Receiving a traffic ticket can be frustrating, especially when you’re concerned about how it might affect your auto insurance premiums. Many drivers wonder: Does simply paying the fine means my insurance rates will go up? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of violation, your driving history, and your insurance provider’s policies.

At Marathon Insurance Group, we understand that Ontario drivers want to keep their insurance costs manageable. This guide will explain how traffic tickets can influence your insurance, what factors determine premium increases, and what you can do to minimize the impact of a violation.

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How Traffic Tickets Impact Your Insurance

When you receive a traffic ticket, it becomes part of your driving record. Insurance companies regularly review your records to assess risk and adjust your premiums accordingly.

Not all violations have the same impact. Minor infractions may have little to no effect, while more serious offences can lead to significant premium hikes or even policy cancellations.

In general:

• Minor infractions (e.g., speeding 10-15 km/h over the limit, improper lane change, failure to signal) – Depending on your insurer, there may be a small impact or none.
• Major infractions (e.g., distracted driving, speeding 30-50 km/h over the limit, running a red light) – Likely to increase your insurance rates.
• Serious offences (e.g., DUI, reckless driving, excessive speeding over 50 km/h, street racing) – Can lead to significant premium hikes, policy cancellation, or difficulty finding coverage.

Simply paying the fine does not erase the ticket—it stays on your record, and your insurer will see it the next time they assess your policy renewal.

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Factors That Determine How Much Your Rates Increase

Not all tickets cause immediate premium spikes, but several factors influence whether and how much your insurance will increase.

The Type and Severity of the Violation

Insurance companies categorize tickets into minor, major, and serious offences. While a minor ticket may have little impact, a serious violation can double or even triple your premiums.

For example:

• A single speeding ticket under 15 km/h over the limit may not affect your rates.
• A distracted driving charge can lead to a 15-30% increase.
• A DUI or reckless driving conviction can result in skyrocketing rates or policy non-renewal.

Your Driving History

If this is your first offence, your insurer may not raise your rates significantly, especially if you have a clean record. However, if you have multiple tickets within three years, your premiums will likely increase as you are considered a higher-risk driver.

For example:

• One minor ticket in three years – Possible small increase or no change.
• Two or more minor tickets – Expect a noticeable rate hike.
• One major or serious ticket – Guaranteed increase or policy cancellation.

Your Insurance Provider’s Policies

Each insurance company evaluates risk differently. Some insurers offer forgiveness programs for first-time infractions, while others penalize even minor offences. Working with an independent brokerage like Marathon Insurance helps you compare policies and find coverage that aligns with your driving history.

How Many Tickets You Have Accumulated

Insurance providers assess your overall risk profile, so accumulating multiple infractions over a short period signals risky behaviour. Three or more tickets within three years can classify you as a high-risk driver, leading to higher rates or difficulty obtaining insurance.

The Timing of Your Violation

Insurance companies review driving records at renewal time, so if you receive a ticket midway through your policy, it may not affect your rates immediately. However, when your policy renews, expect the insurer to reassess your risk level and adjust premiums accordingly.

How Long Do Tickets Stay on Your Record?

In Ontario, most traffic violations remain on your driving record for three years from the conviction date. Some serious offences, such as DUI, may stay on your record for longer periods and have lasting effects on your insurance.

• Minor violations (speeding, failure to yield, rolling stops) – Affect insurance for three years.
• Major violations (reckless driving, distracted driving, excessive speeding) – Stay on record for three to five years.
• Serious convictions (DUI, hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license) – Can impact insurance for six years or longer.

After the violation is removed from your record, your insurance rates may decrease as long as you maintain a clean driving history.

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How to Reduce the Impact of a Traffic Ticket on Your Insurance

If you’ve received a ticket, there are several ways to minimize its impact on your insurance premiums.

Fight the Ticket If Possible

If you believe the ticket was issued unfairly, you have the option to challenge it in court. If dismissed, it will not appear on your record and will not affect your insurance. Even if the ticket is reduced, the lesser charge may have a smaller impact on your rates.

Take a Defensive Driving Course

Some insurance providers offer discounts to drivers who complete a recognized defensive driving course. This can help offset premium increases caused by a violation.

Ask About Ticket Forgiveness Programs

Some insurance companies offer forgiveness programs for first-time offenders. This means your first minor ticket may not impact your rates. Check with Marathon Insurance to see if you qualify for ticket forgiveness coverage.

Maintain a Clean Driving Record

Insurance companies reassess risk over time, so avoiding additional violations will help lower your rates as past tickets expire.

Shop Around for Better Rates

Every insurer has different policies on traffic violations. If your premium increases significantly, working with a broker like Marathon Insurance allows you to compare multiple insurers and find more affordable coverage.

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Stay Informed and Protect Your Insurance Rates

Traffic tickets can affect your auto insurance, but the impact depends on the type of violation, your driving history, and your insurer’s policies. Minor infractions may have little effect, but major violations can lead to higher premiums or even policy cancellation.

If you’ve received a ticket, it’s essential to understand your options. Fighting the ticket, taking a defensive driving course, or exploring forgiveness programs can help mitigate increases. Additionally, working with an experienced insurance brokerage like Marathon Insurance ensures you have access to competitive rates and personalized solutions.

Need advice on managing your auto insurance after receiving a ticket? Contact Marathon Insurance Group today for expert guidance and a free policy review. We’re here to help you find the best coverage at the most competitive rates.