting and driving, many insurers will raise your rate like they would for any minor moving violation.
If your rate goes up, it won't happen until it's time to renew your policy. Find out how your motor vehicle record can impact your car insurance.
How do different states adjust insurance rates for texting while driving?
Some states don't allow insurers to include texting and driving tickets as a car insurance pricing factor. In those states, your car insurance rate won't increase after you get a ticket, regardless of your insurer.
In other states, every insurer has their own method for adjusting insurance rates after drivers have a moving violation. And each insurer has their own timeline for how long a distracted driving offense can affect your rate. Generally, violations involving an accident may affect your rate for longer.
Learn about how traffic tickets impact your insurance.
Why is it important to avoid distracted driving?
Distracted driving is risky behavior that has the potential to result in a serious wreck. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), looking down to read a text is the equivalent of driving blind.
Even if it's only for a few seconds, you can't know if someone just slammed on their brakes or pulled out in front of you. In order to drive safely, it's important to avoid common distracted driving scenarios like texting and driving, talking on the phone while holding it in your hand, and putting on makeup in the car.
How to avoid distracted driving
Use these tips to avoid texting while driving and improve your cellphone safety on the road:
Keep your phone out of reach: Put your cellphone in the glove box, on the back seat or even in the trunk. You could also place your phone in "do not disturb" mode.
Use an app: There are free apps like AT&T's Drive Mode, which silences text and call notifications, and sends an autoreply to people who contact you while driving. Apps like On My Way, It Can Wait, LifeSaver, and IOnRoad can also help manage incoming calls and messages while you're driving.
Model safe driving behavior: If you have a teen driver, model for them how to drive without allowing your phone to distract you.
Pull over if you must talk: Park your car safely if you must use your phone to talk or text.
Use a cellphone mount: Purchasing a cell phone mount for your vehicle can help keep your phone out of your hands while taking calls and using navigational apps.
Use the safety features of the vehicle: Many newer vehicles also make it easy to sync your cell phone to your car so you can take calls, listen to music, and hear texts without having to handle your phone.
Make sure you're protected on the road
Progressive customers
Log in or 1-866-749-7436 to adjust your coverages and stay protected from dangers like distracted driving.
New customers
Get a car insurance quote online or 1-866-749-7436 to get a policy customized to your needs.
Quote car insurance online or give us a call
Learn more about car insurance policies.
