In most states, the motor vehicles department has a "point" system, which is used to track your driving record. Generally, each type of infraction (moving violations, parking tickets, at-fault accidents, driving under the influence, etc.) is assigned a certain point value. When you are found guilty of one of these infractions, the appropriate number of points is added to your driving record. The more points you have, the worse your record.

The Insurance Services Office (ISO), a statistical and actuarial reporting group for the insurance industry, publishes a manual used by insurers and agents that rates each vehicle based on its loss history — or its manufacturer's suggested retail price if the model is brand new. The ISO assigns each vehicle a number between 3 and 27 to represent the cost of comprehensive and collision coverage. Auto insurers can use the ISO's vehicle-numbering system to calculate the car's comprehensive and collision coverage costs. The higher the number, the more expensive the coverage will be.

You can get a car insurance quote here to determine how different violations and vehicles affect the rate you have to pay.