Are drivers of certain vehicles more likely to have a ticket? A collision? It appears so.
Drivers beware of those behind the wheel of a pickup truck, especially if it's a Dodge Ram, GMC Sierra, or Ford F-150. Drivers of these particular vehicles are more likely to have a less than stellar driving record. By their own admission, while comparing quotes for their lowest auto insurance rates, these particular truck owners disclosed having been involved in an at-fault collision or getting a traffic ticket more than any other vehicle owner.
At least that's according to the numbers we crunched based on auto insurance quotes over the last five years. Now granted, these at-fault collisions or tickets may not have happened while driving these particular vehicles, but we find it odd these vehicle owners admit to more than their fair share of collisions or tickets. Is it just a coincidence? Maybe, maybe not, but it's interesting, nonetheless.
Repeat Offenders: Ram, Sierra, and Ford F-150 Truck Drivers Top the List
Your driving record and history has a direct impact on the auto insurance premiums you pay. With collisions or tickets on your record, you can expect to pay more for your auto insurance than if you didn't.
Based on drivers who shopped their rate with us, regardless of the vehicle driven, 13.5% say they have been in an at-fault collision while 19.8% have a ticket.
Drivers of the Dodge Ram, GMC Sierra, Ford F1-50, and the lone car, the Subaru Impreza, exceed our observed norm in both categories. They're repeat offenders. However, at 18.7%, Dodge Ram drivers earn the title of being most Accident Prone, while at 33.4% GMC Sierra drivers secure the title of Ticket Takers.
The Best of the Best: Toyota Yaris and Camry Drivers Top the List
On the other side of the road, the drivers least likely to have a collision or ticket in their closet drive a Toyota. At 10.2%, Toyota Yaris drivers are the least likely to say they have an at-fault collision on their driving record earning them the title of Smooth Operator. While, Toyota Camry drivers are the least likely to have a ticket (13.5%), earning them the title of Rulers of the Road.
Steer Clear of High Auto Insurance Premiums
Your driving record matters. It is one of the most influential factors in determining your insurance rate. The good news is a collision or ticket won't follow you forever. It takes about six years for an at-fault collision and about three years for a ticket to no longer factor into the premium you pay. In the meantime, the best way to drive down your auto insurance rates is to shop around. It's the only way to know for certain that you're getting the lowest rate possible.