Does a seatbelt ticket affect insurance?

Does a seatbelt ticket affect insurance?

Seatbelt laws exist to keep drivers and passengers safe. While wearing a seatbelt is second nature for many, there are still times when people forget, or in rare cases, choose not to buckle up. In most states, failing to wear a seatbelt can result in a ticket.

But beyond the fine itself, many drivers wonder if a seatbelt ticket will also raise their car insurance quotes. The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of seatbelt law in your state, how your insurer assesses violations, and whether the ticket goes on your driving record.

This guide by CheapInsurance.com breaks down exactly what a seatbelt ticket is, how it is issued, whether it can impact your insurance rates, and what steps you can take to avoid unnecessary costs.

What is considered a seatbelt ticket and how is it issued?

A seatbelt ticket is a citation issued when a driver or passenger is found not wearing a seatbelt while the vehicle is in motion. Depending on the state, this can apply to front-seat occupants, back-seat passengers, or both.

Seatbelt tickets are issued under two main types of enforcement:

• Primary enforcement: Law enforcement officers can pull you over solely for not wearing a seatbelt. If they observe you or a passenger unbelted, they can stop your vehicle and issue a ticket.
• Secondary enforcement: An officer can only issue a seatbelt ticket if you are pulled over for another traffic violation, such as speeding or running a stop sign.

The ticket process typically involves an officer noting the violation, issuing a citation, and requiring payment of a fine or attendance at a safety course, depending on state law. In some states, seatbelt violations for passengers under a certain age may be treated more seriously, with larger fines or additional penalties for the driver.

Does a seatbelt ticket increase your car insurance rate?

Whether a seatbelt ticket affects auto insurance rates depends on the laws in your state and your insurer’s policies. In many states, seatbelt violations are considered non-moving violations, meaning they do not directly impact your insurance. However, there are exceptions.

Some insurance companies treat any violation, moving or non-moving, as a sign of risk. In those cases, a seatbelt ticket could cause a modest rate increase, especially if it appears on your driving record.

Factors that influence the impact on your rates include:

• State laws: Some states prohibit insurers from considering seatbelt tickets when setting rates. Others allow it.
• Your driving history: If you have a clean record otherwise, one seatbelt ticket is less likely to cause a significant increase. Multiple violations, however, could signal a pattern of risky behavior.
• The insurer’s risk model: Companies have different methods of assessing driver risk, and some weigh minor infractions more heavily than others.

How do insurance companies view seatbelt violations?

From an insurer’s perspective, seatbelt violations are not as serious as speeding, reckless driving, or DUI. However, they still can be seen as an indicator of risk. Insurance companies value drivers who follow traffic laws consistently because it suggests they are less likely to file claims.

If a seatbelt ticket shows up on your motor vehicle report (MVR), your insurer may interpret it as:

• A lack of attention to safety: Even if unintentional, forgetting to buckle up can suggest a relaxed approach to safety rules.
• Potential for higher claim costs: In an accident, not wearing a seatbelt can lead to more severe injuries, which may result in higher medical claim payouts.

While many insurers will not raise rates for a single seatbelt ticket, repeated violations may lead them to adjust your premiums.

Can a seatbelt ticket go on your driving record?

Yes, in many states, a seatbelt ticket can appear on your driving record. The way it is recorded often depends on the age of the person not wearing a seatbelt and the state’s traffic laws.

In some states, if the violation involves a minor passenger who is not properly restrained, it is treated more seriously and more likely to affect your record. In others, an adult seatbelt violation may be logged but considered non-moving, meaning it has minimal effect on points or insurance.

For example:

• States where it appears but does not add points: The violation is visible to insurers but may not directly affect your license status.
• States where it does not appear at all: Some states treat seatbelt violations like parking tickets, keeping them entirely off your driving record.
• States where it can add points: A few states assign points for seatbelt violations, which can increase your insurance rates.

Checking your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) guidelines can clarify whether a seatbelt ticket will appear on your record.

Can you fight or remove a seatbelt ticket from your record?

Yes, in many cases, you can contest a seatbelt ticket in traffic court. The process usually involves:

1. Reviewing the citation: Check for errors such as incorrect vehicle information or unclear details.
2. Gathering evidence: If you were wearing a seatbelt or have proof that the seatbelt was malfunctioning, bring photos, repair records, or witness statements.
3. Attending your court date: Present your case to the judge, explaining why the ticket should be dismissed.
4. Negotiating a reduction: Even if you cannot have it dismissed, you may be able to request that it be reduced to a non-recorded infraction.

Some states allow drivers to take a seatbelt safety course in exchange for having the ticket removed from their record. This can be an effective way to prevent any insurance impact.

Do seatbelt tickets affect insurance differently by state?

Yes, the impact of a seatbelt ticket can vary significantly from one state to another. For example:

• States with primary enforcement and point systems: These states may record the violation and assign points, which can raise insurance rates.
• States with secondary enforcement and no points: In these states, the violation is less likely to affect insurance.
• States that prohibit insurers from using certain violations: A handful of states have laws that prevent insurers from raising rates based on minor infractions like seatbelt tickets.

Because insurance regulations are state-specific, drivers should check both their state laws and their insurer’s policy to understand the potential impact.

What steps can drivers take to prevent higher rates after a ticket?

If you receive a seatbelt ticket, there are ways to reduce the chance of it affecting your insurance:

1. Pay attention to deadlines: Handle the ticket promptly to avoid late fees or additional penalties.
2. Consider contesting it: If you believe the ticket was issued in error, fight it in court or request a reduced charge.
3. Ask about traffic school or safety courses: Completing an approved traffic safety course can sometimes prevent the violation from going on your record.
4. Shop around for insurance: If your rates increase, compare quotes from multiple insurers to find a better rate.
5. Maintain a clean record moving forward: Avoid additional violations that could compound the impact.

Of course, the simplest way to prevent rate increases is to always wear your seatbelt. Not only is it the law in most states, but it is also one of the most effective ways to protect yourself in a crash.

A seatbelt ticket may or may not affect your insurance rates, depending on your state’s laws and your insurer’s policies. While many tickets are treated as minor infractions, some can appear on your driving record and lead to higher premiums, especially if combined with other violations.

This story was produced by CheapInsurance.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.