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5 common traffic violations and how they affect your car insurance
Yahoo Financeยท 2025-11-05 17:46
Core Insights - Traffic violations significantly impact car insurance rates, with various infractions leading to different levels of rate increases Summary by Category Speeding - Speeding is the most common traffic violation in the U.S., contributing to 29% of traffic fatalities in 2023. A speeding ticket can increase insurance costs by 20% to 50% depending on various factors, including whether the driver has first-time ticket forgiveness [2][3] Running a Red Light - Red-light violations are prevalent, especially due to automated cameras. Insurance rates can increase by 20% to 25% for running a red light, with variations based on the ticketing method and state laws [4][5] Driving Under the Influence (DUI) - DUI convictions are among the most severe driving offenses, with nearly 650,000 arrests reported in the year leading up to October 15, 2025. Insurance rates can rise by 30% to over 100% following a DUI conviction [6][7] At-Fault Accidents - Over 2 million people are injured in traffic accidents annually, with property damage costs exceeding $140 billion. Insurance rates typically increase by an average of 55% after an at-fault accident, with the duration of record retention varying by state [8] Parking Tickets - Parking tickets are classified as nonmoving violations and generally do not affect insurance rates. However, unpaid parking tickets can impact credit ratings, which may indirectly lead to increased insurance costs [9] Clean Driving Record - A clean driving record without moving violations or accidents allows drivers to qualify for the lowest auto insurance rates, with average monthly costs ranging from $130 to $193 for good drivers [10] Insurance Pricing Factors - Insurance companies consider multiple factors when setting rates, including age, vehicle type, and location, which can lead to significant variations in insurance costs for different drivers [10][11]