Jeffrey Wade
Speeding tickets are considered a “surchargeable” incident, which means they can raise your insurance rates. The impact of a speeding ticket on your insurance depends on several factors, including your state, insurer, and the severity of the violation. In Texas, speeding tickets can lead to an average increase of 9% to 13% in car insurance rates, which can amount to hundreds of dollars per year. Speeding tickets in Texas typically remain on your record for three years, but some insurance companies may look back further at your driving history, potentially affecting your rates for longer. To minimize the impact of a speeding ticket, you can fight the ticket in court, complete a defensive driving course, shop around for a new insurance provider, or maintain a clean driving record.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do speeding tickets affect insurance in Texas? | Yes, a speeding ticket will almost definitely raise your insurance rate in Texas. |
| How much does insurance go up after a speeding ticket? | The average car insurance rate increase is 26% or nearly $507 more a year. Speeding tickets can lead to an average increase of 13% in your auto insurance, which is around $555 more per year. Drivers who speed in Texas often see their premiums climb by about 9%. |
| How long does a speeding ticket affect insurance? | A speeding ticket can affect your insurance for at least three years. |
| How to avoid a rate increase? | Complete a state-approved defensive driving course, shop around for a new car insurance provider, and maintain a clean driving record. |
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What You'll Learn
How to fight a speeding ticket in court
Speeding tickets are considered a "surchargeable" incident, which means they can raise your insurance rates. In Texas, insurance companies can apply surcharges for three years, which can result in a rate increase of 26% or nearly $507 more a year.
Now, if you don't believe you should have received a speeding ticket, you have the right to fight it in court. Here's how to do it:
- Evidence and Research: Collect evidence that can support your case, such as witness statements, documentation of a faulty speedometer, or dashcam footage. Study the Texas Driver Handbook and the Texas Transportation Code to understand the relevant traffic laws.
- Hire an Attorney (Optional): Consider hiring a traffic lawyer or an attorney specializing in traffic law. They can guide you through the court proceedings and help you build your case.
- Notify the Court: Inform your county court about your intention to plead not guilty. You can do this by appearing in person or mailing your response before the due date on your ticket. You will then receive a court date.
- Present Your Case: Represent yourself or work with your attorney to present your evidence and arguments in court. Remain calm and collected throughout the proceedings.
- Possible Outcomes: The judge may decide to dismiss your ticket, reduce your fine, or uphold the original fine and penalties. If eligible, you may be able to take a state-approved defensive driving course to get your ticket dismissed or keep it off your record.
Remember that fighting a speeding ticket can be time-consuming and costly, and there is no guarantee of a dismissal. Weigh your options carefully and consider consulting legal professionals for more specific advice regarding your situation.
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Defensive driving courses to dismiss tickets
Speeding tickets are considered a "surchargeable" incident, which means they can raise your insurance rates. In Texas, car insurance providers can apply surcharges for three years, which can result in a rate increase of 26% or nearly $507 more a year.
To avoid this, drivers in Texas can take a defensive driving course to dismiss their ticket. This is a state-approved course that can be completed online in about six hours and can cost as little as $25. However, you need the court's permission to take the course for ticket dismissal. If the court approves, you must act quickly to complete the course, report it to the court, and get the ticket off your record before your insurance provider pulls your record.
Several course providers offer defensive driving courses for ticket dismissal in Texas. Some notable ones include:
- Comedy Defensive Driving: This course is designed to be easy, entertaining, and educational. It covers all defensive driving techniques and can be taken anywhere with an internet connection. The course takes five hours, plus a one-hour break, and you can submit your certificate to the court to get your ticket dismissed.
- Texas Driving School: This TDLR-approved course satisfies all court requirements for ticket dismissal. It can be completed at your own pace, and you could save up to 10% on your auto insurance if your provider offers a discount for completing a defensive driving course.
Before enrolling in a defensive driving course for ticket dismissal, be sure to check your eligibility and any additional requirements, such as providing a copy of your driving record, which may incur an additional fee.
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Shopping for new insurance providers
Speeding tickets are considered a "surchargeable" incident, which means they can cause your insurance rates to increase. In Texas, car insurers can apply surcharges for three years, which can result in a rate increase of 26% on average, or about $507 more per year. This increase will depend on several factors, including your prior driving record and the severity of the speeding violation. For example, drag racing is considered a misdemeanor in Texas and could result in license suspension or jail time, which will significantly impact your insurance rates.
When shopping for new insurance providers in Texas, it is important to consider that each company weighs driving infractions differently. Request quotes from several companies, using the same coverage types and amounts, to compare which offers the cheapest policy. Small, regional insurers may provide better prices and customer service than larger companies, but you may need help from a local independent agent to find them.
- State Farm: State Farm received high ratings for ease of use and customer satisfaction in J.D. Power's 2025 study. Their website and mobile app allow customers to easily manage their policies and submit claims online. However, they offer limited optional coverage types and do not include add-ons such as gap coverage or accident forgiveness.
- Travelers: This company offers a variety of coverage options, including new car replacement coverage, and provides multiple accident forgiveness plans. They received the highest overall score out of 30 insurers in a comparison by NerdWallet, making them a well-rounded choice. However, their customer ratings for claim satisfaction are below average.
- USAA: This company offers insurance exclusively to active military members, veterans, and their families.
To reduce the impact of a speeding ticket on your insurance rates, consider completing a state-approved defensive driving course. In some cases, the court may dismiss your ticket if you complete the course, report it promptly, and keep it off your record before your insurance provider reviews it.
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Maintaining a clean driving record
Speeding tickets are considered a "`surchargeable` incident", which means they can raise your insurance rates. In Texas, speeding tickets typically remain on your record for three years from the date of the offence, but some insurance companies might look back further at your driving history, potentially impacting your rates for longer.
- Fight the ticket in court: Depending on the circumstances of your ticket, you might have the option to contest it in court. This could involve arguing the validity of the stop, the accuracy of the speeding measurement, or seeking a plea bargain for a lesser offense. It is recommended to consult with a traffic attorney to understand your options and the likelihood of success.
- Complete a defensive driving course: Many Texas courts offer the option to attend a state-approved defensive driving course in exchange for dismissing the ticket. The course can be as short as six hours, can cost as little as $25, and can be taken online. However, you need the court's permission to take it, and you must act quickly to get the ticket off your record before your insurance provider pulls your record.
- Shop around for car insurance quotes: Different insurance companies have varying risk assessment models, and you might find affordable car insurance with another company that weighs your speeding ticket less heavily. Request new quotes from several companies and compare which one offers the cheapest policy, making sure to use the same coverage types and amounts for an even comparison.
- Maintain a clean driving record going forward: The best way to minimize the long-term impact of a speeding ticket is to avoid getting any more violations. By maintaining a clean driving record for several years after the ticket, it will eventually have less influence, and you will be able to find inexpensive auto insurance.
- Pay your ticket on time: While it may seem counterintuitive, failing to pay your ticket on time could result in additional fines, late fees, or even a suspended license, which can negatively impact your ability to get cheap car insurance.
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How long do tickets affect insurance?
Speeding tickets can have a significant impact on insurance rates, designating drivers as high-risk and leading to higher premiums. While the duration of this impact varies, it typically lasts for at least three years from the date of the offence. During this time, insurance companies may charge higher rates, with the average increase being around 26% or nearly $507 more per year. In Texas, a speeding ticket can result in a 7% increase in insurance rates, equating to an average annual cost of $2,527.
The length of time that a speeding ticket affects insurance rates can depend on several factors, including the state, the insurance company, and the severity of the violation. Some states may allow insurers to apply surcharges for up to three to five years. Additionally, insurance companies may consider a driver's history for longer than three years when calculating rates, potentially impacting premiums for an extended period.
To mitigate the impact of a speeding ticket on insurance rates, several strategies can be employed:
- Completing a state-approved defensive driving course: In Texas, drivers may have the option to take a state-approved defensive driving course to get their ticket dismissed. By completing the course and reporting it to the court, individuals can avoid a rate increase.
- Shopping around for insurance quotes: Different insurance companies use varying risk assessment models, so comparing quotes from multiple insurers can help find more affordable coverage.
- Maintaining a clean driving record: Keeping a clean driving record after a speeding ticket can help reduce its long-term impact. Over time, the ticket will have less influence, making it easier to find inexpensive insurance.
- Paying the ticket on time: While paying the ticket may seem counterintuitive, failing to do so can result in additional fines and negative consequences, such as a suspended license, making it harder to obtain cheap insurance.
- Improving driving habits: Some insurance companies offer programs that track driving habits. By demonstrating safe driving behaviour, such as avoiding hard braking, speeding, and late-night driving, drivers may earn discounts that offset rate increases.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of these strategies may vary depending on individual circumstances and state regulations. Consulting with a traffic attorney or insurance expert can provide personalized advice and guidance on minimizing the impact of a speeding ticket on insurance rates.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a speeding ticket will almost definitely raise your car insurance rate in Texas. Speeding tickets are considered a "surchargeable" incident, which means they can raise your rates.
The average car insurance rate increase for drivers who get a speeding ticket is 26% or nearly $507 more a year. However, this amount varies depending on the insurance company and your prior driving record. For example, speeding in a school zone will increase your premium by an average of $342 in your first year, while speeding 6 to 10 miles over the limit will increase your premium by $320 in the first year.
Speeding tickets typically remain on your driving record for three years from the date of the offense. However, some insurance companies might look back further at your driving history, potentially impacting your rates for a longer period.
