How traffic tickets may impact your auto insurance premiums

| June 7, 2010 2:00 PM

Have you gotten a ticket for careless driving, speeding or some other traffic violation recently? If so, the fine you have to pay isn't the only impact your minor law-breaking infraction is going to have on your life.

Tickets also may impact how much you'll have to pay the next time your auto insurance policy comes up for renewal. According to the website, www.carinsurance.com, speeding tickets and minor traffic accidents stay on your record for three years in most states, and they are public record.

Car insurance companies make it their business to search public records every quarter so they can make sure they are protecting their interests. If you've recently renewed your policy, it could take up to six months for the traffic tickets to catch up to you, but rest assured they will.

That's why it's so important not to lie about having gotten a ticket when asked about it while seeking car insurance quotes. Honesty really is the best policy, particularly since the impact of a ticket is typically pro-rated. The impact is most significant early on, but tapers off as the three year period moves on.

While there may not be anything you can do to erase the ticket, there are steps you can take to keep the points off your record.

1. If you don't think you deserved the ticket, one option you have is to take your case to court and convince the judge to dismiss the charges against you. If charges are dropped, be sure to let the insurance company know.

2. Sign up for driving school. You may be able to have the points removed from your record for certain types of moving violations if you successfully complete a driving school. You might also receive a possible reduction of the fine. Check with your state to find out what its rules are.

3. Hire an attorney who specializes in traffic violations to help you reduce your fine or improve your record. This person may have knowledge of programs you can enroll in to help you reduce the impact of the points on your license.

Courtesy of ARAcontent