These traffic tickets will hike your auto insurance rates the most

Michael Timmermann | March 22nd, 2017

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Nearly 43 million Americans will travel this year for the Fourth of July, according to AAA, and most of them will be driving to their holiday getaway.

But if you’re not careful, even a minor driving infraction could hike your insurance rates for years to come.

Read more: Top 6 auto insurers in 2016

Slow down: These tickets will increase your rates!

In its third annual moving violations report, InsuranceQuotes.com revealed how those minor violations can impact your premiums:

Speeding by 1 to 15 mph: 21% increase
Following too closely: 19% increase
Failure to signal: 19% increase
Improperly driving in a car pool lane: 18% increase

While those increases might seem high, they’re nothing compared to the increase you’d pay for more serious violations, like driving under the influence.

DUI/DWI: 94% increase
Reckless driving: 85% increase
Speeding by 31 mph or more: 29% increase
Speeding by 16 to 30 mph: 28% increase
Careless driving: 27% increase

For insurance companies, this is all about assessing a driver’s risk. Experts say the violations that cause rates to rise the most are strong indicators that the driver could have an accident in the future.

But InsuranceQuotes.com found where you live also makes a big difference.

Highest and lowest premium hikes after a DUI: