According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average auto insurance premiums have increased by around 51% over the past three years. In late 2024, the national average auto insurance rate for a typical vehicle stands at $2,543 annually. The average cost for Virginia drivers is $1,808.
The cost of a car and its repairs doesn't impact auto insurance rates alone. A driver's age, number of miles driven each year, prior moving violations, location, and gender also play into the equation.
So it's no surprise that the price for getting a moving violation on your driving record is rising too. According to a study by Zebra.com, in 2025, if a driver gets ticketed, his rates may go up as much as 82% (versus a high of 70% in 2023), depending on the type of violation.
Average Insurance Increases by Ticketed Violation
Minor infractions, such as failure to wear a seatbelt, currently average between 2% and 4% increase in insurance premiums. Getting ticketed for driving at night without headlights on, for example, will result in a 3.4% increase.
Rate increases vary from state to state and from insurer to insurer. For example, a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania will raise rates an average of 15%, while a violation in North Carolina might raise rates by 50%. Drivers in more rural areas will often pay less than those in urban areas where congestion and crime increase risk.
Here are some national and Virginia averages for some of the more severe violations, with dollar amounts included:
Violation | % Increase | $ Increase | Virginia $ Increase |
Hit and Run | 82.2% | $2,090 | $1,486 |
Refusing a breathalyzer test | 74.1% | $1,884 | $1,340 |
DUI | 73.9% | $1,879 | $1,336 |
Racing | 73.7% | $1,874 | $1,332 |
Reckless driving | 70.4% | $1,790 | $1,273 |
Driving with a suspended license | 62.4% | $1,587 | $1,128 |
At-fault accident | 42% | $1,068 | $759 |
Driving with an open container | 34.9% | $888 | $631 |
Operating a vehicle without permission | 32.8% | $834 | $593 |
Passing a stopped school bus | 27% | $687 | $488 |
Improper passing | 23.4% | $595 | $423 |
Following too closely | 23.3% | $593 | $421 |
Speeding | 23.2% | $590 | $419 |
Failure to stop at a red light | 22.7% | $577 | $410 |
Illegal turn | 22.6% | $575 | $409 |
Based on the national insurance premium average of $2,543 and Virginia premium average of $1,808. Percentages are based on a first offense. Subsequent events will mean higher increases and possible policy cancellation. For other ticket categories, you can click here for insurance.com's calculator.
How to Manage Increases
It is always a good idea to shop around for another insurance provider if you get a ticket. Some companies are more lenient about rate increases for certain violations. You can also look into raising your deductibles and dropping add-ons like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement to keep costs in check. Insuring all of your cars under the same carrier may provide discounts as well.
Of course, the best way to control insurance costs is to avoid getting tickets by following all the rules of the road. Sharing the "pocketbook" impact of careless driving with younger, less experienced drivers will help them understand the financial consequences of their actions.
Sources: Zebra.com, Forbes, insurance.com
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