Speeding Tickets: The Costly Aftermath

Getting a speeding ticket can lead to a significant increase in your car insurance premium. The amount your premium goes up will depend on a number of factors, such as your location, driving history, and how fast you were driving. On average, a driver convicted of speeding will pay $2,486 a year for full coverage insurance, which is about 25% more than the cost of car insurance without a speeding ticket. However, the increase in your insurance premium could be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances.

The cost of auto insurance after a speeding ticket

The cost of auto insurance typically goes up after a speeding ticket, but the extent of the increase depends on a number of factors.

On average, drivers can expect their insurance costs to increase by around 25% after a speeding ticket, which equates to hundreds of dollars per year. However, the increase will depend on the driver's location, their driving history, and the specifics of the violation. For example, the number of miles they were speeding over the limit, whether it was their first offence, and how long it has been since their last moving violation will all be taken into account.

Some insurers may not raise rates after a single speeding violation, especially if the driver has a clean record and didn't exceed the speed limit by much. However, the more speeding tickets a driver accumulates, the more their premium is likely to increase.

In terms of location, drivers in Vermont can expect a relatively low increase of $19 per month, while those in Michigan could see their insurance costs rise by $124 per month.

Drivers can take steps to lower their insurance premium after a speeding ticket, such as shopping around for a better rate, taking a defensive driving course, negotiating their rate, changing their coverage, and increasing their deductible.

How long a speeding ticket stays on your record

The length of time a speeding ticket stays on your record depends on the US state in which it was issued. In most of the US, speeding tickets remain on a driver's record for three to five years, but this can vary from state to state. In California, speeding tickets are removed from records after 39 months, whereas in Virginia, they remain for five years. Some states, such as Texas, will keep a speeding ticket on a driver's record permanently.

In addition to the length of time a speeding ticket stays on your record, the number of points accumulated on your driver's license is also important. Points are assigned by the DMV and are based on the severity of the violation. The more points accumulated, the worse the outcome for the driver. This could include a license suspension, increased motor vehicle insurance premiums, or difficulty signing up with a new insurance provider.

To reduce the number of points on a license, some states allow drivers to take a defensive driving course. However, this does not always remove points from a record but may prevent a license from being suspended.

How to lower your insurance premium after a speeding ticket

A speeding ticket can cause your insurance premium to go up by a significant amount, but there are ways to lower your insurance premium even after getting a ticket. Here are some ways to do that:

• Shop around for a new insurance provider: While your speeding ticket will affect your driving record and follow you to a new insurance company, you may be able to find a provider that can offer you a lower rate compared to your current insurer.
• Take a defensive driving or safe driving course: If you have a clean driving record, you may be able to take a state-approved driving course to remove points from your driving record or keep the speeding ticket off your record entirely. This could help you avoid an increase in your insurance premium.
• Ask for discounts: Even with a speeding ticket on your record, you may still be eligible for various car insurance discounts. For example, you can get multi-line discounts by bundling your auto and home insurance, or discounts for having certain car safety features, or for paying your premium in full.
• Negotiate your rate: Contact your insurance provider and ask if there are any ways to lower your rate, such as by bundling your auto and home insurance or increasing your deductible.
• Change your coverage: If you have more coverage than what is required in your state, consider adjusting your insurance policy to find a balance that works for your needs and budget. However, be sure to carefully consider any changes to your policy, as reducing your coverage may increase your financial risk in the event of an accident.
• Focus on safe driving: While it may take several months or more, committing to safe driving practices, such as obeying speed limits and traffic signs, can help you become a better driver and may eventually lead to a decrease in your insurance rate over time.

Contesting a speeding ticket

Rules for Contesting a Ticket

The rules for contesting a speeding ticket vary by state, but your ticket should include instructions on how to do so. You can also contact the county court where you received the ticket. If you successfully contest the ticket, it won't be added to your driving record, and you won't see a car insurance rate increase.

Hearings

If you request a mitigation hearing, you are admitting guilt but want to explain the circumstances to a judge. The judge may lower the fine, but the ticket will still go on your driving record. If you request a deferred finding, the ticket may be placed "on hold" for six to twelve months. If you meet all the conditions, including getting no additional tickets during that time, the ticket will be dismissed. However, a deferral can only be requested once every seven years for moving violations like speeding.

Costs

The fine for a speeding ticket is insignificant compared to the increase in your insurance premiums that follow a conviction. A speeding ticket conviction can result in a significant increase in your car insurance rates, and you may lose any good driver discounts you previously had.

Other Options

If you don't want to contest the ticket, you can try other methods to lower your car insurance rates after a speeding ticket. These include taking a safe driving course, asking for discounts, or shopping around for a new insurance provider.

The cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with a speeding ticket

A speeding ticket can increase your insurance rate by 23% to 25% on average, which is about $380 more per year. However, the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with a speeding ticket are:

• State Farm: State Farm is the cheapest company for drivers with speeding tickets, with an average rate of $125 per month for full coverage. That's $95 per month cheaper than average.
• USAA: USAA had the cheapest average yearly rate for drivers with a speeding ticket, but availability is limited to military members and their immediate families.
• Progressive: Progressive has the cheapest rates for DUIs at 28% less than the average.
• The General: The General is a good option for drivers with multiple incidents.
• Auto-Owners: Auto-Owners offers the cheapest full coverage after a speeding ticket, at $136 monthly. However, this rate is specific to New Hampshire drivers.

It's important to note that insurance rates are very personalized, and the impact of a speeding ticket on your insurance will depend on several factors, such as your prior driving record, the number of miles you were speeding, and your location. Additionally, some insurers may not raise rates for a single speeding ticket, so it's always a good idea to shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies.

Frequently asked questions