Many drivers think that a being caught on a moving violation like tailgating, failing to yield the right of way or driving 15 mph over the speed limit is no big deal, but the reality is it could cost you quite a lot when it comes to your auto insurance premiums.
This is the third year in a row that insuranceQuotes has released it Moving Violations report, conducted by Quadrant Information Services. The study looks at how moving violations can impact insurance rates and what they found might surprise some drivers.
Premium increases vary greatly depending on the type of violation and the state in which it occurs. For example, being caught for reckless driving in Hawaii could increase insurance rates for the driver up to 291%, while the same offense in Louisiana will only increase premiums by 29%. Even minor violations can be costly for policyholders. Following too closely or failing to signal can increase rates by 19% for some drivers.
Since insurers use driving infractions to determine an insured's potential risk, studies like this one can provide them with important information. Mike Berry, spokesman for the Insurance Information Institute concurs.
"Insurers base their rates on experience, so the violations that cause premiums to jump the most are the ones that, over the years, insurers have found are strong indicators that the driver is likely to have an accident in the future," says Barry. "Seen that way, this study makes a lot of sense."
The report also offers drivers specific ways to lower their insurance rates after they've been ticketed for a moving violation.
"Even though rates typically go up for several years after you receive a moving violation, there are ways drivers can save money," explains Laura Adams, senior analyst at insuranceQuotes. "Taking a defensive driving course to remove points from your record is a smart strategy. Many of these courses are offered online and can be completed in just a few hours."
So just what could a moving violation cost you? Here's a look at 3 violations and the states with the highest and lowest premium changes:
Driving while intoxicated has the greatest impact on a driver's insurance premium with an average increase of 94%. (Photo: iStock)
1. Driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence (DWI/DUI)
Highest premium increase: North Carolina – 334%.
Lowest premium increase: Maryland – 15%.
Reckless drivers in California can increase their insurance premiums by 190%. (Photo: iStock)
2. Reckless driving
Highest premium increase: Hawaii – 291%.
Lowest premium increase: Louisiana – 29%.
A violation for driving more than 30 mph over the speed limit can increase the average auto premium by almost 30%. (Photo: iStock)
3. Driving 31+ mph over the speed limit
Highest premium increase: Illinois – 99%.
Lowest premium increase: Missouri – 9%.
Driving without a license and not wearing a seatbelt result in the lowest increases nationally, 17% and 6% respectively.
InsuranceQuotes also has a calculator so drivers can see how 17 different moving violations in their state will affect their Auto premiums.
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