Conviction surcharge on insurance… what does it mean?

Claims & Dispute Resolution Topics
1

Hi everyone. I noticed my car insurance premium went up, so I asked for an explanation. Along with the usual inflation stuff, they mentioned something called a ‘conviction surcharge.’ Here’s what they said:

“Your policy includes a conviction surcharge. Chargeable convictions suggest the risk of a claim is more likely to occur in the future. Convictions may increase the policy premium and may remain in effect for up to 36 months. The total amount of additional premium and the vehicles involved will be noted on your current policy renewal declarations page just before the Supplemental Information section.”

Are they talking about a criminal conviction? My driving record is clean. The only thing I can think of is a rear-end accident last year where I wasn’t at fault.

Anyone else dealt with this?

EDIT: Turns out my wife got a speeding ticket.

2

You should just call the company to ask them directly.

3

Voss said:
You should just call the company to ask them directly.

No, skip calling them and shop around instead. Try companies like Progressive, Geico, or State Farm. Being loyal to one company often just means paying more.

4

Why not just ask the company instead of asking random people on a forum?

5

Riley said:
Why not just ask the company instead of asking random people on a forum?

Actually, I think most people these days would do exactly what the original poster did. Forums are often quicker than waiting on hold.

6

In insurance terms, convictions usually mean moving violations—things like speeding tickets, DUIs, or traffic citations. You should call them to find out the exact details, though. Keep in mind that this can follow you if you switch companies, at least for a couple of years.

7

What did they tell you when you called them?

8

Weston said:
What did they tell you when you called them?

Turns out my wife got a speeding ticket.

9

Blane said:

Weston said:
What did they tell you when you called them?

Turns out my wife got a speeding ticket.

Well, there you go. Your wife’s ticket caused the increase. That’s how it works—get tickets, and your rates go up.

10

Blane said:

Weston said:
What did they tell you when you called them?

Turns out my wife got a speeding ticket.

Exactly. Paying the ticket is basically admitting guilt for speeding. Statistically, speeding increases the risk of accidents, so the insurance company assumes they’ll have to pay out more and raises your rates.

11

It’s likely related to a traffic violation.

12

Convictions usually mean you were found at fault for a traffic violation, like speeding or running a red light. Be careful when driving.

13

Looks like your wife’s ticket caused the increase. You should’ve tried to get the ticket dismissed—it would’ve saved you from the higher premium.

14

In insurance terms, a conviction is basically a ticket.

15

Emerson said:
In insurance terms, a conviction is basically a ticket.

Not quite. A ticket is the charge, but it doesn’t become a conviction unless a judge finds you guilty.

16

RashfordSniddes said:

Emerson said:
In insurance terms, a conviction is basically a ticket.

Not quite. A ticket is the charge, but it doesn’t become a conviction unless a judge finds you guilty.

If it’s on your driving record, then it’s a conviction.

17

@Emerson
This depends on the state. Some states use the date of the citation, while others go by the conviction date.

18

In insurance, ‘conviction’ just means a ticket for something like speeding or running a red light. It’s not related to a criminal conviction unless it’s tied to a traffic violation like DUI.

19

In many states, first-time offenders can plead guilty, pay the fine, and take a driving awareness course to keep the ticket off their record. You should look into this if you get another ticket in the future.

20

What did the insurance company say when you called them?