Report: R.I. drivers face high penalties after moving violations

RHODE ISLAND drivers face among the highest insurance rate increases after moving violations such as speeding more than 31 mph over the limit, reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol, according to an insuranceQuotes study. / COURTESY INSURANCEQUOTES.COM
RHODE ISLAND drivers face among the highest insurance rate increases after moving violations such as speeding more than 31 mph over the limit, reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol, according to an insuranceQuotes study. / COURTESY INSURANCEQUOTES.COM

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island drivers charged with moving violations such as speeding, reckless driving or driving under the influence of alcohol face among the highest insurance increases in the nation, according to a recent insuranceQuotes study.
The Ocean State ranks 10th highest among states for an average 35.5 percent insurance premium hike after being cited for driving more than 31 mph over the limit (Illinois was first with a 98.7 percent hike). It also was eighth highest for a 91.8 percent increase after a reckless driving violation (Hawaii was first with a 290.7 percent increase) and ninth highest for a driving while intoxicated violation at a 103.4 percent increase (North Carolina was first in that category with a 333 percent jump).
In comparison, Missouri had the lowest penalty in the speeding category at a 9.1 percent increase, Louisiana had the lowest penalty for reckless driving at a 29.3 percent jump and Maryland was the lowest for a DUI violation at a 15.3 percent hike.
Nationwide, speeding by 31 mph or more nets an average increase of 29 percent nationwide, while reckless driving on average results in an 85 percent premium increase and driving under the influence results in a national average rate increase of 94 percent (an increase from 92 percent in 2015).
The data was included in the online insurance company’s third annual Moving Violations Report, which showed that serious violations such as DUI and reckless driving cause insurance rates to spike, but minor violations affect consumers’ finances as well.
InsuranceQuotes commissioned a Quadrant Information Services study that found auto insurance rates can climb by as much as 94 percent on average after a single moving violation.

“Even though rates typically go up for several years after you receive a moving violation, there are ways drivers can save money. Taking a defensive driving course to remove points from your record is a smart strategy,” Laura Adams, senior analyst at insuranceQuotes, said in a statement.

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