How Traffic Infractions Affect Car Insurance
Traffic violations will raise your rates substantially, but how traffic infractions affect car insurance depends on the offense and your driving record. While most drivers pay around $250/mo after a speeding ticket, drivers with DUIs or other serious infractions can expect to pay twice that.
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Michael Vereecke
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences in ...
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
UPDATED: May 5, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: May 5, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
If you are wondering how traffic infractions affect car insurance, your car insurance rates will increase when you have traffic tickets on your driving record. This is because insurance companies see driving infractions as a red flag for potentially expensive car insurance claims.
Fortunately, traffic tickets and other infractions disappear from your driving record. so you can get better car insurance rates after a few years. Still, the only way to know how traffic infractions affect car insurance rates is to compare quotes from different companies.
Shopping online to compare car insurance quotes is one simple way to find the most affordable car insurance rates in your area, even if you have one or more tickets on your driving record. As you compare rates, you’ll see which companies offer the coverage you need on your vehicle for a cost that works with your budget. Use our free quote comparison tool to jump right into comparing rates for traffic infractions.
Traffic Infractions Explained
A traffic citation, or traffic violation, is a type of infraction in which a driver violates the law while behind the wheel. There are typically three types of traffic violations:
- Moving violations
- Non-moving violations
- Parking violations
Each violation brings about specific consequences, and the severity of the ticket or fine will depend on the nature of the violation.
Read more:
- Can a car be parked on a public road with no insurance?
- Can getting speeding tickets or a DUI cancel my car insurance?
- Do tickets for driving with a suspended license affect car insurance rates?
- Does a negligent driving ticket affect car insurance rates?
- How much do parking tickets affect car insurance rates?
- Is hitting someone with a car assault?
Moving Violations
A moving violation occurs when a driver violates the law while the vehicle is in motion. Some of the most common types of moving violations include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Hit-and-run
- Driving with a suspended license
- Driving with a revoked license
Most moving violation convictions result in points on the driver’s license and fines. Depending on the nature of the violation, the driver may lose their license, pay higher fines, or even spend time in jail. (For more information, read our How long do points stay on your driver’s license?“).
Non-Moving Violations
Oddly enough, some non-moving violations occur while the vehicle is in motion. Some of the common examples of a non-moving violation include:
- Driving without proper registration
- Driving without a seat belt
- Having faulty equipment on the vehicle
Read more: Will a seat belt ticket affect car insurance rates?
If you receive a non-moving violation, you may simply need to pay a fine, though you will likely have points added to your license. Still, if you were driving without a valid license or insurance, the consequences could be much more serious and involve more money and a temporary loss of your driver’s license. (For more information, read our “What happens if I drive my car with a suspended registration?“).
Parking Violations
A parking violation occurs when a driver parks in a restricted area or parks illegally. Some common examples of parking violations include:
- Parking on a sidewalk
- Parking in a prohibited space
- Double parking
While consequences for parking violations are not severe, they can still be a hassle. At the very least, you will have to pay a fine, and you may have points added to your license.
In addition, if you park illegally and an officer discovers that you are driving without insurance or a valid license, you could get in a lot of trouble. Learn how parking tickets affect your car insurance.
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How Traffic Infractions Affect Car Insurance Rates
Your insurance rates will surely increase if you’ve received a traffic ticket. Insurance companies use a person’s driving record to help determine their insurance rates. You’ll pay higher monthly or annual coverage rates if you have blemishes on your driving record.
Some of the other factors that affect car insurance rates include:
- Age
- Gender
- Marital status
- ZIP code
- Credit score
- Car make and model
- Coverage type
With a clean driving record, you’ll get cheaper car insurance rates than you will if you have one or more driving infractions. Still, your age, gender, and other factors may impact your insurance rates significantly.
Traffic Infractions and Insurance Rates
Your insurance company will increase your monthly or annual rates if you have traffic violations on your driving record. Insurance companies see you as a risk if you have blemishes on your record since you’re more likely to file an auto insurance claim.
Car Insurance Monthly Average Rates by Driving Record and Provider
| Insurance Company | Clean Record | One Speeding Violation | One Accident | One DUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $160 | $188 | $225 | $270 |
| American Family | $117 | $136 | $176 | $194 |
| Farmers | $139 | $173 | $198 | $193 |
| Geico | $80 | $106 | $132 | $216 |
| Liberty Mutual | $174 | $212 | $234 | $313 |
| Nationwide | $115 | $137 | $161 | $237 |
| Progressive | $105 | $140 | $186 | $140 |
| State Farm | $86 | $96 | $102 | $112 |
| Travelers | $99 | $134 | $139 | $206 |
| USAA | $59 | $67 | $78 | $108 |
Insurance companies typically increase insurance rates to mitigate any sort of risk or cost. You won’t know how much you’ll pay for car insurance with a traffic violation on your record until you compare quotes from several insurance companies. Once you do, you’ll be able to find the best car insurance companies for people with speeding tickets that offer you the coverage you need at a price that works with your budget.
Traffic Infractions Impact Car Insurance Coverage Options
Insurance companies may classify you as a high-risk driver if you have one or more traffic violations on your record. Once considered high risk, you may find that certain companies will only offer you minimum coverage options for car insurance.
Most car insurance companies offer standard car insurance coverage to all drivers. Standard car insurance coverage often includes:
- Property damage liability: Property damage is a type of liability auto insurance coverage that helps if you cause an accident and damage someone’s car or other personal property.
- Bodily injury liability: Bodily injury protects you if you cause a car accident and injure one or more individuals.
- Medical payments (MedPay): Medical payments insurance covers medical bills associated with a covered accident.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): Personal injury protection insurance covers things like medical bills, lost wages, and funeral costs associated with a covered accident.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: If you purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, your insurance company will pay for damage to your vehicle someone else caused if they do not carry the proper insurance.
In addition to the car insurance coverage options listed above, most insurance companies also offer collision and comprehensive insurance to help policyholders build a full coverage car insurance policy:
- Collision insurance: Collision car insurance helps if you cause an accident and your vehicle is damaged.
- Comprehensive insurance: Comprehensive car insurance helps if inclement weather, wild animals, theft, or vandalism damages your vehicle.
If your driving record is blemished, some insurance companies may only offer you minimum coverage that includes your state’s legally required insurance. Other companies may include collision and comprehensive insurance while limiting your ability to purchase add-on coverage options like roadside assistance or rental car reimbursement.
What To Do if You’re Denied Car Insurance Coverage
In extreme cases, you may find that insurance companies will not accept your application for coverage. For example, if you have a DUI on your record, some companies may see you as too much of a risk and turn you down if you apply for a car insurance policy. Learn more about car insurance after a DUI.
Don’t hesitate to apply elsewhere for coverage if you find that certain companies will not help you. Research car insurance companies that accept high-risk clients in your area to get the most affordable rates.
Michael Leotta Insurance Operations Specialist
When you compare quotes, you’ll still be able to choose the car insurance coverage that works best for you based on your needs and budget.
How To Lessen the Impact of Traffic Infractions
If you have one or more traffic tickets on your driving record, it’s not the end of the world. You can still apply for coverage with several companies and determine which company offers the right policy.
Keep a Clean Driving Record
Drivers with clean driving records should work hard to keep their records clean. Insurance companies are far more likely to offer cheaper insurance quotes if you keep a clean driving record for several years. You may even qualify for a safe driver discount.
How To Improve a Driving Record
Most blemishes automatically disappear from a person’s driving record after around three years. After that, states make their own laws regarding driving records and how long an infraction stays there. The average is anywhere from three to five years. If you have a DUI on your record, you may find that it stays on your record for 10 years or more.
Many insurance companies will see you as less of a risk and offer you more reasonable rates over time, so be sure to avoid doing anything that can add a new blemish to your driving record as you work to keep it clean.
Michelle Robbins Licensed Insurance Agent
The nature of your traffic violation will impact your car insurance rates. For example, if you have a serious moving violation like a DUI, you can expect your rates to skyrocket. Some companies may not be willing to offer you any car insurance coverage because of your driving record.
In comparison, a non-moving or parking violation will often garner fewer negative consequences, as these infractions pose less potential to harm another person.
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Case Studies: How Traffic Infractions Affect Car Insurance
Case Study 1: Speeding Ticket Impact
John, a 35-year-old driver with a clean driving record, received a speeding ticket for going 15 miles per hour over the speed limit. After the ticket was added to his driving record, he decided to shop around for car insurance quotes. He compared quotes from different companies and found that his insurance rates increased by 15% compared to his previous premium.
Case Study 2: DUI Consequences
Sarah, a 28-year-old driver, was charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence). This serious violation had a significant impact on her car insurance rates. Sarah, labeled high-risk after a DUI, struggled to secure insurance. She found affordable coverage by researching insurers specializing in high-risk clients.
Case Study 3: Multiple Moving Violations
David, a 40-year-old driver, had a history of multiple moving violations, including running red lights and reckless driving. As a result, his car insurance rates skyrocketed. David, deemed high-risk by multiple insurers, faced difficulty obtaining coverage. He had to compare quotes from various companies and found one, although at a significantly higher cost than those with clean records.
Traffic Infractions and Car Insurance: The Bottom Line
There are three types of traffic violations: moving, non-moving, and parking violations. Traffic violations can impact your car insurance rates as insurance companies believe you’re at a greater risk of filing a car insurance claim.
Now that you know how traffic infractions affect car insurance, your best bet for finding affordable coverage is to compare car insurance rates from several companies to find one that offers the coverage you need at a price that works for you. Use our free quote comparison tool below to get affordable car insurance after a traffic infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will traffic infractions affect my car insurance rates?
Yes, traffic infractions can impact your car insurance rates. Insurance companies consider various factors when determining premiums, and a history of traffic infractions can be one of them.
What are three traffic infractions that will affect car insurance?
Any traffic violation, such as speeding, reckless driving, or driving under the influence, can impact your car insurance rates. Insurance companies assess the severity and frequency of the infractions to determine the impact on premiums.
How long do traffic infractions stay on my driving record?
The duration that traffic infractions remain on your driving record varies depending on your location and the specific violation. Generally, minor infractions may stay on your record for three to five years, while more serious violations, like DUIs, can stay for longer periods.
Will a single traffic infraction significantly increase my insurance rates?
It depends on the severity of the infraction and your driving history. A single minor infraction may have a minimal impact on your rates, but multiple infractions or serious violations can result in substantial rate increases.
Does a first-time speeding ticket affect car insurance?
A first-time speeding ticket will impact your car insurance rates unless you are mandated to take a driving course to keep the ticket off your driving record.
How can I find out if a traffic infraction will affect my insurance rates?
You can contact your insurance provider directly to inquire about the potential impact of a specific traffic infraction on your rates. They can provide you with accurate information based on their underwriting guidelines.
Which traffic infractions make car insurance go up the most?
DUIs and at-fault accidents usually raise car insurance rates the most.
Which traffic infractions don’t affect car insurance?
Parking violations typically won’t impact car insurance rates.
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Michael Vereecke
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences in ...
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.