Does an Out-of-State Ticket Affect My Auto Insurance?
What happens in Vegas… may follow you home after all. Especially if it comes in the form of a speeding ticket.
So, the answer to your question: Does an out-of-state ticket affect my Auto insurance?
Short answer: Yes.
Longer answer: Absolutely yes – just not always immediately.
Here’s the scoop. Most states share driving violations through something called the Driver License Compact (DLC). That means your little road trip “oops” in another state will likely be reported back to your home state’s DMV. From there, it can end up on your driving record, which your insurance company reviews before your policy renewal.
Will it raise your premium?
If the violation is considered minor (like going 10 mph over the speed limit), your rates might only nudge up a little or not at all if you have a clean history. But if it’s a major infraction (reckless driving, DUI, or anything that sounds like it would impress a Fast & Furious casting director), brace yourself for a definite rate hike.
When does it show up?
Usually, at renewal time, insurers run a routine check of your driving record. So even if your insurance didn’t notice right away, it may come back to haunt you six months later. Surprise!
What should you do?
If you get a ticket out of state, don’t ignore it. Pay it or contest it as soon as possible. Unpaid tickets can lead to a suspended license, which can snowball into a whole mess of problems – including non-renewal of your policy or even cancellation.
Bottom line:
Just because you were in another state doesn’t mean your driving record gets a vacation. Your Auto insurance company will likely find out about the ticket, and yes, it may affect your premium. So drive safe, no matter where the GPS takes you.
