A ticket, at-fault accident, or driving-related conviction can have a significant impact on your driving record and ultimately raise your insurance rates. The extent of the increase can vary depending on a number of factors such as the type of infraction, whether it’s your first violation, if you have accident forgiveness protection, and more. Here’s a closer look at five common traffic violations and how they can affect what you pay for car insurance.
Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding contributed to 29% of traffic fatalities in 2023. If you don’t have first-time ticket forgiveness on your car insurance policy, a new speeding ticket is likely to result in an increase in your insurance costs. The actual rate increase can range from 20% to 50%, depending on various factors. A speeding ticket typically remains on your driving record for one year or longer, with many states dropping them off after three years.
Red-light tickets are another common infraction, especially with the prevalence of automated red-light cameras. In Florida alone, red-light cameras issued over 1 million violation notices in the 12 months leading up to June 30, 2024. Getting a ticket for running a red light can raise your insurance rates by 20% to 25%. However, the increase may vary based on where you live and whether the ticket was issued by an officer or a red-light camera. Officer-issued tickets for running a red light are considered moving violations and can impact your insurance rates similarly to speeding tickets.
A DUI conviction is one of the most expensive and lasting driving offenses. In the year leading up to October 15, 2025, there were nearly 650,000 DUI arrests according to FBI crime data. Car insurance rates can increase anywhere from almost 30% to over 100% on average following a DUI conviction. Typically, a DUI will remain on your driving record for three to five years, although in Nevada and California, it can stay for up to 10 years.
Accidents are a common occurrence on the road, with over 2 million people injured in traffic accidents each year according to NHTSA data. Insurance companies often see an increase in their costs as a result of accidents, leading to a rise in insurance rates for drivers involved in accidents. On average, insurance rates can increase by 55% after causing an accident, although the actual increase may vary based on the severity of the accident, your insurance coverage, and your insurance provider. Accidents typically stay on your driving record for three to five years, depending on the state.
Parking tickets, on the other hand, are considered nonmoving violations and generally do not impact your insurance rates. However, unpaid parking tickets can affect your credit rating, which may indirectly lead to higher insurance costs in some states.
Having a clean driving record with no moving violations or accidents can help you qualify for the lowest auto insurance rates. The cheapest average monthly insurance cost for good drivers in the U.S. ranges from $130 to $193. Keep in mind that insurance companies consider various factors when determining prices, including your age, vehicle type, and location.
In conclusion, your driving history plays a significant role in determining the cost of your car insurance coverage. If you have a poor driving record, it’s essential to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rates. Remember that different insurers may offer competitive rates based on your specific circumstances and driving infractions. It’s crucial to understand how violations, convictions, and accidents impact your driving record and insurance rates to make informed decisions about your coverage.
