Auto insurance companies typically raise rates when you have an at-fault accident on your official driving record or list damage from collisions in your claim history. Do parking citations have a direct impact on premiums for drivers, too?
Insurance Navy provides auto coverage for experienced drivers in Illinois and makes it easy for you to enroll in a car insurance policy online. We’re here to answer the pressing question, “Do parking tickets affect insurance rates?”
Learn how insurers view parking violations and the potential consequences drivers may face in this informative guide.
Why Insurance Companies Care About Your Driving Record
Insuring your vehicle protects you from financial loss if the unthinkable happens. Say you’re involved in a devastating collision that leaves you injured and destroys your car. Depending on the terms of your policy, your insurance provider will cover the costs associated with:
- Treating injuries you sustain in an accident
- Repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle
- Litigating personal injury suits following an accident
Unsafe drivers who frequently make claims cost auto insurers, forcing them to re-evaluate rates for their clients. They’ll have less confidence in insuring those with reckless driving charges or exhibit behavior of dangerous driving. On the other hand, safe driving habits rarely result in drastic insurance rate increases.
If you want an affordable car insurance rate, make sure you maintain a clean driving record with no careless driving violations. Risky driving behavior may come with criminal consequences as well as increased insurance rates.
Moving and Non-Moving Violations: Will They Change Your Insurance Rates?
In general, you’re a careful driver. But if you find yourself receiving a ticket for improper behavior behind the wheel, is a premium increase inevitable?
Take a closer look at common traffic violations to be aware of and the risks they pose.
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
Major traffic convictions like these will remain on your driving record and impact any auto insurance quote you receive. Pay attention to nearby signs outlining the speed limit and always abide by it to avoid severe violations such as a license suspension.
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: If you pay to keep your vehicle in front of a meter but don’t move it within a specific time frame, parking officials may issue a colored parking ticket. Once you pay to park, keep track of time so you know when to move your vehicle to avoid a non-moving violation. Report any broken meters you come across and steer clear of them until they work properly.
- Illegal parking: Pay attention to nearby signs that indicate a no-parking zone. If you ignore these warnings and leave your car there, you’re in clear violation of local parking regulations. The laws around parking tickets remain clear, and although it’s a minor offense, you can incur additional fines from law enforcement.
- Double parking: Leaving your vehicle next to one that’s already by the curb will block traffic flow for other drivers and public transportation. Spending a few extra minutes driving around and searching for an open spot is a minor inconvenience compared to the kind of tickets that affect your clean driving record.
- Taking up accessible parking spots: Parking lots and garages have handicapped parking spaces as part of city parking ordinances. You should only use these spots if you have a valid handicap marker on display in your car. Police officers monitor businesses and garages for misuse of disabled parking and other forms of illegal parking.
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
In addition to a clean driving record, one of the most crucial factors insurance companies use for quoting drivers is their credit score. If you have unpaid traffic tickets after a certain period of time, debt collectors will target you for the outstanding fines. This could impact your credit rating and raise concerns for insurance companies.
Unpaid Tickets May Invalidate Your Vehicle Registration Documents
You have a grace period for paying fines after you break parking laws. If you fail to pay your tickets on time, the Department of Motor Vehicles can make your car’s registration invalid in their official system. Driving an unregistered vehicle often comes with additional penalties, therefore forcing your insurance provider to evaluate your risk profile.
Make sure you pay all associated fines to the appropriate parking revenue recovery services. This way, you’ll be able to keep your vehicle safe and legal to drive.
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.
1. Practice Safe Driving Habits
Nothing impacts your driving record or your insurance policy more than a criminal offense. Avoid risky driving behavior, like:
- Driving above the speed limit
- Swerving in and out of lanes
- Tailgating other vehicles
- Ignoring traffic lights or stop signs
- Using a cell phone while driving
- Driving while under the influence
These practices not only prevent your rates from skyrocketing but they keep you, other motorists, and pedestrians safe.
2. Follow Parking Signs and Laws
You won’t have to worry about parking infractions increasing your insurance premium as long as you maintain good, lawful parking habits. These include:
- Staying out of no-parking zones
- Paying meter fees
- Allowing for proper traffic flow
- Keeping accessible spots available for handicapped individuals
3. Note the Time Limits for Fine Payment
If you do receive a non-moving violation, make sure you pay the fine to the parking ticket collection department within the Department of Motor Vehicles. Contact authorities to discuss an alternate payment plan if necessary. Don’t let unpaid fines extend beyond the renewal period deadline, as this may hurt your credit score.
4. Only File an Insurance Claim When Necessary
Experienced agents perform a risk assessment so they can make confident car insurance decisions and provide accurate quotes to customers. Repeated claims cause insurers to believe you exhibit risky driving behavior and may result in them raising your rate.
5. Research Types of Insurance Coverage in Your Area
Not only do parking tickets affect insurance policy premiums but the following factors influence how much you’ll pay for coverage:
- Your city and state: Insurers provide different rates based on state guidelines.
- The type of vehicle you drive: Some vehicles, such as SUVs or luxury cars, may cost more to insure.
- Age and experience of insured drivers: Older drivers may save on their policy while new drivers, such as teenagers, often come with greater insurance risks.
- Scope of coverage: Review your policy to see how much coverage you’ll receive if an accident occurs.
To make informed decisions and find the best rate near you, research policies from various providers. Connect with an agent who can walk you through the enrollment process and explain whether your rates will change in the future.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions regarding the connection between parking tickets and insurance rates.
Can You Reverse a Parking Citation?
Yes, municipalities can dismiss unwarranted parking citations, such as those issued because of a broken parking meter or an obstructed no-parking sign. Send a copy of the ticket along with your contact information and the appropriate evidence to local officials.
Do Insurance Companies Need To Know About My Past Parking Tickets?
No, insurance providers only need to know about moving violations on your driving record, such as speeding tickets or charges of reckless driving. Disclosing your parking violations is not necessary when receiving an auto insurance quote.
Do Parking Tickets Affect Insurance Policies Based on My Credit History?
No, parking infractions won’t impact credit-based insurance scores as long as you pay the fine.
