When you receive a traffic ticket, you might think that paying the fine is the only consequence you’ll face. After all, it’s easy to focus on the immediate cost—the fine itself—and move on with your life. But what many drivers don’t realize is that a traffic ticket can have long-term financial consequences, especially when it comes to your car insurance premiums.

In Virginia, as in many other states, your insurance rates can increase significantly after a traffic violation. This often comes as an unpleasant surprise to drivers who might not have considered the full impact of their ticket. At Ervin Law PLLC, we believe it’s important for drivers to understand all the potential consequences of a traffic violation, including how it could affect their insurance costs. Here’s what you need to know about how a traffic ticket could lead to a rise in your insurance premiums.

1. How Do Insurance Companies Use Traffic Violations to Set Premiums?

Insurance companies assess the risk of insuring a driver based on their driving history. When you receive a traffic ticket, it goes on your driving record, which insurers use to determine how risky you are as a policyholder. The more violations you have, the higher the perceived risk, and the more likely it is that your premiums will increase.

Insurance companies use a variety of factors to set premiums, including:

• Your driving history: If you have a record of accidents or traffic violations, you’re considered a higher risk.
• Your age and driving experience: Younger drivers or those with less experience are often charged higher rates.
• The type of vehicle you drive: Sports cars and luxury vehicles are considered higher-risk than other types of cars.

But when it comes to traffic tickets, your insurer will likely review the severity of the violation, whether it was a misdemeanor or a more serious offense, and how many points were added to your driving record. In some cases, multiple violations in a short period can make you seem like a habitual offender, which can drive your rates even higher.

2. How Much Can Insurance Rates Increase After a Ticket?

The amount your insurance premiums will increase depends on a variety of factors, including the type of violation, your driving history, and the policies of your insurance company. However, some common traffic violations can cause your rates to rise by anywhere from 20% to 50% or more. For example:

• Speeding tickets: Speeding tickets are one of the most common types of violations, and they typically lead to a moderate increase in your insurance rates. A minor speeding violation may cause a slight increase, but speeding at excessive rates (such as 20 MPH or more over the limit) can lead to a much higher increase.
• Reckless driving or DUI: These are considered more serious offenses, and an insurance company will view you as a much higher risk. A conviction for reckless driving or driving under the influence can result in a significant spike in your premiums, sometimes by hundreds of dollars per year.
• Running a red light or stop sign: Even seemingly minor violations like running a red light can have a lasting impact on your rates, especially if you’ve accumulated multiple violations in a short period.

It’s important to note that the more serious the violation, the greater the likelihood of a significant premium increase. And, if you’ve already had violations in the past, you might see a compounding effect on your rates.

3. How Long Will the Increase Last?

The duration of an insurance premium increase depends on your state’s laws and the specific insurance company’s policies. In Virginia, traffic violations typically remain on your driving record for three to five years, depending on the type of offense. This means that for at least three years, your insurer may see that you were convicted of a violation, and they may continue to increase your rates during this time.

For example, a reckless driving conviction can stay on your record for 11 years in Virginia, meaning your insurance premiums could be impacted for over a decade. If you accumulate multiple violations, this effect could last even longer.

However, if you maintain a clean driving record for several years after the violation, some insurance companies may reduce your rates over time. It’s important to check with your insurer to see how long the increase will last and if there are any steps you can take to lower your rates.

4. What Can You Do to Avoid a Premium Increase?

While the idea of an insurance premium hike after a traffic ticket can be discouraging, there are steps you can take to minimize the impact or even avoid it altogether:

1. Hire an Attorney to Fight the Ticket

An experienced traffic attorney may be able to help you avoid a conviction or reduce the charge to a less serious offense. In some cases, a lawyer can negotiate a plea deal that results in a reduction of the charge, which could prevent points from being added to your driving record. This can be a smart way to protect your insurance rates and avoid the long-term financial impact of a ticket.

For example, if you’re facing a reckless driving charge, your attorney may be able to reduce it to an improper driving offense, which is a lesser charge that typically doesn’t carry the same points or insurance penalties.

2. Consider Traffic School or Defensive Driving Courses

In some cases, attending a defensive driving or traffic school course may help prevent points from being added to your driving record, which could keep your insurance premiums from rising. Some insurance companies even offer discounts to drivers who complete these courses. Your attorney may be able to advise you on whether this is an option for your case.

3. Shop Around for a New Insurance Policy

If you’ve already received a traffic ticket and your insurance premiums have gone up, it might be a good time to shop around for a better deal. Not all insurance companies use the same criteria to set premiums, so switching providers could help you find more affordable rates. Just be sure to compare the coverage options and premiums thoroughly to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

4. Wait It Out and Maintain a Clean Record

If your ticket is already affecting your premiums, the best thing you can do is maintain a clean driving record going forward. Over time, insurance companies may gradually lower your rates as they see that you are no longer a high-risk driver.

5. The Bottom Line: The Hidden Cost of a Traffic Ticket

A traffic ticket is more than just a fine—it’s often the start of a financial ripple effect that can impact your wallet for years to come. The increase in your insurance premiums is something that many drivers don’t consider when they think about the consequences of a traffic violation, but it’s a very real and often significant cost.

If you’ve received a traffic ticket, it’s worth considering how it could affect your insurance rates and whether hiring an experienced attorney could help you avoid those additional costs. At Ervin Law PLLC, we work with clients to not only defend against traffic violations but also to help minimize the long-term financial impact. Contact us today to discuss how we can help protect both your driving record and your wallet.