Getting a traffic ticket affect insurance rates no matter what the offense is. Most insurance companies classify traffic violations in three ways. In most cases, the amount of the increase depends on the violation.

• Minor: These are basic traffic violations such as failure to yield and following too closely.
• Major: These include violations such as failing to stop for a school bus or driving with insurance.
• Serious violation: These include DUIs and vehicular homicide.

If you are involved in a wreck and you get a traffic ticket, your insurance rates will increase significantly.

How can you prevent your insurance rates from going up if you are in an accident or receive a ticket? In reality, you can't. Your best option is to be a safe driver that obeys the traffic laws. And don't think because you didn't report a ticket that your insurance company will not find out. Most companies check driving records at the time a policy is renewed.