Do traffic violations increase my car insurance. There is a range of consequences when you are convicted of a traffic violation. You can expect to pay fines and potentially serve community service. If your violation also involved an accident, you could be subject to a personal injury lawsuit. What’s more, your auto insurance premiums could also go up after a traffic violation.
In addition to rising insurance rates, you could also face the cancelation of your policy or a notice from your insurer that they will not renew your policy due to the traffic violation on your record. If you are concerned about your rights, reach out to an attorney to discuss whether traffic violations cause your auto insurance to go up.
TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS AND INSURANCE POLICIES
In Georgia, drivers accumulate so-called “license points” each time they commit some form of moving violation. Not all violations are made the same. For example, driving while under the influence carries far more weight than a conviction for failure to yield.
Insurance companies nationwide have their own system of points. While they mirror the points handed out by state driver’s license agencies, insurance points are internal records that are not connected to a driver’s record. Insurance companies use these points to determine what action to take on a specific policy.
The good news is that many drivers will not see an increase in the monthly premium bill until it is time to renew the policy. This can give drivers time to make other arrangements with different carriers if need be. However, in serious cases, the insurance companies could inform a driver that their policy is canceled immediately.
HOW LONG TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS IMPACT INSURANCE PREMIUMS
Most moving violations will not remain on a driver’s record forever. As these convictions begin to roll off a person’s record, the possibility of lowering premiums increases. However, the amount of time necessary for these roll-offs to occur varies from state to state and insurance carrier to insurance carrier.
In Georgia, driver’s license points begin to roll off of a motorist’s record after two years. However, there are some important exceptions to be aware of. For example, the record of a DWI conviction will never be entirely removed. This could mean a driver faces an elevated insurance premium for years to come following a conviction.
Insurance companies keep their own records, and they are not bound by the limits under state law. Insurance companies could hold the record of a speeding ticket or car accident against a driver for years.
DEALING WITH OUT-OF-STATE TICKETS
For residents of Georgia, citations that occur outside of state lines can have the same effect. Georgia has reciprocal agreements with other states, meaning that traffic convictions will not stay hidden for long.
Insurance companies are likewise not constrained by state law. Insurers do not care where a traffic violation occurred, only the nature of the violation.
DISCUSS HOW TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS IMPACT YOUR RIGHTS WITH AN ATTORNEY
A traffic violation can heap a number of problems in your life. In addition to the cost of paying the ticket, you could also face a notable financial strain, thanks to increasing insurance rates.
If you are ready to discuss your legal rights, an attorney is ready to help. Call right away to discuss how an attorney could help you after a serious accident.
