Tickets and moving violations make it more difficult for you to enjoy affordable car insurance. But note that it does NOT in anyway make it impossible. The following should help you take charge and drive down your rates…

1. Don't be too hard on yourself and don't see yourself as a reckless driver because of this. That image won't help.

Having the right perspective makes it easier for you to deal with the situation. If you can deal with it then you can avoid it reoccurrence.

2. Moving violations that you think are undeserved should be contested in a traffic court. And if they are reversed, make sure you inform your agent so that you can enjoy the well-deserved relief.

3. Moving violations are usually kept on your driving record for three years in most states (Some states are known to keep them for up to five years). However, many drivers still pay high rates long after those violations have been removed from their records.

You have a responsibility if this applies to you. Inform your agent and make sure your insurer adjusts your rates to reflect the positive change. What if they don't? Then it's time to shop for another insurer — With a clean record, you can easily get far lower rates with ease.

4. If you agree to take traffic school your moving violation can be dismissed. This is available in some states and only for some types of moving violations.

5. Even if you have multiple violations on your driving record (definitely NOT good), you can take advantage of insurers that specialize in insuring high risk drivers. Since they have a better understanding of high risk drivers, you can easily get lower rates with them depending on other factors in your profile.

Get and compare quotes from a wide range of reputable insurers. This is because their rates can vary from slightly to very widely. Differences over a thousand dollars are NOT uncommon.