A single ticket might feel like a small mistake, but on your auto insurance bill, it can have a lasting impact. In Massachusetts, traffic violations are one of the biggest factors insurers use to calculate your premiums. Even minor infractions can raise rates, and more serious violations may stay on your record for years. In this blog, you’ll learn how traffic violations affect auto insurance premiums in Massachusetts, how long they stay on your driving record, and what steps you can take to keep costs under control.

Why Violations Affect Premiums

Auto insurance is based on risk. The more likely you are to be involved in an accident, the higher your premium will be. Traffic violations — from speeding to distracted driving — signal to insurers that a driver may pose a greater risk on the road. As a result, even a single citation can lead to higher rates at renewal.

Common Violations That Increase Rates in Massachusetts

While every insurer calculates risk differently, these violations are among the most common causes of higher premiums in Massachusetts:

• Speeding tickets
• Failure to stop or yield
• At-fault accidents
• Driving without insurance
• Distracted driving citations

The more severe the violation, the greater the impact. For example, a minor speeding ticket may result in a small increase, while an OUI can dramatically raise premiums or even lead to policy cancellation.

What You Can Do to Lower Costs

A violation doesn’t mean you’re stuck with high premiums forever. There are steps you can take to reduce the impact:

• Keep a clean record going forward
• Ask about safe driving or defensive driving programs that may qualify for discounts
• Bundle auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance
• Review your policy with an agent to make sure you’re getting the right coverage at the best price

At the Safeside Insurance Agency, helping Massachusetts drivers understand how traffic violations impact auto insurance premiums is part of making sure you get the Right Insurance for the Right Price. If you’ve had a recent violation or want to review your current policy, reach out today or request a quote.