Geico Auto Insurance And Traffic Tickets: What You Need To Know

Speeding tickets and other traffic violations can impact your GEICO auto insurance rates, but it depends on the specific circumstances. The company uses a complex system to evaluate convictions on their merits, and your driving record is one of many factors that influence your insurance rates. For example, if you have a clean record and receive a ticket for speeding 15-19 mph over the limit, this may not affect your rates at all. However, if you already have points on your license and receive a ticket for speeding over 20 mph, this will likely result in higher premiums. It's important to note that GEICO offers Accident Forgiveness in most states, which can help keep your insurance rates affordable even if you have an accident or receive a ticket.

Speeding tickets may increase your premium

Speeding tickets can have a significant impact on your car insurance rates. In Ohio, for example, car insurance rates increase by an average of 19% to 21% following a speeding ticket conviction. The exact increase will depend on various factors, such as your driving history, the number of miles per hour over the speed limit, and whether you have multiple points on your driver's license. The more points you accumulate, the higher your insurance rates are likely to be.

The cost of a speeding ticket itself can also vary depending on the location and the number of offenses within a certain period. For instance, in Warren County, Ohio, fines are determined by the number of offenses within 12 months, the speed at which the driver was going over the limit, and the location of the infraction.

In addition to the financial consequences, speeding also increases the risk of fatalities and injuries on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2021, a quarter of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Ohio involved speeding, with over half of these crashes involving a driver who was impaired.

To keep insurance rates low and prevent speeding-related accidents, it is essential for drivers to follow speed limits and drive sober.

GEICO uses a complex system to determine how tickets affect your insurance

In addition, GEICO considers the customer's driving record, including any accidents, moving violations, or speeding tickets. Speeding tickets, in particular, may increase a customer's premium. GEICO also takes into account the customer's mileage, or how much they drive each year, as this increases the risk of being involved in an accident.

Other factors that influence insurance rates include the car's make and model, which helps determine expected repair costs, theft rates, and safety features. Location can also affect rates, as some places are more prone to collisions, theft, and higher costs for repairs, lawsuits, and medical care.

Furthermore, GEICO considers the overall group of insured drivers when setting premiums. Insurance works by transferring the risk from the individual to a large group of policyholders who share the cost of repairs, injuries, and damages.

While it is challenging to predict exactly how a ticket will impact your insurance rates, GEICO's comprehensive evaluation system takes into account a multitude of factors to determine any adjustments to your premium.

Moving violations are more likely to impact your rate

Moving violations are more likely to impact your insurance rate than non-moving violations. The severity of the violation, your driving record, and other factors will determine the extent of the impact. Serious violations, such as driving under the influence, can significantly increase your rates or even lead to policy cancellation.

The impact of a moving violation on your insurance rate can last for several years. For example, a speeding ticket can stay on your driving record for three to five years, and in some states, it may remain permanently. During this time, your insurance rates may be higher, and you may be considered a high-risk driver by insurers.

The number of moving violations also matters. Accumulating multiple moving violations within a short period, such as three speeding tickets in a year, will likely result in substantial increases in your insurance premiums.

The type of moving violation also influences the impact on your insurance rate. For instance, reckless driving or driving the wrong way can lead to premium increases of 85% and 21%, respectively. On the other hand, less severe violations, such as failing to signal, may result in smaller increases of around 19%.

It's important to note that the impact of a moving violation on your insurance rate can vary depending on your state and insurance company. Some states have different regulations and factors that insurance companies can use to increase premiums.

To maintain lower insurance rates, it's essential to drive safely and avoid moving violations. However, if you do receive a moving violation, there are ways to mitigate the impact on your insurance rates. These include seeking forgiveness for minor violations, taking advantage of plea bargains or driving classes to expunge points from your record, and shopping around for a new insurance policy.

Non-moving violations may not affect your rate

Non-moving violations are traffic infractions that violate the law but are not tied to the manner of driving a motor vehicle. They usually result in smaller fines than moving violations and do not cause demerit points to accrue on your record. Non-moving violations include parking violations, vehicle safety violations, and expired vehicle inspections or registrations.

While non-moving violations do not typically affect your driving record, they can have an impact on your car insurance rates. Some insurance companies will raise your rates if you have too many unpaid tickets in general. However, this is not a standard practice, and some companies don't even consider non-moving violations when determining rates.

If you receive a non-moving violation ticket, you may be able to get it dismissed by addressing the issue before your court date. For example, if you fix a broken taillight or get updated registration before your court date, the judge may dismiss the charge, although you may still have to pay court costs.

It's important to note that the impact of a non-moving violation can vary depending on your state and your insurance company's policies. If you have questions about how a non-moving violation may affect your specific situation, it's best to contact your insurance agent or visit their website for more information.

While non-moving violations may not carry the same weight as moving violations, it's still important to stay safe and follow the law. If you find yourself with a court date or in need of legal assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to a traffic defense lawyer for help.

Contesting tickets in court can prevent them from impacting your insurance

Contesting a ticket in court is one of the best ways to prevent it from impacting your insurance. However, this is usually reserved for major moving violations or instances where you have clear evidence that you were not in the wrong, such as dashcam footage.

• Take a defensive driving class: In some states, attending and passing a defensive driving course will result in your ticket being dismissed. However, this is usually a one-time option, and every state handles these courses differently. For example, in New York, a defensive driving course will reduce the number of points on your license and qualify you for a 10% car insurance discount, but the ticket will remain on your record.
• Opt for mitigation: If it's been several years since your last ticket, you may be able to ask for mitigation. While this won't always keep the ticket off your record, it could lower the fine. In mitigation, you plead guilty but explain the circumstances that led to the ticket and ask the judge for leniency.
• Contact the clerk of court: In certain jurisdictions, the clerk of court can knock the ticket down to a non-moving violation, offer a deferral, or allow you to take a defensive driving course to keep the ticket off your record. However, you will likely still have to pay the fine and court costs.
• Contest the ticket: Contesting a ticket means pleading not guilty and going to court to argue your case. This can be done with or without a lawyer and is most effective when there is clear evidence that you were not in the wrong.

It's important to note that insurance companies are not immediately notified when a ticket hits your record. They typically pull your record on a yearly basis, so if the ticket is removed before that "pull" occurs, you can avoid a premium increase. Additionally, a clean driving record may not be impacted by your first ticket, but violations can affect your insurance more severely if your record already includes moving violations.

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