How the Process Works

The more tickets you get, the more points are added to your license. While the number of points added to your license varies by each state the end result is the same- more points equal higher insurance premiums.

A speeding ticket can stay on your license for up to 5 years and should the insurance company check your policy anytime during that period you are liable to have an increase in your rates. With several tickets your premiums will increase even more.

Certain traffic violations, like reckless driving or a DUI,  can cause you to get a high number of points and can cause your insurance company to not renew your policy or even cancel it. If you are canceled by your insurance company you will not be able to drive till you are picked up by another insurance company, which could be hard to do with points on your license.

What You Can Do

There are steps you can take to keep your insurance premium down. The most obvious, of course, is to be a conscientious driver and not get a traffic ticket in the first place. But, if you have gotten a traffic ticket there are ways that may keep your insurance premium down.

Oftentimes going to traffic school may take the points off your license and thus keep your insurance premium down. Some people are leery of going to traffic school because of the time and money involved, but in some cases the savings in your insurance premium are well worth the time and money spent.

As an option, some traffic schools can be completed online. Contesting your traffic ticket in court may also improve your chances of getting the ticket dismissed, especially if the police officer who issued your ticket does not show up. If the ticket is dismissed no violation will show up on your record and consequently there will be no change in your premium.

Search Around for Cheap Rates

Getting a traffic ticket can be a costly mistake, not just for the cost of the ticket itself, but for the long term consequences of a raised insurance premium. Being a responsible driver can save you hundreds of dollars in car insurance and keep your premiums down. If you already have traffic tickets look into either attending traffic school or contesting your ticket on the chance you can have the points removed from your record.