Tickets and Auto Insurance Rates

When shopping for auto insurance, you'll be asked if you've had any traffic tickets in the past three years. If the answer is 'yes,' you'll likely be subject to higher auto insurance rates.

But don't worry—if you have tickets, shopping around and comparing insurance rates is an easy way to save money on auto insurance.

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Tickets on Your Driving Record? You Can Still Save on Auto Insurance

If you have a traffic ticket on your driving record, you might think you're stuck paying high auto insurance rates. Wrong! Taking time to compare rates from several auto insurance companies could uncover a world of savings.

Even with multiple tickets on your driving record, you can still find an auto insurance rate that's affordable. There are a number of companies that specialize in insuring imperfect drivers at reasonable prices. But savings aren't going to come knocking at your door—logging on to InsuranceRates.com to shop and compare auto insurance rates is a great way to start saving money.

A Ticket's Lasting Effect on Auto Insurance

In most states traffic tickets remain on your driving record for three years. Some states keep tickets as long as five years. Generally, auto insurance companies only check driving records when you first apply for a policy. Because of this, many drivers continue to pay high auto insurance rates even after traffic tickets come off their driving record.

It's up to you to shop around and make sure you're getting the best price on your auto insurance policy.

Traffic School Can Dismiss a Ticket

Depending on the nature of your violation, a number of states allow drivers to attend traffic school to dismiss a ticket. If given the opportunity, take it—traffic school can wipe the slate clean and help you find a lower-cost auto insurance rate.

Insurance companies look at drivers this way: if you have tickets, you're probably a risky driver, and risky drivers pay higher auto insurance rates. However, the same auto insurance policy can vary by hundreds of dollars from company to company, so comparing multiple auto insurance companies could land you a similar policy for a lower rate.

Regardless of your driving record, making a habit of comparing auto insurance rates at InsuranceRates.com every so often could save you a ton of money.