Are You a High-Risk Driver? 3 Ways Your Driving Could Be Draining Your Wallet

Paying for car insurance is inevitable if you own a car, but there’s no need to pay more than you have to. Factors that aren’t in your control when it comes to insurance premiums include where you live and how old you are. But there are also factors you can control, which can have a huge effect on how much you can save.

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Yes, how you drive could drain your wallet. Here’s what you need to know to put the brakes on unnecessary costs.

How High-Risk Driving Habits Can Drain Your Wallet

According to the insurance marketplace The Zebra, being a high risk driver could cost you hundreds to thousands more per year in insurance premiums. Basically, the more likely a car insurance company has to pay out a claim, the more you’ll probably have to pay for insurance.

One of the most common ways that your driving could be draining your wallet is how fast you go. It’s fine to like movies like “The Fast and the Furious,” but it’s another to try to recreate it in real life. The more you drive above the speed limit, the more likely you’ll be pulled over by cops and get a speeding ticket. Not only will you now have to pay the fine, but the ticket will go your record. Once insurance companies get wind of it (and you have enough of them), you could see your premiums increase.

Driving too fast could also increase your chances of driving recklessly and getting into an accident. If it’s your fault, your insurance company typically has to pay for your car’s repairs and any damages to the car you hit. It increases your risk profile as a driver, and — you guessed it — it could reflect in your insurance payments.

There are other ways your driving could cost you more, like if you’re driving under the influence, or decide to park in places where your car is more likely to get hit or stolen. The more claims you have with theft, the more riskier you appear to insurance companies.

Keep your insurance premiums under control by taming your driving habits. It’s worth it.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Are You a High-Risk Driver? 3 Ways Your Driving Could Be Draining Your Wallet