Many people don't realize how useful car insurance
can be until they have to use it. If your car gets totaled in an accident
, insurance can help you reclaim most of the vehicle's monetary value. It can also cover minor fender-benders completely, as well as reduce medical bills. However, some TikTok users are running into problems submitting insurance claims. Your claim might be denied if you use the app while driving, according to Express.
Can you get a ticket for using TikTok while driving?
One of the most unsettling TikTok trends last year was the 'Cha-Cha Slide challenge'. Based on the harmless dance move, drivers would swerve their cars in and out of a line.
The videos also show cars performing this maneuver even on crowded roadways. Obviously, the likelihood of hitting other drivers who aren't in on the challenge is extremely high. Additionally, it would be hard to have a fast reaction time if you were filming a video while driving.
Using your phone while driving is also illegal in 24 U.S. states unless it's placed in a cradle or similar holder. In 36 states, novice drivers or drivers below the age of 16-21 are banned from using cellphones behind the wheel completely.
With the exception of Missouri and Montana, texting while driving is illegal nationwide.
Driving while distracted by your phone could cost you anywhere from $20-$250 for a single ticket. For every subsequent offense, you could have to pay up to $800. Some states may also revoke your driver's license for a few months, plus add points to your driving record.
Car insurance companies are even less forgiving when it comes to distracted driving. If you've caused a driving accident thanks to TikTok it's imperative to be honest when submitting a claim. Withholding this information from insurance carriers could result in your policy being canceled, probably without any refunds!
The dangers of using TikTok while driving
MORE: These Are the Most Annoying Habits of Drivers
Besides being illegal, filming yourself with your phone while driving is incredibly unsafe. Only one hand can stay on the wheel while you hold your phone, press the record button, and keep the camera rolling.
While your eyes are technically still on the road, you're probably focusing more on the viewfinder.
Depending on your driving speed, you could take your eyes off the road for several feet while looking down at your phone. It only takes a second for an oncoming car or large animal to appear in your path.
Do traffic tickets affect your car insurance rates?
When you admit to driving and TikTok-ing in your claim, insurance carriers have to raise your premiums. The only way to avoid this is if you're considered not-at-fault, but even that can affect your insurance rates in some cases.
Even if you've acknowledged that you made a mistake, you're still left to deal with a big financial headache. When filing at-fault accident claims,
you may also lose access to discounts or special benefits that were originally included with the policy. Find a fair and affordable policy through Jerry
Besides unsafe driving, there are several other factors that can negatively impact your insurance premiums. Younger drivers have to pay more because they don't have much driving experience, so they're a bigger liability for insurance companies.
Your car insurance will also be higher if you live in a state with natural disaster risks
, like Florida or Louisiana. Since most of these factors are out of your control, the only solution is to shop smart. Finding affordable insurance has never been easier with Jerry,
even if you don't have a perfect driving record! If you have questions along the way, our team of expert insurance agents can assist you. 
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