When I recently received a traffic ticket for driving just 10 mph over the speed limit, my first instinct was to call my car insurance provider, USAA, to see how much my premiums might increase. However, getting a straightforward answer was more challenging than expected. Here’s what you should know if you’re facing a similar situation.
Understanding the Impact on Your Car Insurance
Traffic tickets don’t immediately affect your insurance. Your insurer won’t be notified the day you receive the ticket; in fact, it might take up to six months for them to be informed, depending on when the ticket is processed and resolved. This means your current insurance rate could remain unchanged for a while.
For instance, if you receive a ticket right after your insurance renewal, the new rate impacted by this ticket wouldn’t apply until the next renewal period, six months later. This gives you a bit of a buffer to possibly mitigate the impact by delaying the court proceedings, legally stretching out the time before the ticket resolution.
Strategies to Manage Insurance Costs After a Ticket
If you live in California like I do, you can attend traffic school if you haven’t done so in the past 18 months and your violation is eligible. This can prevent the ticket from impacting your insurance. Traffic school can be completed online in about four hours, saving you the time and hassle of attending in person, and more importantly, keeping your insurance premiums from rising.
What About Points on Your License?
Each state has its own system for points, which can affect your driving privileges. In California, points from minor violations like mine stay on your record for three years. Accumulate too many points, and you could face a suspended license. It’s crucial to understand how these points can affect you long-term and to assess whether fighting the ticket in court or attending traffic school might be worth your while.
Calculating the Cost of Increased Premiums
Although USAA couldn’t provide an exact number, they hinted at a potential 5%-10% increase in my six-month premium due to the ticket, which translates to a relatively modest amount annually. However, considering that points from a ticket like mine could stay on my record for three years, every little increase adds up. It’s important to weigh the cost of higher premiums against the time and expense of traffic school or court fees.
The Bigger Picture
Despite the frustration and potential financial impact, it’s important to keep in mind that the real cost of a traffic ticket isn’t just about higher insurance premiums. More significant risks include serious accidents or driving penalties. Additionally, municipal and state traffic fines can be a significant source of revenue, prompting strict enforcement.
Looking for Alternatives
It’s always wise to shop around for car insurance, especially after receiving a ticket. New insurers might offer you better rates and terms as they compete for new customers, potentially offering incentives that overlook minor violations.
In conclusion, while a traffic ticket can be an unwelcome nuisance affecting your car insurance rates, understanding your state’s laws, considering traffic school, and shopping around for insurance can help mitigate its impact. Remember, it’s not just about the cost—it’s also about maintaining your driving privileges and ensuring your safety on the road.
