Speeding Tickets: The Costly Aftermath For Drivers And Their Insurance Bills

Speeding tickets can have a significant impact on the cost of your insurance. A single speeding ticket can increase your insurance rate by 23% to 25% on average, which equates to hundreds of dollars a year. The exact amount will depend on factors such as your driving record, the speed you were travelling at, and your insurance company. Some insurers may not increase your rates after a first-time offence, but multiple speeding tickets will almost certainly result in higher insurance costs.

How much does insurance increase after a speeding ticket?

The cost of car insurance typically goes up by 24% to 43% after a speeding ticket, depending on various factors. On average, a driver convicted of speeding will pay $2,693 a year for full coverage insurance, which is $546 more than a driver with a clean record. The increase in insurance rates after a speeding ticket can vary depending on the state, the insurance company, and the driver's history.

The increase in insurance rates after a speeding ticket depends on several factors, including:

• The driver's prior record: Insurance companies consider drivers with speeding tickets as high-risk, and the more violations, the higher the insurance rates.
• The number of speeding tickets: Insurance rates increase with the number of speeding tickets. For example, two speeding tickets could increase the rate by 58% at the next renewal.
• The speed limit exceeded: The higher the speed, the higher the increase in insurance rates. For example, speeding 11-29 mph over the limit could result in a $238 to $2,003 increase per year.
• The state: Different states have different laws regarding speeding tickets, and this affects the increase in insurance rates. For instance, in New Jersey, insurance rates go up by 49% after a speeding ticket, while in Alaska, the increase is only 10%.
• The insurance company: Different insurance companies have different policies regarding speeding tickets. Some companies may not increase rates after a single ticket, while others may double the rates.

A speeding ticket usually stays on a driving record for three to five years, and insurance rates are affected during this period. After this period, the insurance rates may go back down, depending on the insurer.

How long do speeding tickets stay on your record?

The length of time a speeding ticket stays on your record depends on the state in which the violation occurred. In most states, speeding tickets stay on your record for around three to five years. However, in California, speeding tickets disappear after 39 months, while in Virginia, they remain for five years. Some states, such as Texas, will keep a speeding ticket on your record permanently.

It's important to note that even in states where speeding tickets are permanently recorded, car insurance companies will typically only consider violations from the past three to five years when determining your rates.

The length of time a speeding ticket stays on your state's driving record may differ from the length of time it affects your insurance rates. For example, in California, a speeding ticket will stay on your driving record for three to seven years, but it will only impact your insurance rates for three to four years.

Additionally, the severity of the infraction, the number of tickets received, and the state's laws can all influence how long a speeding ticket affects your insurance rates and driving privileges.

How to reduce insurance premiums after a speeding ticket

Speeding tickets are considered part of your driving record, and insurance companies can use this information to determine your risk of having an accident or making an insurance claim. This perception of being a higher risk can affect the cost of your insurance. The more traffic violations you have, the more likely it is that you will see increases in your insurance costs.

Take a safe driving course

If you don't have a history of traffic violations, you may be able to take a state-approved driving course to remove points from your driving record. This could also keep the offence off your record, which means you won't see an increase in your insurance rates.

Ask for discounts

Even if you've been caught speeding, you may still be eligible for car insurance discounts. You can get multi-line discounts like bundling auto and home insurance, car safety discounts, and other types of discounts, such as paying your premium in full or going paperless.

Shop around

Compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies to find the best rate. Your speeding ticket will follow you to a new car insurance company, but they may still be able to beat your old company's rates for the same coverage.

Contest the ticket

You can contest a speeding ticket, and if you're successful, it won't be added to your driving record, and you won't see a car insurance rate increase. The rules for contesting a ticket vary by state, but your ticket should include instructions on how to do so.

Focus on safe driving

The better your driving record, the lower your premium may be. Even if you've had one speeding ticket, avoiding more can help keep your car insurance costs lower.

Change your coverage

If your car insurance premiums have increased, you may be able to reduce those costs by changing your coverage. This option depends on your personal insurance needs, and your insurance provider can help you make this decision.

How speeding tickets affect insurance rates by state

Speeding tickets are considered part of your driving record, and insurance companies can use this information to determine your risk of having an accident or making an insurance claim. This perception of being a higher risk can affect the cost of your insurance.

The amount that your auto insurance will increase depends on several factors, including your prior driving record, whether the ticket was a first offence, the time since your last moving violation, and how fast you were going over the speed limit.

The increase in insurance rates also varies by state, due to differences in state insurance regulations. For example, in Vermont, a speeding ticket may result in an extra $19 per month on insurance premiums, while in Michigan, the same offence can lead to an additional $124 per month.

• New Jersey: Insurance rates increase by 49% on average after a speeding ticket, the highest in the country.
• Alaska: With a 10% increase, Alaska has the smallest increase in insurance rates following a speeding ticket.
• Pennsylvania: Drivers can expect to pay 13% more for insurance after a speeding ticket.
• North Carolina: A speeding ticket can result in a 48% increase in insurance rates for drivers in this state.
• Hawaii: Drivers in Hawaii experience the lowest average rate increase at 9% after a speeding ticket.
• Michigan: Michigan drivers face the highest average rate increase of 49% after a speeding violation.

It's important to note that insurance companies may also set rates based on your driving record instead of license points. Therefore, taking a defensive driving course to reduce points may not always keep your insurance rates down.

How insurance companies find out about speeding tickets

Speeding tickets are considered part of your driving record. Insurance companies typically find out about speeding tickets by checking a driver's Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) or driving record with the DMV before a policy renews. Speeding tickets can stay on your driving record for around three to five years, depending on the state.

Insurance companies may also find out about speeding tickets when a customer reports an accident, as police reports typically include information on whether a driver received a ticket or summons.

In some cases, insurance companies may not find out about a speeding ticket if it is removed from your record before they pull your driving record. For example, in some states, taking a defensive driving course can result in a ticket dismissal or prevent the ticket from appearing on your record.

Frequently asked questions