The Impact of Traffic Violations on Auto Insurance Premiums in Georgia

In Georgia, as in many states, maintaining a clean driving record is a crucial factor in limiting your auto insurance premiums. Traffic violations are categorized based on their severity and impact on road safety. Here’s how various types of infractions can influence your auto insurance premiums in Georgia:

• Speeding tickets—Minor speeding violations, such as going less than 10 mph over the limit, may result in only a modest increase in premiums and may not even impact them at all. However, if you accumulate multiple tickets, the impact on your rates can become more pronounced.

• Red light and speed camera tickets—In many areas of the country, automated enforcement citations are civil or administrative violations that do not directly affect your car insurance rates. However, if the tickets are unpaid, they may go to collections, which could hurt your credit and affect your car insurance rates if insurers use your credit scores to help determine risk. In general, drivers with lower credit scores pay more for auto insurance than those with better scores.

• Parking violations—Parking tickets don’t typically directly impact your car insurance premiums, but if unpaid parking violations end up in collections, they can affect your credit score, which insurers may use to help calculate your risk profile.

• Reckless driving—This serious infraction involves driving with a willful disregard for safety and can lead to a substantial increase in insurance premiums. Reckless driving suggests a higher risk, prompting insurers to raise rates accordingly.

• DUI/DWI—Driving under the influence is one of the most severe violations. A DUI conviction not only leads to a significant spike in insurance premiums but can also result in difficulty obtaining coverage from some insurers. Given the heightened risk associated with such offenses, the long term impact on rates can be considerable.

• At-fault accidents—Being at fault in an accident can lead to higher insurance premiums. Insurers view at-fault accidents as an indication of higher risk, which can result in increased rates. The severity of the accident and the resulting damage can influence premium increases.

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This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.