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- You may not see an instant increase after a ticket, but insurers typically adjust your premium when your policy is up for renewal.
- A texting ticket that leads to an accident can result in much higher insurance increases compared to a single offense.
- A texting ticket can affect your insurance rates for three to five years, though its impact decreases over time if you maintain a clean driving record afterward.
Texting while driving significantly increases the risk of a crash, so insurance companies treat it as a serious violation. A citation for this behavior signals risky driving habits to insurers and thus can lead to higher insurance premiums. Learn the reasons behind these rate hikes, how insurers assess risk and what drivers can do to avoid a texting ticket.
Why does a texting while driving ticket raise your rates
A texting while driving ticket raises your car insurance rates because it signals to your insurance company that you’re taking risks behind the wheel. Insurance companies look at your driving record to determine how likely you are to get into an accident. So, if you’re caught texting while driving, it tells them you might not be paying full attention on the road, and distracted driving is one of the top causes of crashes.
From the insurer’s point of view, that makes you a higher risk to insure. To cover that extra risk, they often raise your premium. Even one ticket can noticeably impact how much you pay for car insurance.
How long will a texting while driving ticket affect my insurance?
A texting while driving ticket can affect car insurance rates for three to five years, depending on where you live and your insurance company’s policies. Most insurers check your driving record when it’s time to renew your policy, and a violation like this might impact your insurance premiums.
The good news is that your rates can decrease if you keep a clean driving record after that and avoid additional tickets or accidents. Some insurance companies might even offer discounts for safe driving over time, so it’s worth being careful and staying focused behind the wheel.
Sophie’s wise words
To bring your insurance rates back down, maintain a clean driving record and work toward qualifying for safe driving discounts. While the violation may affect your rates for three to five years, consistently demonstrating safe driving is the most effective way to rebuild your risk profile and lower your premiums.
Is a texting ticket considered a major violation?
A texting ticket is not considered a major violation, but it can still have consequences.
In most states, texting while driving is classified as a traffic infraction or a minor violation, especially for a first offense. However, the impact can vary depending on state laws, repeat offenses and the circumstances around the violation.
If texting while driving leads to an accident or injury, it may be treated as a major violation or even considered reckless driving. Even without an accident, a texting ticket can result in fines, license points and higher insurance premiums.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Texting tickets
When will my insurance company find out about a texting ticket?
Most car insurance companies will find out about your texting ticket when it is time to renew your policy. Insurers routinely pull your driving record during the renewal process to reassess your risk profile. If the distracted driving violation appears on your driving history, your premium will likely increase for your upcoming policy term.
Can I lower my car insurance rates after a texting ticket?
Yes, your car insurance rates can decrease over time if you maintain a completely clean driving record after receiving the texting ticket. By avoiding additional traffic citations and accidents, your risk profile will gradually improve.
Why is a single texting ticket enough to raise my premium?
Even a single texting ticket can raise your premium, since distracted driving is one of the causes of car crashes. From an insurance company’s point of view, a citation proves you are taking your attention off the road, making you a significantly higher risk to insure.
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