Traffic Tickets & Insurance Rates in New York

Can Traffic Tickets Affect Insurance Rates?

When you receive a ticket for a traffic violation, fines and points are not the only things you have to worry about. In certain situations, a serious traffic violation may even affect your insurance rate, causing it to rise to a higher monthly payment. If you have been issued a traffic ticket for any kind of violation, don't hesitate to learn what consequences a ticket may incur and hire a New York traffic ticket attorney to fight on your behalf.

Insurance Rates in New York State

Under New York Insurance Law §2335, insurance companies cannot raise your rates for most minor traffic violations. However, certain infractions can result in premium increases, including:

If your insurance rates have been raised for a violation not covered under these criteria, consult a NYC traffic attorney to protect your rights.

Do Speeding Tickets Impact Insurance?

Yes, speeding tickets often lead to higher insurance premiums, with increases ranging from 10% to 30% for a single ticket. Factors such as the severity of the violation, your driving history, and your insurer’s policies influence the increase. Serious infractions, like speeding in a school zone or exceeding the limit by over 15 m.p.h., can cause more significant hikes or even policy cancellation. Maintaining a clean driving record is key to avoiding these penalties.

Do Parking or Non-Moving Violations Affect Insurance?

No, parking tickets and other non-moving violations, such as expired registration or equipment issues (e.g., broken taillights), do not affect insurance rates. These infractions are not indicators of unsafe driving behavior and are not factored into your insurance risk profile.

Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB)

In New York City, the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) handles tickets differently from local courts. Plea bargains are not allowed, so you must either plead guilty or contest the ticket in a formal hearing. Hiring an experienced traffic ticket attorney is critical when dealing with the TVB to maximize your chances of success.

Insurance Company Variations

Insurance companies assess risk differently. While some insurers may forgive a single minor violation, others penalize even small infractions more harshly. Consult your insurer to understand their specific policies and how violations may affect your premiums.

Mitigating Insurance Increases in New York

To minimize the impact of a traffic ticket on your insurance:

1. Defensive Driving Courses: These can reduce up to 4 points on your record and may lower your insurance rates.
2. Fight the Ticket: Hiring a skilled attorney can help you negotiate for a reduction or dismissal of the violation.
3. Monitor Your Driving Record: Ensure old violations are removed after the applicable timeframe (typically 3-5 years for insurance purposes).

Impact of Out-of-State Violations

New York participates in the Driver License Compact (DLC), meaning traffic violations from other states can appear on your driving record. While New York may not assign points for all out-of-state violations, insurance companies often factor these infractions into their risk assessments, which could result in higher premiums, especially for serious offenses like reckless driving or speeding.

Hire a New York Traffic Ticket Attorney

A skilled lawyer could fight to have your violation reduced or dismissed and prevent you from being so harshly penalized. Higher insurance rates could cause severe damage to your financial health, so be sure to consult with a traffic ticket attorney immediately if you are facing charges. Call Gannes & Musico, LLP for a free initial consultation!

24/7 New York Traffic Ticket Defense - Contact Us Now!

For over 30 years, our firm has been fighting traffic tickets and helping New York residents avoid unnecessary punishment. Should you attempt to go to court without an experienced traffic ticket lawyer on your side, you could very well lose your case and be faced with a fine, points on your record, and a higher insurance rate, which in turn could result in financial stress and hardship. Don’t let this happen to you!

Each attorney with Gannes & Musico, LLP has handled thousands of traffic violation cases and could provide you with the vigorous defense that you need to have your charges dropped. Attorney Margo Gannes has extensive experience with the Traffic Violations Bureau, and Attorney Musico's tireless service and ethics have set him apart as one of the top traffic trial attorneys in the state.

Find out how we could help you! Submit our online contact form or call (877) 803-2603 for a free consultation.