How Speeding Tickets Affect Your Aaa Insurance Rates

Speeding is a common occurrence on roads, and while some may get away with it, others are caught and given speeding tickets. In addition to fines and insurance surcharges, a speeding ticket can have other consequences, such as a suspended license or an increase in insurance rates. The impact of a speeding ticket on insurance rates varies depending on the insurance company and the state. Some companies look back at citations for up to 5 years, while others focus on the last 3 years. Removing yourself from an insurance policy or letting it lapse can result in higher rates when you re-enter the market. Understanding how speeding tickets influence insurance rates is essential for drivers, as it can have long-term financial implications.

Speeding ticket excuses

A speeding ticket can have a significant impact on your insurance rates, with premiums potentially increasing by an average of 22 to 30 percent. This variation in cost depends on the insurer, state of residency, and the number of miles one is caught driving over the limit. Therefore, it is understandable that drivers may want to avoid receiving a speeding ticket.

A survey by CarInsurance.com found that 48 percent of drivers successfully avoided a ticket by requesting a warning without giving an excuse. However, 29 percent of drivers who employed this tactic were still issued a ticket. Paul Petti, a retired police lieutenant, advises that requesting a warning is more likely to be successful if you are only going slightly over the speed limit. Men are more likely to request a warning than women (52% vs 20%), and also more likely to be successful in receiving one.

Another common tactic to avoid a speeding ticket is to provide an excuse or explanation for speeding. According to a survey, 26 percent of people claimed they didn't realize they were speeding. This was the most common excuse given by both men and women. Other excuses include:

• Running late
• Bringing home hot food
• Asking for a ticket to show their father that their car could go that fast
• Test driving a high-performance sports car
• Having a bucket of fresh fried chicken in the car

While these excuses may sometimes be successful, it's important to note that honesty is often the best policy. In the 2021 survey, only 12 percent of respondents lied when giving excuses, indicating a rise in honesty compared to previous years. If you do receive a speeding ticket, you can always contest the violation in traffic court, especially if you have a clear driving record.

Insurance rates and gender

Speeding tickets can have an impact on insurance rates, and this can vary depending on your insurance company and location. In some states, having current insurance can be a significant rating factor, which can affect the cost of your insurance if you are excluded from a policy. For example, in the US state of California, insurance companies can exclude drivers from a policy without increasing the rates for the remaining drivers. However, if you are removed from a policy and do not have your own insurance, you will likely face higher rates when you purchase insurance in the future.

Now, regarding insurance rates and gender, there are a few key points to note. Firstly, insurance companies have traditionally tied gender to an applicant's risk, making it a factor in setting premiums. However, this practice varies across states and countries, with some states and countries prohibiting insurance companies from considering gender in insurance rates. For example, as of 2022, over 20 US states offered gender-neutral options on driver's license forms, and since the end of 2012, European law has prohibited insurers in EU member states from factoring gender into health, life, and auto insurance premiums.

In states and countries where gender is considered, the impact on insurance rates can vary. In most cases, the difference in insurance rates between men and women is minimal, with men paying slightly more on average. For younger drivers, however, the gap in insurance rates between genders can be more pronounced. Teenage boys typically pay the highest rates as they are considered more likely to get into car accidents and take risks behind the wheel. As drivers age, insurance rates usually drop, and after a driver turns 25, the difference in rates between men and women becomes insignificant.

It's worth noting that insurance companies set rates differently, so it's essential to compare rates and shop around to find the most affordable option. Additionally, factors such as driving history, credit score, and individual discounts can also impact insurance rates, so it's beneficial to maintain a good driving record and take advantage of any applicable discounts.

High-power sports cars

The cost of car insurance is influenced by a variety of factors, some of which are beyond the driver's control. One of the most significant factors is the driver's record, which includes any speeding tickets, serious traffic violations, or accidents. Motorists with tickets and crashes on their records are considered higher-risk by insurance companies and typically face higher premiums. Speeding tickets, in particular, can lead to substantial increases in insurance rates, with the severity of the penalty depending on how much the driver exceeded the speed limit. For example, speeding between 6-10 mph over the limit can increase rates by an average of $40 per month, while speeding 21-25 mph over the limit can result in an average increase of $54 per month. The impact of a speeding ticket on insurance rates also varies across different states, with a Pennsylvania driver potentially paying 15% more for insurance, while a North Carolina driver could pay 50% more for the same offense.

In addition to speeding tickets, insurance companies consider the type of vehicle being insured. High-power sports cars, for instance, often lead to higher insurance rates due to their high value, the cost of repairs, and the likelihood of being targeted by thieves. The make and model of the car also play a role, as certain models may be associated with higher rates of accidents or theft.

While AAA insurance is considered moderately priced for most drivers, it does charge significantly higher rates for drivers with speeding tickets compared to other providers. AAA's rates for drivers with clean records are generally in line with those of other insurers, but a speeding violation can result in a notable increase in premiums. Therefore, for drivers with speeding tickets, it is advisable to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the most competitive rates.

To mitigate the impact of a speeding ticket on insurance costs, drivers can consider taking a defensive driving course or a driver safety course accepted by their insurer. Additionally, regular communication with insurance agents can help identify ways to optimize coverage and costs. Bundling insurance policies, such as auto, renters, and homeowners insurance with the same company, can also lead to significant savings.

Insurance in California

In California, a speeding ticket can have a significant impact on the cost of your car insurance. The increase in insurance premiums can range from 29% to 40%, which is well above the national average of 21%. The exact increase will depend on several factors, including the severity of the violation, your age, location, driving history, and insurance company. For example, younger drivers under 25 typically face steeper hikes due to their already higher-risk profile. Additionally, multiple speeding tickets can cause insurance rates to skyrocket, and an excessive number of tickets within a short timeframe may result in being labelled a risky driver, requiring additional costly coverage.

To mitigate the impact of a speeding ticket on your insurance in California, there are several strategies you can consider:

• Shop around and compare quotes from different insurance providers. Different carriers weigh the risk of a speeding ticket differently, so you may be able to find a more favourable rate elsewhere.
• Take a defensive driving or traffic school course. Completing a course can help you maintain a clean driving record and may even result in discounts offered by some insurance carriers.
• Ask about forgiveness programs. Some insurance carriers offer accident or violation forgiveness programs that may waive the rate increase for a first speeding ticket after a period of clean driving.
• Increase your deductibles. Raising your deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverage can help lower your insurance rates.
• Look for discounts. Every company offers discounts, and you may be eligible for some that you are not aware of. Ask your agent about ways to save directly.
• Consider switching to minimum coverage. If you are unable to find affordable full coverage insurance, you can opt for minimum liability coverage, which in California includes bodily injury coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.

It is important to note that a speeding ticket in California will typically remain on your driving record for three years from the date of conviction, after which insurance carriers can no longer consider it when calculating your rates. Additionally, ignoring a speeding ticket is not advisable, as it can lead to harsher penalties, including fines, licence suspension, and a failure to appear charge.

Avoiding speeding tickets

While it is always best to follow the speed limit, there are some strategies you can use to reduce your chances of getting a speeding ticket. These include:

• Know the road and be aware of speed traps: Familiarize yourself with the roads you frequently travel on, including speed limits and areas where police officers are more likely to monitor speed.
• Keep a lookout: Always be vigilant and look as far ahead as possible. Avoid speeding around blind corners that aren't protected by guardrails or other obstructions, as police officers may be waiting out of sight.
• Avoid driving a car that stands out: Bright colours, loud exhausts, and tinted windows can draw unwanted attention.
• Use cruise control: This is an effective way to maintain a constant speed and avoid unintentionally speeding.
• Allow extra time for your journey: By giving yourself a few extra minutes, you reduce the temptation to speed, especially when you're running late.
• Maintain your vehicle: A faulty speedometer can cause you to unintentionally speed. Regular maintenance can help ensure your speedometer is accurate and properly calibrated.
• Be mindful of your driving habits: Speeding may be influenced by factors like stress or anger. Recognizing these triggers can help you become more conscious of your speed and make a conscious effort to stay within the limit.
• Stay calm if pulled over: If you are pulled over by a police officer, stay calm and be polite. Wave at the officer to indicate that you acknowledge their presence and are slowing down.

While these strategies may help reduce the chances of getting a speeding ticket, the best way to avoid tickets and keep your insurance rates low is to follow the speed limit and drive safely. Speeding tickets can have significant financial consequences, including legal fees, increased insurance premiums, and higher fuel costs due to reduced fuel efficiency.

Frequently asked questions