Got a seatbelt ticket? Understand how it could impact your car insurance premium.
When you see those blue lights flashing in your rear-view mirror, you’re automatically filled with dread. Your second thought may be the cost of the ticket and the expenses that follow – such as your car insurance going up. It’s important to keep in mind that different types of tickets can affect your insurance rates in different ways, including seatbelt tickets.
A seatbelt ticket is given to a driver when they are caught driving without wearing a seatbelt. They are a conditional violation, which means you won’t get pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt, but if the officer pulls you over for some other reason and notices that your seatbelt isn’t fastened, you may get a ticket on top of your speeding ticket.
Because a seatbelt ticket is considered a minor infraction, such a ticket won’t have a significant effect on your car insurance rates. Typically, a seatbelt ticket will cause no more than a 3 percent increase in insurance rates. For example, if you currently pay $500 a year for car insurance, a seatbelt ticket may cause your premiums to jump to $515. In comparison, reckless driving or a DUI violation can cause a 20 percent uptick in premiums.
Some insurance companies may be willing to overlook a seatbelt ticket issues to a driver that has sustained a clean record. Contact your agent or auto insurance company to see if your policy includes this type of forgiveness.
Do you more questions regarding your car insurance policy? Work with a team that will protect you and your vehicle – Contact the team at Gee-Schussler Insurance Agency. We serve Orland Park and surrounding cities in Illinois.
