Reader’s Question:

What advantages is there to pleading not guilty to a failure to control violation? It is my first accident and I would like to know what it will do to my auto insurance rate.

Gene

Boise, ID

The penalties and citation for ‘failure to control’ differs depending on your state laws. When you plead not guilty typically you will need to attend a court hearing and defend yourself to the charge. Generally If you are found not guilty it would be an advantage you by the charge being dismissed and therefore not being recorded on your driving record.

Accidents and citations can indeed affect your auto insurance rates. How it will affect your insurance will depends on how your specific insurance carrier decides on their insurance rates since insurance carriers vary on how they change or increase their rates. All insurance providers must file their rates with the state’s insurance regulatory body therefore if your insurance rates do rise you can check with this entity to find out about your insurance carrier’s specific rating system.