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How long does reckless driving affect insurance?

Last year, I was cited for reckless driving, and had to pay a large fine, do community service, and take some driving courses. After my violation, my insurance rates jumped quite a bit, and they still haven’t fallen back down. How much longer will my reckless driving violation impact my insurance rate?

avatar
Samuel Todd · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Reckless driving is a serious offense that could continue to impact your insurance rate for three to five years
Exactly how long depends on several factors—most importantly: 
Some states, like
Florida
, have hefty penalties for reckless driving, which will likely bump up your insurance rates for longer. Often, a reckless driving conviction comes with an increase in
driver points
, one of the ingredients that insurers use to
calculate your rate
.
On the other hand, states like
Ohio
are more lenient when it comes to reckless driving—so the violation won’t impact your insurance for quite as long.
The second factor that determines how long your rates will stay high is your insurance company. This will vary by your specific company and policy, so it’s best to contact your provider to learn more.
To bring down your insurance expenses after a reckless driving citation, you can: 
  • Ask your insurance provider if you’re eligible for any
    discounts
    .
  • Look into paying your car insurance in full for the year.
  • Shop around and
    compare quotes
    from different providers. Another insurance company may be able to provide you with the same coverage at a lower rate. 
View full answer 
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