Traffic tickets can raise your auto insurance premiums. Unless, of course, you’ve purchased a policy that offers forgiveness for your first infraction. These products can be purchased on top of your policy (and you’ll want to purchase it before you need it). Serious infractions can definitely send your premiums skyrocketing — a major criminal conviction can double your premium. But insurance companies don’t take the number of demerit points you have into consideration. The type of offence matters more