Traffic violations in New York can have a significant and lasting impact beyond immediate monetary fines and penalties, particularly on your car insurance rates. Increased auto premiums can make your daily commute considerably more expensive. It’s essential to understand how various infractions affect your insurance and the long-term financial consequences. Please continue reading as we explore the complex relationship between New York’s traffic laws and car insurance, emphasizing the importance of consulting our experienced Hauppauge Traffic Ticket Lawyers to protect both your driving record and your financial stability. 

Can Traffic Violations Affect My Car Insurance Rates in NY?

A traffic violation may seem minor, but its effects can be significant. When a violation impacts your car insurance rates, it’s typically due to several factors:

  • Risk Assessment: When you are searching for an auto insurance provider, insurers will evaluate your driving record to determine your risk profile. A history of traffic violations suggests a higher likelihood of future claims, which translates to increased premiums.
  • Severity of Violation: The nature of the offense plays a significant role. Severe violations such as DWIs, hit-and-runs, or reckless driving, will lead to the most substantial rate increases, potentially even policy cancellation. For instance, a DWI can cause rates to rise by over 80%-100%. Minor infractions, like a slight speeding ticket or a stop sign violation, generally have a less serious impact. For instance, a minor speeding ticket can result in a 10-30% increase.
  • Frequency of Violations: Accumulating multiple violations within a short timeframe is a major concern for insurance companies. Two or more tickets within three years will likely result in a considerable rate hike, whereas a single ticket might have a lesser effect.

The influence of a violation on your car insurance rates can last for several years, though its effect usually lessens over time. Most tickets in New York are removed from your driving record after approximately three to five years, at which point your premiums may normalize. Additionally, a rate increase is usually triggered by a conviction. This means if you can get a ticket reduced to a non-moving violation, you might be able to avoid an increase in your insurance rates.

Should I Hire a Lawyer?

Hiring a lawyer at Castro & Trodden, LLC, to handle traffic violations can be a strategic way to safeguard your car insurance rates. Unfortunately, even minor infractions, if they appear on your driving record, can lead to significant increases in your auto premiums. A dedicated traffic ticket lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges, get them dismissed, or find alternative resolutions to keep points off your license.

By preventing these violations from impacting your driving record, you can potentially protect your wallet, making your lawyer’s fee a worthwhile investment in maintaining affordable insurance coverage. At Castro & Trodden, we are prepared to gather evidence and build a successful defense case. Connect with our firm today to schedule a confidential consultation.