NC Traffic Law Blog

If you've recently received a traffic ticket related to an accident in North Carolina, you're probably wondering what happens next. Specifically you might have the question, “Is my insurance going to go up?” Your premiums can go up significantly, slightly, or not at all depending on the specifics of the accident, but you might be able to minimize or even avoid an increase by hiring an attorney to try to reduce or dismiss your citation.

North Carolina uses a dual points system — one for your driving record (DMV points) and a separate one used by insurance companies. Following an at-fault accident you are likely to see an increase to your premium, regardless of what you are charged with. A conviction of an accident-related charge can add several insurance points to your record, further increasing your insurance premium. That increase doesn't disappear quickly either — it follows you for several years. The specific ticket you receive matters too. Charges like careless and reckless driving or failure to reduce speed carry heavy point penalties that compound the damage to your rates.

Many drivers make the mistake of simply paying their ticket and moving on, not realizing that paying is legally the same as pleading guilty. Once those points hit your record, your insurer will take notice at your next renewal. On a $1,800/year policy, a 40% increase costs you $720 annually — for three years. That's $2,160 in added premiums from a single ticket.

The good news is that a ticket isn't necessarily final. An experienced traffic attorney can often get charges reduced or dismissed, which can prevent points from ever reaching your record in the first place. At iTicket.law, we handle traffic tickets across North Carolina every day and know how to navigate the local courts and prosecutors to get the best possible outcome for our clients. If you've received a ticket after an accident, reach out to us before your court date — it's worth knowing your options.