How Speeding Tickets Affect Insurance Rates In Florida

Getting a speeding ticket in Florida can be a frustrating experience. Besides the immediate fine, you might worry about how it will affect your car insurance rates. A speeding ticket in Florida can remain on your driving record for up to three years, and while it doesn't automatically translate to a higher insurance premium, insurance companies will find out about your ticket when reviewing your record during policy renewal. This can result in a drastic increase in your insurance premium, with rates increasing by at least 20% on average for three years following a speeding ticket.

How to avoid insurance increases after a speeding ticket

A speeding ticket can have a significant impact on your auto insurance in Florida. While you are not required to inform your insurance company about the ticket, they will likely find out when reviewing your driving record during policy renewal, and your insurance costs will probably increase.

Weigh the Costs of Contesting the Ticket

If you believe a judge may reduce or dismiss your citation, it could be worthwhile to appear in court. However, consider the court costs and how they compare to the cumulative cost of your speeding ticket fine and increased insurance premiums.

Take a Defensive Driving Course

In some states, you can complete an online defensive driving course to have your ticket removed from your record. Florida offers a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course, which can prevent a speeding ticket from affecting your insurance, but only if you were driving less than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. Taking a defensive driving course can also help reduce your citation fees and avoid additional points on your record.

Shop Around for Insurance Quotes

Different insurance companies will vary in their rate adjustments after a speeding ticket. Compare car insurance quotes from several providers to find a cheaper policy. Some companies, like Del Toro Insurance, specialize in offering affordable rates for drivers with speeding tickets.

Reduce Your Coverage

If you have full coverage auto insurance, you may want to consider switching to minimum coverage, which is typically cheaper. However, carefully consider the risks and benefits of reducing your coverage.

Maintain a Clean Driving Record

A single speeding ticket may not increase your insurance rates, especially if you have been a long-term policyholder with a clean driving record. However, multiple speeding tickets or other violations will likely result in higher insurance costs.

How long a speeding ticket stays on your record

A speeding ticket in Florida can remain on your driving record for up to three years. This duration typically begins from the date of conviction, which is the day you either paid the fine, attended court, or were found guilty. During this period, your driving privileges and insurance rates may be significantly impacted.

Florida operates on a point system, where each traffic violation is assigned a certain number of points. These points accumulate with each offense and remain on your record for three years. Speeding tickets often carry three or four points, and accumulating 12 points within a year can lead to a driver's license suspension.

While the points associated with a speeding ticket may expire after three years, the ticket itself remains a permanent fixture on your record. The severity of the offense also plays a role, with more serious violations lingering for longer periods, up to 10 to 15 years in the case of DUIs.

It's important to note that insurance companies may consider your driving record when determining your risk profile and calculating insurance rates. As a result, a speeding ticket can lead to increased insurance premiums, even after the points on your license have expired.

To mitigate the impact of a speeding ticket, you can explore options such as enrolling in a basic driver improvement course, which can help expedite the process of clearing your record and lowering your insurance rates. Additionally, shopping for quotes or adjusting your policy can help you find more affordable insurance options.

How to get cheaper insurance after a speeding ticket

A speeding ticket in Florida can have a significant impact on your auto insurance, with rates increasing by as much as $859 on average. The severity of the violation, your age, and location all play a role in determining the impact on your insurance premium. If you've received a speeding ticket, there are several strategies you can employ to mitigate the financial burden:

Compare Insurance Providers

Shop around and compare quotes from different insurance providers. Each company treats traffic violations differently, and you may find a provider that is more forgiving of your mistake. This can help you find a more affordable rate, even with a speeding ticket on your record.

Take a Defensive Driving or Driver Improvement Course

Enrolling in and completing a defensive driving or driver improvement course can reflect positively on your driving record. In Florida, taking an approved Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course can reduce your citation fees by 18% and prevent points from being added to your record. This can help you maintain a clean driving record and avoid insurance rate hikes.

Utilize a Telematics Program

If your insurance provider offers a telematics program, consider enrolling in it. These programs use GPS to track your driving habits, enabling providers to offer discounts based on your safe driving practices and ability to avoid dangerous situations. This can help you regain your reputation as a safe driver and potentially lower your insurance rates.

Ask for Discounts

Don't be afraid to ask your insurance provider about potential discounts. They may have special programs or discounts for customers with a single speeding ticket. Additionally, if you have a good credit score, you may be able to leverage that for a lower insurance rate.

Contest the Ticket in Court

If you believe you have a strong case, you can choose to contest the citation in court within 30 days of receiving the ticket. However, keep in mind that court costs and attorney fees may outweigh the potential benefits, so consider all factors before making this decision.

Remember, a speeding ticket can stay on your driving record for up to three years in Florida, and even longer if you were driving 30+ mph over the speed limit. During this time, you may face higher insurance rates. By following the strategies outlined above, you can work towards mitigating the financial impact and improving your driving record.

How to get a speeding ticket dismissed

A speeding ticket in Florida can have a significant impact on your auto insurance, with drivers typically paying much higher rates for the same coverage. The best (and only) way to completely dismiss a Florida speeding ticket is to contest it in court.

Contesting a Speeding Ticket in Court

If you feel you have a strong case, it may be worth contesting your speeding ticket in court. You can schedule a court hearing by calling or writing to your local traffic court or clerk, providing your citation number, mailing address, and phone number. Refer to your ticket for exact instructions.

You can choose to represent yourself in court, but it is not recommended, as it may reduce your chances of winning. Instead, consider hiring a traffic ticket attorney to increase your chances of getting your ticket dismissed or reduced. While hiring an attorney may cost more than the ticket itself, it is a good option if you want to avoid the points and fines that come with a guilty verdict.

In court, you will have the opportunity to challenge the officer's allegations by presenting evidence to the contrary or finding loopholes in their argument. For example, you can argue that:

• Your actions on the road were necessary to prevent harm.
• The officer didn't witness the alleged infraction or cannot identify you.
• There are major technical errors or other fatal flaws in the citation.
• The speed-measuring device hasn't been properly maintained.

Taking a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) Course

If avoiding points on your record is more important than avoiding a fine, you can have the points dismissed by taking a BDI course. This option is only available if you were driving less than 30 mph over the posted speed limit. The BDI course can help you avoid suspensions and other penalties, and it can reduce your citation fees by 18%. However, taking this course will make you ineligible to dismiss the ticket in court.

Other Options

• Shop for insurance quotes or adjust your policy: You may be able to find cheaper insurance coverage by comparing quotes from different providers or adjusting your current policy.
• Register for a basic driver improvement course: This can help expedite the process of clearing your record and lowering your insurance rates, but it is subject to court approval.

How much insurance increases depend on age

Speeding tickets can have a significant impact on insurance rates in Florida. While a speeding ticket may not increase insurance premiums if the driver is not convicted, drivers with speeding tickets typically pay much higher rates for the same coverage. In Florida, speeding tickets usually stay on a driver's record for three years, and speeding tickets for driving 30+ mph over the posted limit may remain longer.

The impact of a speeding ticket on insurance rates in Florida is influenced by various factors, including the driver's age, gender, driving record, credit score, and location. Age is a crucial factor in determining auto insurance premiums, as it indicates a driver's risk to the insurance company. Younger and older drivers are generally considered high-risk due to their increased likelihood of accidents and tend to pay higher insurance rates.

In Florida, the average annual rate for young drivers is $4,090, while it is $2,636 for seniors. The higher rate for young drivers reflects their higher risk of being involved in vehicle accidents and their limited road experience. Premiums begin to increase again around age 70, as age-related factors can impact driving capabilities.

To mitigate the impact of a speeding ticket on insurance rates, drivers in Florida have the option to complete a Basic Driver Improvement course, which can help reduce citation fees and avoid additional points on their record. Additionally, shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers can help find more affordable insurance plans.

While age is a significant factor in determining insurance rates, other factors, such as driving record, vehicle type, and location, also play a role. A poor driving record, including speeding tickets and other violations, can result in even higher insurance rates. Therefore, maintaining a good driving record is essential for keeping insurance costs low.

Frequently asked questions