A new study shows driving violations can cause insurance premiums to jump as much as 93 percent.
Even minor speeding tickets where you go 1-15 MPH (miles per hour) over the speed limit can prompt auto insurance premiums to jump 21 percent according to new data from InsuranceQuotes.com.
"I think people don't realize speeding will cost them as much as it does," said Laura Adams, senior analyst at InsuranceQuotes.com. "They really have no idea. It is surprising."
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The calculations of how much violations drive up insurance premiums are based on analysis of 17 common moving violations and data from the largest insurance companies in the U.S.
The biggest increases are for DUI violations (premiums up 93 percent) and reckless driving tickets (premiums rise 82 percent).
"A reckless driving ticket means you are more likely to file a claim in the eyes of the insurance company," said Adams.
Violations and Premium Increases
DUI (+93%)
Reckless driving (+82%)
31+ MPH over speed limit (+30%)
16-30 MPH over speed limit (+28%)
Careless driving (+27%)
Driving wrong way (+22%)
1-15 MPH over speed limit (+21%)
Improper pass (+21%)
Following too close (+19%)
Failure to stop (+19%)
****Averages based on a 45-year-old married woman who is employed with a clean driving record. The car in the calculations is a 2012 sedan*****
The Points Game
Adams believes drivers often forget that tickets linger on their records for up to three years.
"A lot of people get a ticket and they say, 'well, I'll just let it go,'" she said.
Insurance companies designate points for various driving tickets: the more points on your record, the higher your monthly premium.
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However, Adams says many people don't realize they can remove some or all of the points from a ticket by attending driver education and safety classes.
"If you get a ticket, do whatever you can to erase your points," said Adams. "If you do that, you'll be viewed as a safer driver."
—By CNBC's Phil LeBeau. Follow him on Twitter @LeBeauCarNews.
Questions? Comments? BehindTheWheel@cnbc.com.