Do Parking Tickets Affect Insurance Rates?

Moving and Non-Moving Violations: Will They Increase Your Insurance Rates?

Moving Violations

Insurance companies pay close attention to any moving violations on your driving record, including:

• Going over the speed limit

• Driving while under the influence

• Running a stop sign or red light

• Driving recklessly

Moving violations stay on your driving record in Illinois for 4 to 5 years. To make matters worse, having one of these violations on your record will increase your insurance rates an average of 20-30% for each incident.

A DUI conviction can hike your premiums up to 70% or more. The Secretary of State in Illinois will suspend your drivers license if you get 3 convictions within a year's time.

Non-Moving Violations

Do parking tickets affect insurance premiums for drivers? Moving violations, such as ignoring traffic laws or driving above the speed limit, often impact insurance costs.

However, a single parking ticket likely won't alter how much you pay for your current plan.

The laws around parking tickets make them a lesser offense than other traffic violations. If you return to your vehicle with a slip on the windshield, it's important to reassess your parking habits and be mindful of applicable parking rules.

Common parking tickets police officers issue refer to the following violations:

• Expired meter: Parking Tickets for an Expired meter in Chicago cost between $2 to $6.50 an hour and the minimum fine is $65. In LA, the minimum fine is a $68 ticket, while in New York City it will cost you $65. If you pay online before the 21-30 day mark, you'll avoid any extra penalties.

• Illegal parking: You think a no parking sign is just a suggestion? Well in Chicago you could be looking at $60-$100 fine, $73 in LA, and $115 in NYC. Fines for parking in front of a fire hydrant are$150 in NYC and $80 in Chicago. Repeat offenders in 12 months may have their car booted in just about every major city.

• Double parking: Fines for double parking vary a lot from city to city. Fines range from $115 in New York City, $68 in LA, and up to $200 in Chicago depending on which zone you're parked in. Commercial vehicles get fined even more. The good news is that tickets like this won't affect your insurance rates. Unpaid parking tickets can still get your car booted and you'll be paying a lot in late fees and penalties.

• Parking in handicap spots: Parking in a handicap spot will make your wallet a lot lighter afterwards. Fines for illegally parking in a handicap spot range from $250-$500 in Illinois, $450-$1,000 in California, and up to $1,000 in New York.

What Are the Consequences of Ignored Parking Infractions?

The relationship between parking violations and higher auto insurance premiums can be complex. Insurance experts generally look past non-moving violations like municipal parking tickets, even if you acquire multiple.

A traffic ticket becomes a problem for insurance agents when you fail to pay outstanding parking fines.

How do parking tickets affect insurance policies and costs?

Unpaid Parking Tickets Hurt Your Credit Score

Unpaid parking tickets get sent to collections 60-90 days after they've been issued. Once an unpaid ticket gets to the collections agency, you can expect to see that debt show up on your credit report on Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion.

Having a debt in collections on your credit report can lower your credit score by 50 to 100 points. If you live in a state where credit score is an insurance rating factor, your premiums can increase by 10-25%.

Unpaid Tickets May Invalidate Your Cars Registration

In Illinois, if you have unpaid parking tickets of over $1,000, the Secretary of State will suspend your registration. You won't be able to get your license plates renewed until you pay your parking tickets with the city.

Driving with suspended license plates is a Class A misdemeanor under 625 ILCS 5/3-708. The fines can reach up to $2,500 for driving on suspended plates.

Insurance companies like GEICO and Allstate can not renew your auto insurance policy if they find out about your cars suspended registration.

Five Ways You Can Keep Your Auto Insurance Premiums Low

Not only do parking tickets affect insurance expenses, but they can pose legal problems for drivers. Thankfully, you can take steps to avoid common parking tickets and enjoy affordable car insurance. Check out helpful tips below.

Note the Time Limits for Fine Payment

If you're struggling to pay off a parking bill in Chicago, you can take advantage of payment plans through the Department of Finance. They will let you pay off balances over $250 in installments over 3-12 months.

Just keep in mind that you'll need to pay online within 21 days to avoid a late fee of $20-$50. If you don't pay, your fines will double after 60 days.

Illinois municipalities have to give you a 30 day notice before booting your car under the Illinois Municipal Code.

Research Types of Insurance Coverage in Your Area

If you live in Chicago, you're going to be paying a lot more for auto insurance compared to other parts of Illinois. The auto insurance rates are higher in the city because of the higher rates of car theft and accidents.

Illinois law requires a minimum of 25/50/20 ($25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $20,000 property damage).

Different insurance carriers like Progressive, Hartford, and Bristol West are going to charge you different premiums for the same coverage.

Annual premiums can go from $1,200 to $3,500+ depending on your driving history and what kind of vehicle you're driving.

If you're driving an SUV or a luxury vehicle, you can expect to pay 10-20% more to insure it because its repair cost is much higher than a car.

Start Saving With Insurance Navy – Enroll in an Affordable Policy Today

So, do parking tickets affect insurance costs? They can, but saving money is possible.

You don't have to let a minor parking violation cause your insurance premium to skyrocket. As long as you pay all fines in a timely manner and drive safely, you won't have to worry about raised rates, suspended registration, and other avoidable consequences of unresolved parking tickets.

If you're looking for a policy that provides comprehensive coverage without breaking the bank, Insurance Navy is here to help. We have years of industry experience and work with customers throughout 25 different offices in Illinois.

Are you ready to speak with one of our specialists and find a policy that works for you? Receive a free online estimate or call 888-949-6289.