Your auto insurance heavily depends on your driving status, so keeping your traffic violations down is essential. Otherwise, your license will be at risk of being suspended or revoked—as will your insurance coverage. To avoid the dreaded “excluded driver” label by your provider, keep out of trouble by learning the differences between license suspension and revocation.

Suspended Licenses

License suspensions fall under two categories: definite and open-ended. Definite suspensions are issued for multiple traffic tickets, drug- or alcohol-fueled violations, or driving without valid auto insurance. An open-ended suspension, meanwhile, is issued when you’re behind on resolving pending payments. This includes paying overdue child support, taxes, or traffic tickets and being placed under an administrative review for a medical condition. 

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues suspensions for a temporary amount of time. Definite suspensions end after a set period pre-determined based on your violation. In contrast, open-ended cases only cease once you settle back payments or acquire medical paperwork stating your medical issues are under control.

Revoked Licenses

Unlike a temporary suspension, a revoked license is a permanent action that cannot be reversed. You’re at risk of having your license canceled if you’ve made false statements on car registration or driver’s license applications, driven without auto insurance, failed a road test due to old age or a medical condition, or committed multiple severe traffic offenses. 

While you can acquire a new license, there are a few steps you must take to do so. Once your revocation period is over, you must re-register and request a hearing with the DMV. Once you’re approved to move forward with the licensing process, you must also pay the reinstatement fee and overdue civil penalties and pass a written and road test. However, this process could take a while because the revocation period varies depending on where you live and your previous violations.

Find the right auto insurance for your evolving needs with the help of Lafever Insurance Agency. Their agents have helped residents of the Upper Cumberland area obtain and customize affordable coverage since 1978. The agency also provides top-notch customer service for young drivers and high-risk motorists. For more information, call (931) 526-3377 or visit their website.