How will a Traffic Ticket Affect my Car Insurance Rate in New Mexico?
Reader’s Question:
I have always been a careful driver. I don’t drink and drive, and I drive defensively. Well, yeah, three weeks ago, I got a ticket for not using my seat belt. How is this going to affect my car insurance premium? I’m in Las Cruces, NM.
Kim
Las Cruces, NM
Hello there, Kim. It’s always heartwarming to know that responsible drivers are still out there. Well, except for that “no seat belt” thing, you would have been number one in my book. I assume this violation is a first. The assumption here is that there are no arrests or violations in your closet that you failed to mention in you question. Now, since it’s your first violation, auto insurance companies don’t usually change details of the insurance because of this. There is a big chance you will not see any change in your rate. However, different companies have different rules regarding rate changes in relation to traffic violations. Some auto insurance companies will change your premium based on the gravity of your traffic offense while some have a set amount for certain violations. But as I mentioned, since this is your first violation, I doubt if there would be any changes to your rate. Some states have laws that regulate these rate changes. These laws lay down rules on how or when to raise (or lower) premium rates that auto insurance companies have to follow. You might need to check with your local government in Las Cruces, NM, to know more details about this.
