What Tickets Affect Insurance?
If you have received a traffic ticket recently, you may be wondering how it will affect your car insurance rates. The truth is, not all tickets are treated equally by insurance companies. Some offenses are more serious than others and will have a greater impact on your insurance premiums. In this post, we will explore the types of tickets that can affect your insurance rates and how much you may expect to pay for these violations.
Types of Tickets that Affect Insurance
While not all traffic violations are created equal, there are some types of tickets that are more likely to affect your car insurance rates. These include:
1. DUI or DWI
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most serious traffic offenses. If you are convicted of a DUI or DWI, you can expect your car insurance premiums to go up significantly because you are now considered a high-risk driver. Depending on the circumstances of your offense, you may even lose your insurance coverage altogether. This means you will be forced to find a new provider or pay much higher rates for your car insurance.
2. Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a serious offense that includes behavior such as excessive speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and texting while driving. This type of behavior puts other drivers on the road at risk and can result in serious accidents. If you are convicted of reckless driving, you can expect to see a significant increase in your car insurance rates.
3. Speeding Tickets
Speeding tickets are the most common type of traffic violation. While they may seem minor, they can still have an impact on your car insurance rates. Depending on how fast you were going and the laws in your state, you may see an increase in your premiums. Generally, the faster you were going, the higher the increase.
4. At-Fault Accidents
If you are at fault for an accident, it will likely affect your car insurance rates. This is because you will be seen as a higher risk driver. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may see a significant increase in your premiums. Additionally, if you are involved in multiple accidents, you can expect your insurance rates to go up even further.
How Much Will These Tickets Cost You?
The cost of a traffic ticket can vary depending on several factors, such as the violation itself, your location, and your driving history. However, on average, the following tickets can cost you the following:
DUI/DWI:
The cost of a DUI or DWI can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the offense. However, on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 in fines and legal fees. Additionally, your car insurance rates could increase by as much as 30% or more.
Reckless Driving:
The cost of a reckless driving ticket can vary based on the circumstances of the offense. However, fines can range from $100 to $1,000, and your car insurance rates could increase by as much as 20% or more.
Speeding Tickets:
The cost of a speeding ticket can vary depending on how fast you were going and the laws in your state. Generally, fines can range from $50 to $1,000. Your car insurance rates could increase by as much as 20% or more, depending on the severity of the offense.
At-Fault Accidents:
The cost of an at-fault accident can vary depending on the severity of the accident and the extent of the damages. Depending on the circumstances, you may be responsible for paying for medical bills, property damage, and legal fees. Additionally, your car insurance rates could increase by as much as 50% or more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, not all traffic tickets are created equal, and some violations can have a much greater impact on your car insurance rates than others. To avoid seeing your rates go up, it’s important to practice safe driving habits and to always follow traffic laws. If you do receive a traffic ticket, it’s important to understand how it will affect your insurance premiums and to take steps to mitigate the damage. If you have any questions about how traffic tickets will affect your insurance rates, it’s best to contact your insurance provider directly for more information.