Even the best of us end up with a traffic ticket at some point. Whether we were going a little too fast, or didn’t stop completely at the stop sign, there are a full range of violations which range from not-so-serious to outright dangerous.
Like most states, Florida assigns a point system to each traffic ticket or infraction, indicating the level of seriousness. The amount of time which those points remain on your license record can differ depending on the circumstances.
An auto insurance premium is determined based on risk assessment – the more risk the insurance company perceives based on past behavior, the more that driver is likely to pay for coverage.
Therefore your number of points – and how long they stay on your record – is important to your own bottom line.
Did You Know? According to an industry study, insurance rates increase on average about 79 percent for a DUI and about 73 percent for reckless driving. Speeding and failure to stop, on the other hand, will raise your rates about 20 percent.
How Long Do I Have to Wait Before My Rates Come Down?
- In Florida, most points will come off your license within 3-5 years, although some of the more serious traffic ticket infractions may remain on your record for up to 10 years.
- Generally speaking, if 12 points are added to a driving record within a one year period, the driver will lose their license for 30 days. If 18 points are added within 18 months, the driver loses driving privileges for 90 days, and if a total of 24 points are accumulated within a three year period, the license will be suspended for one year.
When determining coverage and premiums, most insurance companies will refer to the driving record for the last 5 years. If the points came off 6 years ago, they will not see these on the MVR (Motor Vehicle Report) and it will not affect the cost of insurance.
Which Traffic Infractions Add Points to My Florida License?
Any citable offense will add points to your license, and thus affect your insurance rates. Although it may not appear immediately, your insurance company will most likely reflect the higher rate upon your renewal.
Some common offenses include:
• Speeding (over 15 miles per hour over the posted limit )– 4 points
• Speeding which causes an accident – 6 points
• Violating child safety seat laws – 3 points
• Driving recklessly – 4 points
• Leaving the scene of an accident – up to 6 points
• Passing a stopped school bus – 4 points
You may be surprised to know that a traffic ticket for littering will also result in points on your license, and may affect your insurance rates!
What Can I Do if I Have Points on My License?
If your license has points from traffic violations, it does not automatically exclude you from being eligible for insurance coverage.
Check the insurance company’s terms of service, because companies often have different methods of dealing with this issue. If you have any questions, call your insurance company or agent for more information.
You may be able to remove points from your license – or get a more affordable rate – if you go to traffic school and take a safe driving course.
It is important to note that although higher insurance rates may be a burden, you should never allow your coverage to lapse as long as you are still driving. It is illegal to drive without insurance in Florida, and th fines and penalties will be far worse if you find yourself dealing with traffic ticket infractions without proof of valid insurance.
At Anderson & Associates Insurance Group, we take pride in helping drivers in all situations to find the right policy for them. If you live in Parrish, Ellenton, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch or Palmetto – give us a call. We’ll help you to work through your situation and get the best auto insurance rate possible.
