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What this calculator does
A traffic ticket can raise insurance premiums for years. This calculator compares the insurance hike to a lawyer's fee.
The math
Insurance hike = ticket surcharge × 36 months. Lawyer total = lawyer fee + court costs. Hire a lawyer if insurance hike is greater.
Worked example
A $300 ticket surcharge × 36 months is $10,800. A $500 lawyer plus $150 court costs is $650. Hiring a lawyer is cheaper.
Why this matters
Legal and medical bills are stressful and opaque. This calculator gives you a starting number and a concrete next question to ask.
Methodology and transparency
This page publishes the exact formula used to compute the result, so you can verify it in a spreadsheet or check the assumptions against your own situation. The worked example uses the tool default inputs; change any number and the result updates live in your browser. No data is sent or stored.
Common questions
Will a lawyer guarantee dismissal?
No. The win probability varies by case and jurisdiction.
Can I just take defensive driving?
Some jurisdictions allow it to avoid points and surcharges.