Each insurance company has its own method of evaluating applicants, so having a single violation on your driving record may or may not raise the rates you pay for auto insurance.

Some states have laws governing when and why auto insurers can change policyholders' premiums; often, insurers are not allowed to raise your rates after just one speeding ticket or other citation such as making an illegal U-turn.

Different companies have different practices when it comes to raising premiums. Some companies will consider the severity of your violation and raise your rates accordingly; others will raise rates a specific amount per violation. With just one violation some companies will not raise rates but may take away a safe driver discount that you previous held for having a clean driving record.

If you want to find the specifics for your insurance company, their rates are filed with the state's department of insurance. You can request a copy of those rating factors and how they affect the companies' specific rates. Your insurance agent for your auto insurance provider should also be able to give you information on the company's rating system.

Read our article titled, What a Traffic Ticket can Truly Cost You for more information on this topic.