The Impact of Traffic Tickets on Insurance Rates

Traffic tickets can have a significant impact on your auto insurance rates, often costing you much more than just the ticket fine. Understanding how violations affect your premiums can help you make informed decisions about fighting your ticket.

How Insurance Companies View Traffic Violations

Insurance companies use traffic violations as indicators of risk:

• Moving violations are considered more serious than non-moving violations
• Speeding tickets are weighted based on how much over the limit you were going
• Multiple violations within a short period can compound the impact
• Some violations may result in policy cancellation

Average Rate Increases

The impact on your insurance rates varies by violation type:

• Speeding (1-15 mph over): 20-25% increase
• Speeding (16+ mph over): 30-35% increase
• Running a red light: 25-30% increase
• Reckless driving: 50% or more increase

How Long Violations Affect Your Rates

Traffic violations typically stay on your record and affect your rates for:

• 3-5 years in most states
• Up to 7 years in some states
• Longer periods for serious violations

Ways to Mitigate the Impact

You can reduce the impact of traffic violations by:

• Fighting the ticket in court
• Attending traffic school (if eligible)
• Maintaining a clean driving record otherwise
• Shopping around for better insurance rates

The Financial Case for Fighting Your Ticket

When deciding whether to fight your ticket, consider:

• The immediate cost of the ticket
• The potential insurance rate increases over 3-5 years
• The cost of traffic school (if applicable)
• The potential for license suspension with multiple violations