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- A traffic ticket may not increase your insurance premium immediately. Insurers typically review your driving history at renewal so that the financial impact may appear months after the violation.
- A single ticket can affect your premium in more than one way. Besides increasing your insurance rate, it could also cause you to lose a good-driver discount, which would add to your overall cost.
- Comparing quotes from multiple insurers after receiving a ticket can help you find a more affordable policy.
Tickets usually stay on your driving record for three, five, seven or 10 years, though the exact time depends on your state and the offense. Minor violations often clear in three to five years, while serious offenses, such as driving under the influence (DUI), stay on your record for longer. Some states keep it on your driver’s history permanently. And DUI car insurance rates are among the highest of any moving violation.
Your driving record directly impacts your car insurance rates. A history of tickets or other violations indicates that you are a greater risk to an insurance company.
“It varies by company how violations affect your insurance rates and for how long,” says Carole Walker, the executive director of Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association.
The more checkered your driving history, the more you will pay. Keep reading to find out more.
How long will an offense stay on my driving record?
How long a ticket stays on your record depends on your state, but most fall within a three- to 10-year range, with a few offenses sticking around for life.
For example, most moving and non-moving violations in Florida remain on your record for three to five years. Severe offenses can stay on your record for 10, 15 or more years.
Meanwhile, in Virginia, tickets can usually stay on your driving record for three to 11 years.
A few offenses, such as driving a commercial motor vehicle while under the influence, remain on your record for life.
Wondering how long a violation will remain on your record in your state? Walker suggests checking with your state motor vehicle department.
“Most have good resources on their website that provide information on traffic violations, how they can affect your driving record and options for recourse,” she says.
Options for recourse might include processes for protesting a ticket or actions you can take to improve your driving record, such as enrolling in a defensive driving course.
What’s the difference between a surcharge and a rate hike?
A surcharge and a rate hike aren’t the same thing. A surcharge is a temporary penalty tied to a single violation, while a rate hike is a broader premium increase that can stem from several factors, including your age or where you live.
Insurance premium surcharges are fees charged to your policy for driving behavior that makes you a higher risk to insure. You might receive a surcharge if you have a history of:
- At-fault crashes
- Speeding tickets
- Reckless driving
“These surcharges will generally drop off (your policy) after a period of time if you are accident-free (and) have no moving-violation tickets,” Walker says.
The key to moving beyond a surcharge is demonstrating that you have improved your driving habits. Doing so will “put you in a better driver-risk category,” Walker says.
But a surcharge is not the same as a rate hike.
“A rate hike is an increased premium on your policy for a variety of reasons — some outside your control,” Walker says. For example, you might be charged more based on your age or where you live.
A few items within your control can lead to a rate hike, such as the type of car you drive. Some vehicles are more expensive to insure than others.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check my driving record?
To check your comprehensive driver’s history, order a complete record from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or its equivalent. You typically must provide a valid license number, birth date and name.
If you find an error on the record, you must contact the driver’s license division, usually the DMV, for your state. States keep motor vehicle records on all drivers. You do not need to be licensed to have a motor vehicle record started.
What should I do if I receive a surcharge on my policy?
If your insurance premium increases or you notice a surcharge on your premium notice, contact your insurer and ask about it.
“Most states have disclosure requirements that dictate how and when your insurance company must inform you about any adverse changes to your premiums,” Walker says.
Insurance companies typically look back at your record for three to five years, depending on what the state insurance regulatory body allows and an insurance company’s guidelines.
In some states, however, laws limit how far back the insurance company can look when determining rates, even if the violation remains on your driving record for an extended period.
Does a ticket affect my insurance the whole time it’s on my record?
No. A ticket can stay on your driving record longer than it affects your car insurance rates. Most insurers review the past three to five years of your driving history when calculating premiums, although serious violations may affect rates for longer.
For example, a speeding ticket might remain on your driving record for five years, but your insurer may stop factoring it into your premium after three years. The exact timeline depends on your state, the violation and your insurance company.
Can I get a ticket removed from my driving record early?
In some cases, yes. Depending on your state’s rules, you may be able to contest a ticket, qualify for a dismissal or complete an approved traffic school program to keep a violation.
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The bottom line
Most tickets are removed from your record after three to five years, but it’s best to check with your state DMV to be sure. If you keep your record clean during that time, you’ll have a better chance at getting the best rates and discounts.
You can improve your driving record in some states by taking traffic school or a driver improvement class. Your DMV can inform you whether such programs are available in your state.
“It is always a good idea to periodically discuss your insurance policy and how it works with your own insurance professional,” Walker says. “Doing so can help you learn more about your insurance premium and any potential discounts that may be available.”
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