Paul Sanchez
Texting while driving is illegal in California and can result in fines, penalties, and even jail time. But what about insurance? Do texting tickets affect insurance rates in California? The short answer is yes. Texting while driving is considered a moving violation, and insurance companies view it as a risky behavior that increases the likelihood of accidents. As a result, insurance providers will typically hike your premiums to account for this increased risk. The impact on your insurance premiums will depend on various factors, including your age, driving history, insurer, and the state you live in. In California, a texting ticket will not add points to your license unless you are a repeat offender, but it will appear on your driving record and could lead to higher insurance rates. The average increase in insurance premiums after a texting ticket in California is around 45%-51%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 27-29%.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average increase in insurance rates after a texting ticket | 27% to 29% |
| Average increase in insurance rates after a texting ticket in California | 45% to 51% |
| Lowest increase in insurance rates after a texting ticket | 9% in New York |
| States with no increase in insurance rates after a texting ticket | Idaho, North Carolina |
| States with no ban on adults texting while driving | Missouri, Montana |
| States that don't assign points for texting while driving | California, Delaware, Iowa, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee |
| States that add points for texting while driving | New York, Utah, Missouri |
| States with automatic point removal for a clean driving record | South Carolina |
| Factors that affect insurance rate increase | Age, experience, driving history, severity of the offense |
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What You'll Learn
California's texting and driving laws
California has strict laws regarding the use of mobile phones while driving. The state prohibits calling and texting while driving unless the driver is over 18 and uses their phone with a voice-operated, hands-free mode. Both handheld and hands-free cell phone use is illegal for drivers under 18, except when calling emergency services.
California's new cell phone ruling, as of June 2025, specifies a "no touch" policy, meaning drivers cannot hold their phones for any reason. This ruling was reinforced by the California Court of Appeals, which clarified that even passively holding a phone is against the law.
The penalties for texting while driving in California include fines, which are $20 for a first-time offence and $50 for additional offences. These fines have the potential to triple once other assessments are added. A texting and driving ticket will also appear on your driving record and can result in points being added to your license, particularly if you are a repeat offender. These points can lead to higher insurance rates and the risk of additional penalties, such as license suspension.
The impact of a texting ticket on insurance rates varies, but California has the highest average increase in insurance premiums at 51%, according to some sources. Other sources cite a slightly lower increase of 45%. This increase is significantly higher than the national average, which ranges from 27% to 29%.
To mitigate the impact of a texting ticket on your insurance rates, you can shop around for new coverage, raise your deductible, ask about discounts, or bundle your home and auto insurance policies. Attending traffic school can also help prevent insurance increases by keeping your driving record clean.
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How much texting tickets increase insurance rates in California
Texting while driving is illegal in California, and a ticket for doing so will affect your insurance rates. The average increase in insurance rates across the US after a texting ticket is 27% to 29%, or 28% according to most sources. However, in California, this increase is much higher, at 45% to 51%, making it the state with the highest increase in insurance rates after a texting ticket.
The exact increase in insurance rates after a texting ticket depends on the insurance company and state laws. Some companies increase rates by as little as 15%, while others increase rates by as much as 49%. The number of points added to your driver's license also varies by state, and too many points can result in a license suspension. In California, a first-time texting ticket does not add points to your license, but a second or third ticket will.
If you receive a texting ticket, there are a few things you can do to reduce the impact on your insurance rates. You can shop around for new coverage, as not every insurance company treats texting tickets the same way. You can also raise your deductible, as a higher deductible means lower rates, or ask about discounts. Additionally, you can bundle your coverage, as you'll save on both policies when you bundle your home and auto insurance with one company. Finally, you can go to traffic school to keep your record clean and prevent insurance increases.
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How to avoid insurance increases after a texting ticket
Texting while driving is illegal in California and most other states, and a ticket for this violation will likely increase your insurance rates. The average rate increase for a texting ticket is 28%, but in California, it can be as high as 51%, making it the state with the highest increase.
Shop Around for New Coverage
Not all insurance companies treat a texting ticket the same way. You may find a better price, even with the ticket, by shopping around for new insurance providers.
Raise Your Deductible
Increasing your deductible can lead to lower insurance rates. However, ensure that you can afford to pay the higher deductible if needed.
Ask About Discounts
Inquire about any available discounts that can help lower your rates. While you may lose a good driver discount after a texting ticket, there might be other discounts for which you qualify.
Bundle Your Coverage
Consider bundling your home and auto insurance with the same company. This can often lead to savings on both policies.
Attend Traffic School
If you receive a second or third ticket for cell phone use while driving, enrolling in a DMV-approved traffic school can help keep a point off your driving record and prevent insurance premium increases.
Contest the Ticket
You have the option to contest the ticket by written declaration or through a court trial. If the case is dismissed, the ticket will not appear on your motor vehicle report, and your insurance rates will not be affected.
It's important to note that insurance companies assess risk based on a driver's history, and texting while driving is considered a risky behavior. As a result, your insurer may increase your premiums to account for the heightened risk. Additionally, a texting ticket may add points to your driver's license, leading to higher insurance rates and the possibility of license suspension for repeat offenses.
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How to fight a texting ticket in court
Texting while driving is illegal in California, and a ticket for doing so will likely affect your insurance rates. The average increase in insurance rates after a texting ticket in California is 51%, the highest in the country.
If you receive a texting ticket in California, you have the option to either pay the fine and plead guilty or contest the ticket in court. Here are some steps on how to fight a texting ticket in court:
- Plead not guilty: To fight the ticket, you must plead not guilty and request a court trial. You can do this by filling out and submitting the required forms, which may vary depending on your location in California.
- Gather evidence: Start gathering evidence to support your case. Obtain phone records to show that you were not using your phone at the time of the alleged offence. You can contact your cell phone provider to get copies of your call and text history. If you were using your phone for a permitted purpose, such as calling emergency services or using GPS, your phone records can help prove your innocence.
- Find witnesses: Identify any witnesses who can testify that you were not using your phone. This could include passengers in your vehicle or other individuals nearby. Their testimony can be crucial in supporting your defence.
- Explore exceptions: Review the California Vehicle Code and any applicable exceptions. For example, it is not illegal to use your phone while driving if you are making an emergency call to the police, fire department, or other emergency services. Understanding the specific code sections and exceptions can help you build your defence.
- Hire an attorney (optional): Consider hiring a traffic attorney to help you navigate the legal process and defend your case. California does not offer free attorneys for traffic citations, so you will need to hire one privately if you choose to seek legal representation.
- Choose your trial type: You may be able to choose between a court trial and a trial by mail. If you prefer to have your case heard in person, you can request a court trial.
- Request a new trial (if necessary): If you are unhappy with the outcome of your initial trial, you may have the option to request a new trial within a specified timeframe. This will start the case over completely, and you can choose whether to testify in the new trial.
Remember, fighting a texting ticket in court requires a strong defence and supporting evidence. By following these steps and working with a knowledgeable attorney, you can effectively present your case and increase your chances of a favourable outcome.
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Texting ticket points on a California driver's license
Texting while driving is illegal in California and can result in a ticket, which will impact your car insurance rates. While a first-time texting ticket may not add points to your license, it will still carry a fine, which varies by state and can be as high as $162 per violation. In California, a first-time texting ticket will result in a base fine, as well as additional fees, which can add up to a significant cost.
According to California law, a second or third texting ticket within a 3-year period will result in one point being added to your driver's license. These points can have a significant impact on your insurance rates, as they are considered a sign of high-risk behaviour. Additionally, having too many points on your license can result in license suspension, which can affect your livelihood if you drive for a living.
The impact of a texting ticket on your insurance rates can vary depending on the insurance company and state laws. In California, the average increase in insurance rates after a texting ticket is 51%, the highest in the nation. This increase is due to insurance companies considering distracted driving a risky behaviour that increases the likelihood of accidents.
To avoid points on your license and keep your insurance rates down, you may consider fighting the ticket in court or enrolling in a traffic school program. By taking responsibility and being proactive, you can help mitigate the impact of a texting ticket on your driving record and insurance rates.
It's important to note that the laws and penalties regarding texting while driving are constantly evolving. California's new cell phone ruling, for example, clarifies that the law is "no touch," meaning drivers cannot hold their phones for any reason while driving. Staying informed about the latest laws and penalties can help you make safer choices and avoid costly consequences.
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Frequently asked questions
A texting ticket will increase your insurance rates by an average of 51% in California. This is the highest increase of any state.
A texting ticket in California will not add points to your license unless you are a repeat offender. However, it will appear on your driving record.
You can reduce the impact of a texting ticket on your insurance by shopping around for new coverage, raising your deductible, asking about discounts, and bundling your coverage. Attending traffic school can also help keep your record clean and prevent insurance increases.
