Car Insurance Increases After a Ticket For Reckless Driving: Driving aggressively and receiving a reckless driving ticket can significantly increase your auto insurance rates. However, the extent of this increase varies based on several factors, including your location and your overall driving record.
When it comes to car insurance, many factors influence the premiums you pay. One of the most significant is your driving record. Among the various infractions that can impact your insurance rates, a ticket for reckless driving stands out as particularly severe. In this article, we’ll explore why a reckless driving ticket causes car insurance increases and what steps you can take to mitigate the impact on your premiums.
What is Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property. This can include excessive speeding, aggressive driving, running red lights, and other dangerous behaviours. Because of the high risk associated with reckless driving, it is considered a major traffic violation in most jurisdictions.
How Does a Reckless Driving Ticket Affect Car Insurance?
- Increased Risk Perception: Insurance companies view reckless driving as a strong indicator of high-risk behaviour. A driver with a reckless driving ticket is more likely to be involved in accidents, which increases the likelihood of the insurer having to pay out claims. This increased risk perception leads insurers to raise premiums significantly.
- Higher Premiums: On average, a reckless driving ticket can cause your insurance premiums to increase by 22-30%. The exact amount varies based on factors such as your previous driving record, the specifics of the offence, and the insurance company’s policies.
- Possible Policy Non-Renewal: In some cases, insurers may choose not to renew your policy after a reckless driving conviction. This can leave you scrambling to find new coverage, often at much higher rates.
Car Insurance Increases After a Ticket For Reckless Driving
When it comes to car insurance, a reckless driving conviction can lead to significant premium increases. We analyzed rates from major auto insurance companies to determine how they handle premiums for drivers with reckless driving tickets. Here’s what we found:
USAA offers the most affordable average annual premium for drivers with a reckless driving conviction despite an average rate increase of 47%. However, USAA insurance is only available to military members, veterans, and their families, limiting its accessibility to the general public.
Erie Insurance provides the second-lowest average annual premium for those with a reckless driving ticket, with an average rate increase of just 19%. This makes Erie an attractive option for non-military drivers seeking lower premiums after a violation.
Our analysis showed that the average rate increases for a reckless driving conviction varied widely among insurance companies, ranging from as low as 19% to as high as 115%. On average, drivers with reckless driving tickets saw a 61% increase in their premiums across all the companies we reviewed. This analysis is based on Forbes’s analysis.
| Company | Average Annual Rate for A Good Driver | Average Annual Rate After A Reckless Driving Ticket | Average Rate Increase After A Reckless Driving Ticket |
| USAA | $1,141 | $1,679 | 47% |
| Travelers | $1,533 | $2,275 | 48% |
| Nationwide | $1,154 | $2,274 | 97% |
| State Farm | $1,486 | $1,939 | 31% |
| Erie | $1,499 | $1,782 | 19% |
| Progressive | $1,863 | $2,635 | 41% |
| American Family | $1,711 | $2,683 | 57% |
| Auto-Owners | $1,632 | $3,115 | 91% |
| Geico | $1,277 | $2,574 | 101% |
What Happens if You’re Convicted of Reckless Driving?
A conviction for reckless driving carries serious consequences that extend beyond typical traffic violations. Penalties for reckless driving can include hefty fines, points on your license, license suspension, and even jail time. The severity of these penalties varies by state and typically increases with repeat offences.
Unlike a speeding ticket, reckless driving is a criminal charge, meaning it will appear on your criminal record and show up on background checks. This can impact various aspects of your life, including employment opportunities, as many employers require disclosure of criminal convictions.
Furthermore, a reckless driving conviction can complicate military enlistment, potentially requiring a waiver. Renewing or obtaining security clearances can also become more challenging with such a conviction. Additionally, for those seeking immigration benefits, such as a green card, a reckless driving charge can pose significant hurdles.
The long-term impacts of a reckless driving conviction underscore the importance of driving safely and adhering to traffic laws to avoid such serious repercussions. If facing a reckless driving charge, seeking legal counsel is advisable to navigate the legal system and mitigate the impact on your life.
Read Also: How a Speeding Ticket Affects Your Insurance
Steps to Take After Receiving a Reckless Driving Ticket
- Attend Traffic School: In some states, attending a defensive driving or traffic school can help reduce the points on your license or even dismiss the ticket entirely. This can, in turn, help keep your insurance rates from skyrocketing.
- Shop Around for Insurance: Not all insurance companies penalize drivers equally for reckless driving. It pays to compare rates from different insurers to find one that offers more favourable terms for drivers with tickets.
- Improve Your Driving Record: Demonstrating a commitment to safe driving can gradually reduce your premiums over time. Avoid further traffic violations and consider taking advanced driving courses to show your insurer that you are serious about improving your driving habits.
- Consider Usage-Based Insurance: Some insurance companies offer usage-based or pay-as-you-drive policies. These programs monitor your driving habits through a telematics device and can offer lower rates to drivers who demonstrate safe driving behaviours, even if they have past infractions.
Long-Term Impact of Car Insurance Increases After a Ticket For Reckless Driving
The impact of a reckless driving ticket on your car insurance premiums is not permanent. Typically, such violations affect your rates for 3-5 years. During this period, maintaining a clean driving record and taking steps to improve your driving skills can help reduce the long-term financial burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reckless driving affect insurance?
Reckless driving typically affects insurance rates for about three to five years, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense.
How much does reckless driving increase insurance?
Reckless driving can cause insurance rates to increase substantially, often doubling or more, depending on the insurer and location.
What is a Reckless driving insurance cost? Car Insurance Increases After a Ticket For Reckless Driving
The cost of insurance after a reckless driving ticket varies but generally results in significant premium increases.
How long does reckless driving affect insurance in Georgia?
In Georgia, reckless driving can impact insurance rates for about three to five years, depending on the insurer’s policies.
Can one DUI ticket raise your auto insurance rate by nearly?
A DUI ticket can raise auto insurance rates by nearly doubling or more, depending on the insurer and location.
Does insurance cover reckless driving? Car insurance typically covers damage from reckless driving, but your rates will likely increase after a reckless driving ticket.
How long does reckless driving affect insurance in Virginia?
Reckless driving can affect insurance rates in Virginia for about three to five years, depending on the insurer’s guidelines.
How long do traffic tickets affect insurance in California?
Traffic tickets generally impact insurance rates in California for about three years, depending on the offence and insurer.
How much is a careless driving ticket in Florida?
The cost of a careless driving ticket in Florida varies but can range from around $100 to over $500, depending on the circumstances.
Does a cell phone ticket affect insurance in California?
Yes, a cell phone ticket in California can increase insurance rates, reflecting the increased risk of distracted driving.
