Do Parking Tickets Affect Insurance?

From parking in a red zone to letting the meter run out, there are many simple mistakes that can lead to a parking ticket. If you’ve been unfortunate enough to end up with one, you may be wondering, “Will a parking ticket affect my auto insurance rates?”

You can breathe easy because in most cases, the answer to this question is no. Since it’s not a moving violation and doesn’t reflect on your safety as a driver, a parking ticket in itself will typically not affect your insurance rates. However, if you fail to pay your ticket, well... that’s a different story. Here’s what you need to know.

Parking Violations vs. Moving Violations

Parking tickets are considered non-moving violations. In most states, they’re not reported on your driving record. This means that they won’t result in points on your licenseTrending How Having Points Your Licence Impacts Your Insurance Rate Defensive Driving and your insurance company typically won’t even know about them.

Some common parking violations include:

• Expired meter

• Marking in a commercial vehicles zone, including taxi, passenger pickup, or loading zones

• Parking against the flow of traffic

• Parking more than 18 inches from the curb

• Exceeding the maximum time limits

• Not having the right parking permit in residential areas

• Failure to comply with parking signs

• Street sweeping or trash pickup

• Double parking

• Red zones

• Parking in or too close to crosswalks, intersections, and driveways

On the other hand, moving violations are traffic violations that occur while your vehicle is in motion. In many cases, a moving violation will lead to points on your license and is likely to increase your insurance ratesTrending How Traffic Tickets Affect Your Insurance Rates Defensive Driving. Common examples of moving violations include:

• Speeding

• Distracted driving

• Running a red light or stop sign

If you receive a moving violation, you may be able to fight it in traffic courtTrending Need Fight Speeding Ticket Heres What Expect Traffic Court Defensive Driving or take an online defensive driving courseTraffic School to have the points removed from your license.

The Perils of Unpaid Parking Tickets

Nobody enjoys paying a parking ticket, and depending on where you live, they can get really expensive. In some bigger cities, like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, parking tickets can run you anywhere from $65 to $250 or higher1112 U.s. Cities With The Largest Parking Fines.aspx Financial Edge. 

While this is undoubtedly inconvenient, failing to pay your ticket will create much bigger problems. Many municipalities impose late fees on unpaid parking tickets, so the longer you wait, the more you may owe. Even worse, in some states, unpaid parking tickets are reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). When this happens, the DMV may refuse to renew your vehicle registration or even suspend your license — and that’s when you have a real issue.

Since a license suspension is considered a clear indication of risk, this will almost always cause your insurance rates to increase. Driving with a suspended license is also illegal. Once it happens, you’ll have to take a number of steps to get your license reinstated. This typically involves paying finesTrending Cost Reinstate Your Drivers License Defensive Driving and, sometimes, purchasing special insurance coverage — all of which is far more expensive and more of a hassle than just paying your parking tickets in the first place.

Unpaid parking tickets can also lead to:

• The dreaded boot on your tire

• Impounding of the vehicle, which can go to permanent auction if you are unable to pay (Yes, you’ll still have to pay the tickets before registering any vehicle)

• Collection agencies may be employed by the state, which will affect your credit score

Moral of the story? If you get a parking ticket, don't ignore it! 

A Defensive Driving Course Can Help You Avoid Insurance Increases

If you’ve received moving violations or your license was previously suspended, taking a defensive driving courseDefensive Driving may help you avoid insurance rate increases. iDriveSafely offers online courses that are quick, easy, and fun. Check it out today!