As you may know, distracted driving is extraordinarily dangerous. It accounts for about 25% of all automobile crash fatalities and affects teenagers more than any other age group. It also costs drivers money. Below is an explanation of how drivers must pay more for auto insurance, whether or not they've been ticketed for distracted driving, as well as how much such a ticket might cost you.

How Much Does a Distracted Driving Ticket Cost You?

Since September 2017, it has been illegal for motorists in Texas to text and drive. State lawmakers passed the law to minimize the death toll associated with distracted driving. If you're ticketed, you'll pay a $99 fine for the first offense and $200 for each offense thereafter. That's not even counting the increased cost of insurance rates. On average, drivers across the U.S. pay an additional 16% or $225 per year after a distracted driving ticket. In some jurisdictions, the increase could be as much as 41%.

Why Do Auto Insurance Rates Rise Even if You Haven't Been Ticketed?

You almost certainly pay more for auto insurance today than you would have in the past, whether you've been ticketed recently or not. The reason for this is, in part, because of other distracted drivers. Insurance companies have been paying out so much money in claims due to drivers who are involved in collisions while using their handheld devices, putting on makeup, reading maps, and fiddling with fast food wrappers that insurers have raised their rates, almost across the board, in response. It's a surcharge paid by every driver as a result of the poor decisions of the few.

Distracted driving likely results in you paying more for auto insurance whether you've received a ticket or not. However, you may be able to reduce your rates by switching providers. For a free quote, contact Integrity Insurance Solutions in San Marcos, TX. They've been serving Hays County residents and businesses for more than 10 years, and they specialize in auto, home, RV, business, and umbrella insurance. Call (512) 396-2211 to speak to an agent or stop by their office. It's easily accessible and features plenty of parking, and you can find directions on their website.