Traffic Violations can Drastically Increase Insurance Premiums

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Traffic Violations

Most drivers understand that violating traffic laws can result in citations from law enforcement, the consequences of which typically include monetary penalties and potential suspension of driving privileges. More serious offenses, such as driving under the influence, may even result in probation or prison sentences. What many may not consider, however, is that the conviction of a single traffic violation can be enough to significantly increase auto insurance rates, which can cost a driver thousands of dollars in additional premiums.

Online auto insurance marketplace insuranceQuotes.com recently released the results of study that looked at the impact moving violations can have on insurance rates across the country. The research calculated both national and state average increases for 17 of the most common traffic violations and in doing so, demonstrated the differences in auto insurance regulations among various states.

National Trends

As might be expected, a conviction of DUI led to the overall highest increases for insurance rates throughout the US, with a singe offense triggering hikes of 92 percent on average. Reckless driving violations contributed to increases of over 83 percent nationwide, while speeding resulted in rates jumping by nearly 30 percent. Of all the violations studied, failure to wear a seat belt caused the smallest increase in rates, averaging about 5.5 percent.

Speeding can be Expensive in Illinois

Rate increases related to traffic violations in Illinois were found to be among the highest in the county, with the state ranking in the top five for hikes related to DUI, reckless driving, and speeding. In fact, speeding violations in excess of 30 mph about the speed limit caused rate increases in Illinois of over 103 percent, which is by far the nation’s highest and more than triple the national average. DUI and reckless driving could also more than double an Illinois driver’s premium rates.

Find the Help You Need

While convictions or guilty pleas related to traffic violations can dramatically increase your insurance rates, they can also result in serious criminal penalties and the suspension of your driver’s license. If you have been arrested for suspicion of DUI or are facing any other type of traffic offense, you may have options available to you. Contact an experienced traffic violations attorney in DuPage County today. At Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C., we understand the law and are prepared to help with your defense.