Almost every state (except New Hampshire and Virginia) requires its licensed drivers to have a minimum amount of insurance coverage. The required insurance generally includes bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage in certain minimum amounts.
The cost of insurance is affected by many factors, including the driver’s driving record. A single speeding ticket can increase your insurance rates by as much as 25-30%, and more serious offenses such as DUI/DWI, street racing, or hit-and-run can increase the cost of your insurance by 75% or more.
A driver who has received a ticket or citation for a criminal offense or traffic violation with the potential to increase their insurance rates may want to consult with a lawyer who has relevant experience and expertise.
In California, state law mandates that all drivers must carry auto insurance. The minimum liability insurance requirements are $15,000 for injury/death to one person, $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $5,000 for damage to property. These coverages are often referred to as 15/30/5. Insurance rates in California are influenced by various factors, including the driver's record. Traffic violations, such as speeding tickets, can significantly increase insurance premiums. More severe infractions like DUI/DWI, street racing, or hit-and-run incidents can lead to even higher rate hikes, sometimes by 75% or more. Drivers in California who have received citations or have been involved in traffic violations that could impact their insurance rates may benefit from consulting with an attorney who specializes in traffic law to explore their options and potentially mitigate the consequences on their insurance costs.