These traffic tickets will hike your auto insurance rates the most

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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:

  • North Carolina: 334% increase
  • Maryland: 15% increase

Highest and lowest premium hikes after a reckless driving violation:

  • Hawaii: 291% increase
  • Louisiana: 29% increase

Highest and lowest premium hikes after a speeding violation of more than 30 mph:

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  • Illinois: 99% increase
  • Missouri: 9% increase

Click here to see the full state-by-state breakdown.

Ways to save

Most first-time infractions will have a negative impact on your auto insurance premium for up to five years, but there are a few things you can do.

  • Ask for forgiveness for minor violations
  • Take a defensive driving class
  • Make a plea bargain in court
  • Enroll in a pay-as-you-drive program
  • Shop and compare auto insurance quotes

Read more: 4 hidden factors that help determine your auto insurance premiums

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