"Become a high-risk driver" won't show up on anyone's list of life goals, but it happens. It's usually a pesky speeding ticket, fender bender, or hard-to-see stop sign that does the trick. Does one little driving mistake equate to paying more forever?

Fortunately, most insurance companies stop the driving history check at the three-year mark. If you want to save in the meantime, compare quotes and coverages, avoid tickets and accidents, and shop around every six months. While you wait, check out how these different driving offenses could make a difference for your budget:

When you're rushing to work or school, one of the last things you're concerned about is a sneaky cop. But one speeding ticket later, and your price will balloon by over $45 per month, or $420 per year. Here is just how that change breaks down:

Maybe you didn't total the other vehicle, and it was just a minor crash. But when the insurance company pays out for an accident, your future prices go sky-high. Add $109 per month, or over $1,200 per year, to your insurance costs for that small accident. Take a glance at the details:

It's almost like a speed trap, the way the light went from green to yellow to red. A failure-to-stop ticket will pump up your rate by over $25 per month, or $300 per year. Here's a look at what may still be an affordable premium to many: