When you get a traffic ticket, you might expect your car insurance rates to go up. But what if there was a way for the government to monetize those tickets instead of just using them as a form of revenue?
The Basics of Traffic Ticket Jacking
If you get a traffic ticket, the court may order your car insurance company to raise your rates. This is because the court assumes you’re a higher risk driver. There are a few reasons why a traffic ticket might increase your rates.
One reason is that if you have a history of traffic tickets, your car insurance company may assume that you’re a risky driver. They may also raise your rates based on your driving record and the type of vehicle you drive.
It’s important to keep in mind that traffic ticket jacking is only an option for car insurance companies. They aren’t required to do it, and they can adjust your rates even if you don’t get a ticket.
The Different Types of Traffic Ticket Jacking
Traffic ticket jack up car insurance rates for many drivers. Traffic ticket jack up car insurance rates for some drivers can be relatively minor, such as a speeding ticket that raises your insurance rates by a few dollars per month. For others, a traffic ticket can lead to a suspension or cancellation of your driver’s license. Traffic ticket jack up car insurance rates for some drivers can also lead to higher premiums on auto and home insurance policies.
In most states, you will be fined and your driving privileges will be suspended or cancelled if you have a traffic ticket that is classified as a moving violation. A moving violation is any traffic law violation that results in the accumulation of three or more points on your driving record.
Some common moving violations are: Speeding, running red lights, passing on the right, using your cellphone while driving, and driving without a driver’s license.
A driver with two moving violations in six months will have their driving privileges suspended for at least six months and their car insurance rates may go up by as much as 40%. A driver with four moving violations in one year will have their driving privileges cancelled and their car insurance rates may go up by as much as 100%.
How to Increased Car Insurance Rates as a Result of a Traffic Ticket
If you’ve been ticketed for a traffic violation, your car insurance rates are likely to go up. Here’s why:
First, your car insurance company is going to look at your driving record. If you have a lot of tickets, they may assume that you’re a dangerous driver and decide to hike your rates accordingly.
Second, the conviction will show up on your driving record. This means that insurers will always be aware of it – even if you haven’t gotten a new ticket in awhile – and will charge you higher rates for coverage because of it.
And finally, any points or suspensions that were associated with the ticket will also count against you. This means that if you have a DUI or other serious traffic violation on your record, your car insurance rates could skyrocket.
Conclusion
A traffic ticket can quickly raise the cost of your car insurance. Traffic tickets are classified in a number of different ways, which can affect how much your premium will increase. For example, a moving violation such as driving without a license will result in an elevated premium, while having too many speeding citations could lead to a rate hike. If you’ve been cited for any type of traffic violation, it’s important to understand the effect that the ticket has on your rate and shop around for the best rates possible before getting coverage.