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Getting a traffic ticket is more than just an inconvenience or a one-time financial setback—it can have long-term consequences on your auto insurance rates. Many drivers are surprised to learn just how significantly a single citation can raise premiums, and how long those effects can last. In this post, we’ll explain why traffic tickets affect your insurance, what violations carry the highest risk, and what you can do to protect your rates.
Why Do Traffic Tickets Affect Insurance Rates?
Insurance companies calculate your premiums based on risk. When you receive a traffic ticket, it signals to your insurer that you may be a higher-risk driver. Whether it’s for speeding, running a red light, or reckless driving, violations suggest that you’re more likely to be involved in an accident or make a claim in the future.
As a result, your insurer may raise your rates to account for that increased risk. In some cases, particularly for serious or repeated violations, your policy could even be canceled or non-renewed.
Common Violations That Increase Insurance Rates
While any ticket can potentially affect your premiums, some violations are more damaging than others. Here are common infractions and how they typically impact rates:
1. Speeding Tickets
Speeding is one of the most common violations, and even a minor speeding ticket can lead to a rate hike. The faster you were going over the speed limit, the higher the impact on your insurance.
2. Reckless or Aggressive Driving
These tickets often come with steep penalties and can lead to a significant jump in premiums. Insurance companies consider reckless drivers to be major risks.
3. Running a Red Light or Stop Sign
These violations indicate a disregard for traffic control devices, which raises red flags for insurers about your decision-making and awareness on the road.
4. DUI/DWI Charges
Driving under the influence is one of the most serious infractions and almost always leads to drastically higher premiums—or complete policy termination.
5. Distracted Driving (Texting, Phone Use)
Many states are cracking down on cellphone use while driving. A ticket for distracted driving can lead to insurance rate increases similar to speeding violations.
How Much Can Your Rates Increase?
The exact amount your premiums will increase depends on several factors, including your driving history, the severity of the violation, your insurer’s policies, and your state’s laws. However, here’s a general idea:
- Minor violations (like a small speeding ticket) can increase rates by 10% to 25%.
- Moderate violations (like running a red light) may lead to increases of 25% to 50%.
- Major violations (like DUI or reckless driving) can cause your rates to double or more.
A 2024 study by Quadrant Information Services found that a single speeding ticket can raise the average premium by about 20%, and a DUI can increase it by more than 70%.
How Long Does a Traffic Ticket Affect Your Insurance?
Most insurance companies look at your driving record over the past three to five years when determining rates. However, the exact impact of a ticket depends on the insurer and the state:
- Minor violations generally stay on your insurance record for three years.
- Major violations may affect your rates for five to seven years, or longer.
Even if the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) removes a violation from your record after a few years, your insurance provider may still consider it when setting rates.
Also Read: Navigating the Future of Employment Laws: What Businesses Need to Know by 2025
How to Minimize the Impact of a Traffic Ticket
If you’ve received a ticket, there are ways to limit or avoid the damage to your insurance premiums:
1. Hire a Traffic Ticket Attorney
An experienced traffic lawyer may be able to get your ticket reduced or dismissed altogether, especially for first-time or minor offenses.
2. Take a Defensive Driving Course
Some states allow drivers to take an approved course to have the ticket dismissed or to avoid insurance points.
3. Fight the Ticket in Court
In many cases, especially if the evidence is unclear or the officer doesn’t show up, you may be able to beat the ticket altogether.
4. Shop Around for Insurance
If your insurer raises your rates significantly, you may be able to find a better deal elsewhere—especially if the ticket was minor.
5. Drive Safely Moving Forward
Maintaining a clean driving record after the violation can help you gradually return to lower premiums.
Final Thoughts: One Ticket Can Cost You More Than You Think
Traffic tickets don’t just cost you the fine and court fees—they can affect your finances for years through increased insurance premiums. While the impact varies depending on the type of violation and your personal driving history, even one ticket can raise red flags for insurers.
If you’ve recently received a traffic citation, it’s worth exploring your options before simply paying the fine. Fighting the ticket or working with a traffic lawyer like our friends at Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, Attorneys at Law, can help reduce the long-term costs and keep your insurance affordable.
