If you plan on driving around the District this holiday, make sure to drive safely, or it’ll cost you big.
According to the National Highway Safety Administration, the number of motor vehicle deaths was up 3% in March 2022 compared with a year earlier, a result of speeding and traveling without a seatbelt.
Reckless driving can also affect your finances. A study released by The Zebra, an insurance services company, found that driving with a suspended license in the District could increase your insurance costs by $3,372, or up to 52%.
A DUI comes with a $3,600 fine — up to a 62% increase in your average rate. Anyone not wearing a seatbelt is looking at a $2,547 insurance spike — a roughly 15% rate increase.
When looking at the most expensive violations in District, leaving the scene of an accident or a hit-and-run will cost you just over $3,637, or an insurance rate increase of 64%.
Increased rates can stay in effect for up to three years.
A few ways to lower those rates include taking a defensive driving course, shopping around — or just driving safely.
