Does Texting While Driving Raise Your Car Insurance Rates?

Texting while driving is not only dangerous; it can also carry significant financial consequences. Getting caught using your phone behind the wheel can result in a traffic ticket, which may lead to hefty fines, driver’s license points in some states, and potentially higher car insurance premiums.

A texting-while-driving ticket can affect your car insurance rate, but the impact varies by insurer, state, driving history, and the type of violation.

And it’s not just texting. Other forms of distracted driving, such as scrolling through apps and manually entering information into your GPS, can come with similar consequences.

Here’s how a texting or distracted-driving violation can affect your car insurance, how long the impact may last, and what you can do to manage the cost.

Does a texting-while-driving ticket increase your car insurance rates?

It can. Whether a texting, cell phone, or distracted-driving violation can increase your auto insurance premium depends on your insurer, state, driving history, and how the violation is classified. Insurance companies typically view these violations as a form of distracted driving, which can indicate riskier behavior and an increased likelihood of being in an accident. Even if it’s your first offense, the violation may still increase your premium.

In most states, texting while driving is a primary offense, meaning an officer can stop you for that violation alone. Fines and other penalties vary by state and may also depend on whether the violation is a first or repeat offense. Ohio, for example, caps its penalty at $500 for a third or subsequent offense within two years under ORC 4511.204, while many other states set different maximums.

Some states limit or prohibit insurers from factoring texting-while-driving tickets into your premiums. Because these rules vary, check your state’s laws or insurance regulations for details.

How much does car insurance go up after a texting-while-driving ticket?

The short answer: it depends on your insurer and your state. Insurers set their own rating models, and states classify texting and cell phone violations differently, so the same ticket can carry very different consequences depending on where you live and who you're insured with.

According to Insurance.com's state-by-state rate analysis, drivers with a texting violation paid an average of 33% more for car insurance than drivers with a clean record. 

What affects the insurance cost of a texting ticket?

Insurers weigh several variables when determining whether and how an eligible violation affects your premium. These include the following factors:

• Age and experience: Younger, less experienced drivers already carry higher base premiums. This aligns with crash data: the fatal crash rate for 16- to 19-year-olds is roughly three times higher than for drivers 20 and older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
• State and insurer: State laws can affect whether and how a texting violation may be considered for insurance purposes, and insurers may weigh eligible violations differently.
• Driving history: If you have a clean record, one texting-and-driving ticket may affect your premium differently than it would for someone who already has prior speeding tickets, accidents, or other violations.
• Severity of the offense: If the texting violation is combined with reckless driving or results in an accident, the financial penalty can be much higher.

How long does a texting-while-driving ticket affect car insurance?

According to Insurance.com, a texting-while-driving violation typically affects insurance rates for about three years, although the timeframe can vary by state and insurer. If an accident occurs along with the violation, the accident can have a separate impact on your premium. 

If the violation results in a higher premium, the effect may remain until the applicable rating or surcharge period ends. Maintaining a clean driving record can help over time, but when and how your premium changes depends on your insurer and other rating factors.

How can you limit the financial impact of a texting-while-driving ticket?

If you received a texting-while-driving citation—often categorized as a distracted driving violation—these steps may help you manage your car insurance costs:

• Shop around for quotes. Not all insurers treat violations the same way. Some may penalize you less for a first offense, so comparing rates can help you find the coverage and rate that best fit your situation.
• Ask about minor violation forgiveness. Some insurers offer a minor violation forgiveness benefit. This is different from accident forgiveness. It can prevent your first minor traffic violation from raising your premium. Availability and eligibility vary by insurer and state.
• Take a defensive driving course. Depending on your state and insurer, completing an approved class may qualify you for an insurance discount. Check eligibility before enrolling.
• Consider increasing your deductible. If your insurer raises your premium due to the ticket, raising your deductible could lower your premium. Just be sure you can afford the higher out-of-pocket expense in case of a claim.

How can you avoid a distracted driving ticket?

The simplest solution: Keep the phone out of reach while driving. But if you rely on your smartphone for navigation, music, or communication, consider these tips to stay focused and avoid a violation:

• Use your phone’s Do Not Disturb feature while driving. It will silence notifications and reduce temptation.
• Use hands-free features where permitted. If hands-free calls are legal where you're driving, built-in or hands-free technology can reduce the need to handle your phone. Keep in mind that a phone conversation can still be distracting.
• Pull over and park safely. If you must send a message or check your phone in an urgent situation, wait until you’re safely parked to protect yourself and others on the road.

A texting-while-driving ticket can have consequences beyond the initial fine. Understanding how distracted-driving violations may affect your insurance—and avoiding phone use behind the wheel—can help protect both your wallet and everyone on the road.