Alyssa Lane
Speeding is dangerous and can have serious consequences, including raising your insurance premium. In Washington, a speeding ticket will typically increase your auto insurance premium by about 18%, but this can vary between insurance companies. The surcharge for a speeding ticket conviction can increase your insurance bill by around $32 per month, or $354 per year. The cost of a speeding ticket in Washington depends on the speed limit and how fast you were driving, with fines ranging from $33 to $188. If you receive multiple tickets, your license may be suspended. However, there are ways to keep your insurance rates down, such as shopping around for different providers, taking advantage of discounts, and driving safely to avoid further violations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average increase in insurance premium | 18-25% |
| Average increase in insurance premium in dollar amount | $2,486 per year |
| Average increase in monthly insurance bill | $32 per month |
| Cost of a speeding ticket | $33-$188 |
| Cost of a ticket for driving too fast for conditions | $48 |
| Effect on insurance premium | Depends on the insurer, driving history, location, and other factors |
| Other effects | Suspended license, increase in insurance premium for several years, loss of safe driving discount |
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What You'll Learn
Average insurance premium increase
The impact of a speeding ticket on insurance premiums in Washington varies depending on several factors. Firstly, the increase in insurance costs depends on the driver's insurance company and driving record. Secondly, the severity of the violation also matters; speeding tickets for going 16-20 mph over the speed limit might increase insurance premiums by about 25%, while Insurance.com's analysis found that a speeding ticket for between 1 and 14 mph over the speed limit increases insurance rates by an average of 11% per premium period.
On average, drivers in Washington State can expect their auto insurance premiums to increase by 18-20% following a speeding ticket conviction. This translates to approximately $32 more per month on insurance bills. However, the increase in insurance premiums may vary across different auto insurance companies. According to Bankrate's analysis, Washington drivers who shop around after a speeding ticket could save up to $354 per year by switching to a new carrier.
The impact of a speeding ticket on insurance premiums also depends on the driver's location, gender, and claim history. Additionally, the timing of the speeding ticket in relation to the policy renewal date matters. Insurance companies typically review a driver's Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) at policy renewal, so if a driver gets a speeding ticket with three months left on their existing six-month policy, they will likely see a rate increase when their renewal policy is issued.
It is worth noting that some insurance companies do not raise rates after a single speeding ticket, and the impact of a speeding ticket on insurance premiums may only last for three to five years, after which the violation may drop off the driver's record. To mitigate the impact of a speeding ticket, drivers can take advantage of discounts offered by insurance companies, such as bundling policies or completing a safe driving course. Shopping around for insurance quotes and switching to a new carrier can also help minimize the financial impact of a speeding ticket.
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Shopping around for better rates
Shopping around for insurance after receiving a speeding ticket in Washington is a good idea because different insurance companies will treat a speeding ticket differently when setting rates. According to Bankrate's analysis, drivers in Washington who shopped around after a speeding ticket were able to save as much as $354 per year by switching to a new carrier.
It is important to note that the impact of a speeding ticket on your insurance premium depends on a number of factors, including your driving history, location, age, credit history, coverage levels, and other elements of your insurance profile. Therefore, getting quotes from several insurance companies can help you find a cheaper policy that takes into account these various factors.
Additionally, some insurance companies offer discounts that can help lower your premium, such as bundling policies or completing a safe driving course. These discounts vary by insurer, so it is worth comparing the options available from different companies.
It is also worth noting that a speeding ticket may not always affect your insurance rate, especially if it is your first offense. However, if you have multiple speeding tickets or other violations on your record, it may be a good idea to look for companies that specialize in high-risk drivers.
Overall, shopping around for insurance after a speeding ticket can help you find a more affordable policy that takes into account your individual circumstances and the various factors that influence your insurance premium.
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Discounts and safe driving courses
While a speeding ticket will likely increase your auto insurance premium, there are ways to mitigate this. One way is to shop around for a new carrier as the company that offered the best rate before your conviction may not be the best option after. According to an analysis by Bankrate, Washington drivers who switch carriers after a speeding ticket could save up to $354 per year.
Another way to reduce the impact of a speeding ticket on your insurance is to take advantage of discounts offered by your insurance company. For example, some companies offer discounts for completing a safe driving or defensive driving course. These courses can also help prevent your citation from being reported to the Department of Licensing (DOL), which would otherwise raise your insurance rates. I Drive Safely offers a 4-hour Washington Level 1 defensive driving course that is fully approved by the state of Washington's courts. The course is designed to be flexible, fun, and engaging, with interactive animations, audio clips, and multiple-choice quizzes. DriveSafe Online also offers a Washington driver improvement course that is approved by numerous courts in the state for ticket deferral and may also qualify you for an insurance discount. This course features in-car and drone footage to provide unique perspectives on driving situations.
It's important to note that not all insurance companies treat speeding tickets the same way, and the impact on your rate may depend on various factors, including your driving record, insurance history, and how fast you were traveling when cited. Additionally, the state of Washington does not use a point system, but traffic infractions will go on your driving record and affect your insurance rate.
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How long a speeding ticket stays on record
In Washington, a speeding ticket will typically impact your insurance rates for three years from the date it was issued. During this period, insurance companies will consider you a higher-risk driver and may deny you coverage, cancel your insurance, or increase your premiums. Speeding tickets are considered moving violations, which negatively impact your driving record by adding three to four points. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension and higher insurance costs.
While Washington does not utilize a points system for traffic violations, receiving too many tickets can result in a license suspension or revocation. Ignoring a ticket can lead to a failure to appear/respond (FTA) notice, triggering the process of suspending your license. Therefore, it is essential to address speeding tickets promptly and explore options such as contesting the ticket or requesting a mitigation hearing.
The length of time a speeding ticket stays on your record can vary. In most states, speeding tickets and their associated points remain on your record for three to five years. However, each state has its own system, and the duration may depend on the severity of the violation. In Washington, speeding tickets typically expire after three years.
It is worth noting that even if the points on your license have expired, a speeding ticket may still impact your insurance rates. Insurance providers assess risk based on your driving record, and a history of speeding tickets can lead to higher premiums or difficulty obtaining coverage. Therefore, maintaining a clean driving record is essential to avoid negative consequences.
Additionally, while a standard speeding ticket is a civil infraction and does not appear on your criminal record, more serious offenses, such as reckless driving or DUI, are criminal and will be reflected on your criminal history. Understanding the potential long-term consequences of speeding tickets can help drivers make informed decisions to maintain a clean driving record and minimize negative impacts on their insurance and driving privileges.
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Suspended licenses
In Washington, a speeding ticket will likely increase your auto insurance premium. On average, drivers in Washington State can expect to see their auto insurance premiums increase by 20% following a speeding ticket conviction, which equates to approximately $32 more per month. However, the increase varies depending on the insurer, with USAA rates jumping by 113% and Pemco showing a 21% increase.
While all insurance companies take speeding tickets into account when setting the price of coverage, not all carrier algorithms treat speeding infractions in the same way. Therefore, it is worth comparing quotes from multiple auto insurers, as they may weigh a speeding ticket conviction differently when determining rates. By shopping around after a speeding ticket, Washington drivers could save as much as $354 per year by switching to a new carrier.
In addition to the financial implications, a speeding ticket in Washington will also result in a mark on your driving record. This can have further consequences, such as the loss of a safe driving discount from your insurer. To avoid this, you can attend traffic school to have a moving violation charge dismissed. However, this option is typically only available if your violation did not involve an accident and you have not been convicted of another traffic crime within the last two years.
It is important to note that the impact of a speeding ticket on your insurance premium may be greater if you have multiple tickets within a short period. For example, if you receive two or more speeding tickets in three years, you can likely expect an insurance rate increase. Therefore, it is crucial to practice safe driving and avoid any further traffic violations to prevent additional increases in your premium.
In terms of license suspensions, Washington has recently reformed its license suspension laws. Previously, the state would suspend a driver's license for failure to pay traffic infraction fines or appear at a hearing. However, as of 2021, Washington no longer suspends licenses solely for failure to pay. Instead, the court may require individuals who enter into a payment plan and fail to pay as agreed to appear for a hearing to assess their ability to pay. While this is a positive step, Washington still suspends licenses for other reasons, including out-of-state suspensions. If your license is suspended in another state, Washington will also suspend your license, even if the Washington DOL has issued a valid license.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, a speeding ticket increases your auto insurance premium by 18% in Washington, though some sources state that this could be as low as 11% or as high as 25%. This increase can vary a lot between different car insurance companies.
A speeding ticket will remain on your driving record for three to five years in Washington.
The cost of a speeding ticket in Washington depends on the speed limit and how fast you were going. If the speed limit is 40 miles per hour (mph) or lower, fines range from $48 to $188. For areas where the limit is above 40 mph, fines go from $33 to $188.
