If you’re hoping a restriction on phone use while driving will reduce your car insurance claims, you’re in for a surprise. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there is no connection between restricted cell phone use and reduced insurance claims. So far, seven states have banned cell phone use and texting while driving. Additionally, 17 states have elevated their licensing systems to forbid the use of these handheld devices by teens drivers. While these efforts are commendable, it is unfortunate that the majority of these states haven’t seen a reduced number of accidents and therefore, no reduction in insurance claims.

Driving while texting is worse than flipping the radio station or briefly checking your lip gloss. When texting, your eyes – and focus – are often off the road for several seconds at a time. This minimizes your judgment and reaction time to other drivers and cars on the road. The danger of driving while distracted by a cell phone has even been equated with driving will under the influence. It is for this reason that so many people are pushing for a banning legislation to be in place in all states. However, the effects of this sort of ban are yet to be seen.

One may think this sort of ban would greatly decrease car accidents. Surprisingly enough, the IIHS actually reports that accident rates in the U.S. noticeably dropped even as cell phone use in the country increased. What does this mean for you? What this means for car insurance policyholders is that whether cell phone use is banned or not, car insurance rates will not be affected. That is unless, of course, you are ticketed for cell phone use while driving. In this case, chances are that your insurance rates will increase. If you’re cited for an additional violation like speeding, your driving record will not only catch a two-time offense, but so will your insurance premium.

If you have a teen driver on your insurance plan, the plot thickens. For a younger driver, restrictions against cell phone use while driving are even more binding. Over a dozen states have implemented special laws banning newly licensed drivers from using cell phones with or without a hands-free device. Obeying these laws are crucial for a young driver, as insurance coverage for newly licensed drivers is already expensive. A teen driver cited for a traffic collision while using a cell phone will skyrocket your premium through the roof. Better safe than sorry – it would be wise to make your children aware.

Despite not minimizing accidents or insurance claims, passing a ban on cell phone use while in the car will likely make the roads a safer place.