Traffic violations almost always lead to higher car insurance premiums. Even a minor ticket can increase your rates, while serious offenses—like DUIs or hit-and-runs—can double them. In Illinois, multiple violations may also trigger license suspensions and require high-risk insurance filings like an SR-22. The bottom line: safer driving keeps your costs low.
If you’ve had a recent ticket and need affordable insurance options, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 today.
Why Do Traffic Violations Raise Insurance Rates?
Traffic tickets raise red flags for insurance companies. A violation means you’re more likely to be involved in an accident or file a claim, so insurers raise your premium to offset the increased risk. Even if the violation doesn’t result in driver’s license points, it can still impact your insurance.
Insurers consider:
- Type of violation
- Your past driving history
- How many violations you’ve had
- Their internal rating policies
Some companies offer forgiveness for a single minor ticket, but multiple infractions or a serious offense will almost always lead to a rate hike.
Which Violations Affect Insurance the Most?
Here’s a breakdown of violations by severity and their typical impact on your insurance rates:
Major Violations (High Impact)
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence): Can raise premiums by 80–90%
- Hit-and-Run: Can nearly double your rates
- Reckless Driving: Often leads to rate increases over 80%
- Street Racing: Extremely high risk and costly to insure
Moderate Violations (Moderate Impact)
- Speeding 20+ MPH Over the Limit: About $648 per year more
- At-Fault Accidents: May increase rates by 20%–50%
- Multiple Minor Violations: Can lead to “frequent violator” status
Minor Violations (Low Impact)
- Speeding <10 MPH Over Limit
- Rolling Stop or Failure to Signal
These may have little to no effect on rates—especially if it’s your first violation.
How Long Do Traffic Violations Affect Insurance?
Most violations affect your premiums for 3 to 5 years, depending on severity.
- Minor violations: Typically influence rates for 3 years
- Major violations (e.g., DUI): Can impact rates for 5 years or longer
- Accidents: Stay on your record for 3–5 years
In Illinois, traffic offenses can stay on your motor vehicle record for up to 5 years. This means your insurance company may use those violations when setting your rate, even if the ticket seems old.
Will One Ticket Increase My Insurance?
If you have a clean driving history and get a single minor ticket, your rate may not go up much—or at all. Some insurers offer “first-ticket forgiveness.” However, a serious violation or multiple tickets in a short span will likely cause a noticeable increase.
Factors that influence the impact of one ticket:
- Severity of the violation
- Your prior driving record
- Your insurer’s forgiveness policies
Even if the first ticket doesn’t result in a rate hike, a second violation soon after likely will.
How Can You Lower Your Rates After a Violation?
Here are some ways to reduce your premium after a ticket or accident:
- Shop Around: Different insurers weigh violations differently. Compare quotes to find better options.
- Complete a Defensive Driving Course: Some insurers offer discounts for this, especially after a ticket.
- Check for Other Discounts: Bundle policies, maintain good credit, or install a telematics device.
- Adjust Your Coverage: If your vehicle is older, consider liability-only coverage.
- Wait It Out: Drive safely, and your violation will eventually age off your record (usually after 3–5 years).
- Try Usage-Based Insurance: Some programs offer savings for proving you’re a safe driver over time.
What About SR-22 Requirements?
In Illinois, if you receive a major violation—like DUI, reckless driving, or driving uninsured—you may need to file an SR-22. This is not a type of insurance, but a certification that proves you carry the state’s minimum required coverage.
SR-22 requirements typically last for 3 years. Insurers may charge more to maintain an SR-22 policy because you’re considered a high-risk driver. Insure on the Spot specializes in affordable SR-22 insurance for Illinois drivers—call us if you need help getting back on the road legally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do speeding tickets always increase my insurance?
A: Not always. A first-time, minor speeding ticket may have little effect. But repeated violations or major speeding offenses will likely raise your premium.
Q: How long will a traffic ticket affect my rates?
A: Minor tickets typically affect your insurance for 3 years. Serious violations like DUIs can last 5 years or more.
Q: Do out-of-state tickets count?
A: Yes. Most states share traffic violation data, so an out-of-state ticket can show up on your Illinois driving record and impact your rate.
Q: Do parking tickets or red-light camera tickets raise insurance?
A: No. Parking tickets don’t affect your rates. In Illinois, most camera tickets are treated like civil violations and don’t impact insurance.
Q: What is an SR-22, and when is it required?
A: An SR-22 is a state-required certificate proving you have insurance after serious violations like DUI or multiple offenses. It’s usually required for 3 years.
Get a Quote Today—even with a Violation on Your Record
Traffic tickets happen—but they don’t have to wreck your finances. If you’ve had a violation and your insurance has gone up, Insure on the Spot can help. We offer affordable coverage, including SR-22 filings, to keep you legally protected. Call 773-202-5060 for a free quote today and let us help you find the lowest possible rate for your situation.