If you ever get a speeding ticket, DUI, or any other type of driving offense, the information appears on your driving record. Additionally, your accident history also appears on your driving record. Do these things affect your insurance rates, though? If so, what are the effects, and how long do they last? Here is an explanation of how this works with auto insurance.

Tickets Last for a Set Number of Years

While every state records tickets in different ways, you can expect any tickets you get to remain on your record for at least a few years. Your state might record them for three years, while another state might use a different timeframe. In any case, a ticket will not fall off your report right away. It takes time for this to happen.

Major Driving Offenses Last Longer

If you ever encounter a major driving offense, you can expect it to stay on your record for a longer period of time. For example, if you get a DUI, it might remain on your record for up to ten years. Serious driving offenses always last longer on a person's record than minor offenses.

Accidents Stay on Your History for a Set Number of Years

When you cause an accident that requires filing a claim with your insurance company, you can expect it to stay on your record for at least three to five years. In some cases, it might stay longer, but many insurance companies do not factor accidents into a person's rates after three to five years.

Your Driving Record Affects Your Rates

The bottom line is that your driving record will affect the rates you pay for your auto insurance coverage. With a blemish-free record, you will likely pay the lowest rates. When you have accidents or tickets on your record, you will pay more. Insurance companies charge higher rates for higher risk levels. A person with a spot-free record poses lower risks to the insurance company than a person with a history of accidents and driving violations.

As you can see from this information, tickets and accidents do affect the rates you pay for your auto insurance coverage. To keep your rates as low as possible, you might want to develop better driving habits. Great driving habits can help you avoid traffic violations and accidents. If you would like a quote for coverage, talk to an auto insurance agent today.