You've been slapped with a fine for a driving infraction - now what? Should you just pay the ticket and forget about it? What about demerit points and how they will affect your driving record, not to mention your auto insurance rate?Sometimes it's best to pay and sometimes it's best to fight. Here are three scenarios that each call for a different course of action:Scenario one: You parked in a no-park zone without noticing the sign and got a $30 dollar ticket.You may or may not want fight this one. The amount is paltry and you're best off just paying it in full. Plus, parking tickets fall under the jurisdiction of your municipality's bylaws, and bylaws have no effect on your auto insurance rate.Scenario two: You were doing 96 km/h in an 80 km/h zone and the officer who stopped you gave you the highest fine, plus you acquired three demerit points.If you have a half-day available, you will want to fight this. Since you were over 15 km/h, you'll automatically gain three demerit points and you will be fined - that's the law. However, you may be able to get the fine lowered or possibly even demerit points removed if you plead your case. It's always a good idea to keep your record as clean as possible for the sake of your auto insurance rate.If this is your first ticket, know that most insurance companies may let you off the hook for your first minor offense, meaning that your auto insurance rate may not be affected. If, however, you choose to change companies, know that the infraction may be taken into consideration and you may not get the best rate possible, as every provider has its own set of rules and rates. To always ensure you have access to the best rate, you'll want to practice good driving habits, keep a clean driving record and shop around, checking out the prices offered by different insurance companies.Scenario three: You were found at-fault for a collision that caused damage to both your car and the other driver's vehicle. The other driver was found not at-fault. However, the other driver cut you off, causing you to rear-end his car. You got fined, acquired points and now have a mark on your record.You may want to fight it. If you feel that there were extenuating circumstances or that you were in the right, then take the half-day and go to court so you can plead your case. At the very least, you may have the fine reduced, decrease the number of demerit points applied and hopefully have the charge reduced as well. If you were found at-fault for careless driving, this will gain you six demerit points. However, if you can get it lowered to a charge of following too closely, then this could be reduced is four demerit points.If you get it reduced to a lesser charge, then your policy will take less of a hit. For example, careless driving could be a 50 per cent surcharge on your premium as a result. However, following too closely gets you a surcharge of only 15 per cent.If you do find yourself in a situation where you are wondering if you should fight a driving infraction, consider contacting Pointts or No Points Traffic Tickets to speak to a legal representative who specializes in cases involving demerit point and legal charges.
Is it Worth the Fight?
Recent insurance articles:
Our Users Say
2,077 reviews on TrustPilot. See some of the reviews here.
They chose the best insurance company…
They chose the best insurance company for me.
Thanks
1 day 3 hours ago
Cristian Micsa
Cristian Micsa
I appreciate that the service was very…
I appreciate that the service was very prompt after I completed the online request.
The broker I connect with was very patient and helpful in answering all my questions.
2 days 22 hours ago
Corinne Ramotar
Corinne Ramotar
Always a pleasure
once again very terrific , polite to deal with the people
4 days ago
Douglas Bruce
Douglas Bruce
Amazing
Amazing service and dedicated time to my profile effectively and got back to me even after the phone disconnected
1 week 2 days ago
Tevin Kelly
Tevin Kelly
The agent was well informed
The agent was well informed. The options for our insurance needs are good.
Just waiting on final quote to make a decision.
1 week 3 days ago
Louise Turgeon
Louise Turgeon
Very pleasant lady to speak with
Very pleasant lady to speak with. Offered information requested.
1 week 3 days ago
Dianne liss
Dianne liss
fast efficient service
excellent service
1 week 4 days ago
BRIAN CAMPBELL
BRIAN CAMPBELL
Clesr undrstanding
Clesr undrstanding
2 weeks 2 days ago
Syef Hussain
Syef Hussain
Mark Beck was knowledgeable and…
Mark Beck was knowledgeable and friendly. I felt he was working with me on something I find stressful and that put me at ease.
2 weeks 3 days ago
James C McWatters
James C McWatters
Rita was very helpful !
Rita was very helpful and put me in touch with an agent again very helpful and honest. I always appreciate the help I get when sign in and it happens so fast. No waiting!
Thank you!
2 weeks 6 days ago
Allan Sulisz
Allan Sulisz
Fast response after getting quote
Fast response after going through getting a quote. Limited choices to enter some information.
3 weeks 1 day ago
Sean Figueredo
Sean Figueredo
Very easy to go through the questions
Very easy to go through the questions
3 weeks 2 days ago
Dina Robichaud
Dina Robichaud
Easy to complete
Easy to complete, quick reply from company and put you into quick contact with best pricing company
3 weeks 3 days ago
Tim Laurie
Tim Laurie
Satisfied with the service thanks will…
Satisfied with the service thanks will use it for other insurance
3 weeks 4 days ago
Jaideep Seth
Jaideep Seth
Andrew was great person to deal with.
Andrew was great person to deal with.
3 weeks 4 days ago
Marion Crocker
Marion Crocker
Dimple was very helpful
Dimple was very helpful. She took the time to answer my questions and was very polite and friendly.
4 weeks 1 day ago
Perry Janes
Perry Janes
It was quick and lowest quote given…
It was quick and lowest quote given instantly
4 weeks 1 day ago
Hemant
Hemant
Efficient & convenient
Efficient & convenient
1 month ago
Ciro Spiezia
Ciro Spiezia