Ticket Raises: How Long Will Your Auto Insurance Last?

Getting a ticket can impact your insurance rate, and the duration of this impact depends on several factors, including your location, insurer, violation type, and driving history. In the US, insurance rates typically rise by 21-25% after a speeding ticket, and this increase can last for three to five years. However, the specific impact on your insurance will vary based on individual circumstances.

How much does insurance go up after a speeding ticket?

The cost of your car insurance will likely go up after a speeding ticket, though this depends on several factors. On average, car insurance rates increase by around 24% or $380 more a year, but this can vary depending on your insurance provider, driving history, location, and the severity of the speeding violation. Some insurance companies may not increase rates after a single speeding ticket, especially if it's your first offence and you have a clean driving record. However, multiple speeding tickets will likely result in significant rate increases.

The amount your insurance rate goes up is dependent on several factors, including:

• Your insurance provider
• Your driving record and history
• How fast you were going over the speed limit
• Where the speeding took place
• How long it's been since your last moving violation
• Which state you live in

In terms of specific insurance companies, State Farm had the smallest average rate hike after a speeding ticket, while Farmers had the biggest increase among large insurers.

If you receive a speeding ticket, your insurance provider will likely increase your premium when it's time to renew your policy. This is because insurers typically review your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) at policy renewal. So, if you get a speeding ticket with three months left on your existing six-month policy, you can expect a rate increase in three months when your renewal policy is issued.

Speeding tickets usually stay on your driving record for around three to five years, depending on the state. During this time, your insurance premiums will likely remain higher. After this period, your insurance premiums may go down, but this ultimately depends on your insurer.

To mitigate the impact of a speeding ticket on your insurance rates, you can try the following:

• Shop around and compare car insurance quotes from multiple providers.
• Take a defensive driving or safe driving course.
• Negotiate your rate and ask for discounts, such as bundling your auto and home insurance or having certain safety features in your car.
• Change your coverage by reducing it to the minimum required by your state. However, this may result in higher out-of-pocket costs if you're in an accident.
• Increase your deductible, but ensure you can comfortably afford the higher amount.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record?

The length of time a speeding ticket stays on your record depends on the state where you live and how fast you were going over the speed limit. In most of the U.S., speeding tickets will stay on your record for three to five years, but this can vary from state to state, and in some cases, speeding tickets can remain on your record permanently.

For example, in California, speeding tickets disappear after 39 months (three years and three months), but in Virginia, they last for five years. In Texas, a speeding ticket will remain on your driving record permanently, but it only affects your insurance rates for three to five years. In New York, a speeding ticket can remain on your record for up to four years, and in Florida, it can stay on your record for five years.

The length of time a speeding ticket affects your insurance rates also depends on the state and the insurance company. On average, a speeding ticket could impact your insurance rates for up to three years, but some insurance companies can apply surcharges for up to five years. Your insurance rates are likely to increase by $380 per year, or 24% on average, following a speeding ticket.

Does a ticket in a different state impact your insurance?

Yes, a ticket in a different state can impact your insurance. However, the extent of the impact varies depending on the state where the ticket was issued, your insurance provider, and your driving history.

In the United States, 45 states belong to the Driver License Compact (DLC), a multi-state agreement to exchange information about citations for moving violations. This means that if you receive a speeding ticket in another state and choose not to pay it, the information is likely to be forwarded to your home state, which may then pursue payment of the fine.

The impact of an out-of-state ticket on your insurance depends on whether it is reported to your state's DMV and appears on your driving record. While DLC member states automatically inform other state DMVs about citations, some non-member states, like Massachusetts, also share this information. However, some states, such as Colorado and Pennsylvania, don't add minor out-of-state violations like speeding tickets to your driving record. Therefore, it's important to research your state's rules for handling out-of-state tickets.

If an out-of-state speeding ticket ends up on your driving record, it is likely to affect your insurance when your insurer reviews your record prior to renewing your policy. The exact impact on your insurance rates will depend on factors such as your insurance company's policies, the severity of the violation, and your previous driving record. For example, if it's your first offense and a low-level speeding violation, your insurance company might not raise your premium but may disqualify you from good driver discounts. On the other hand, more severe violations or multiple offenses are likely to result in higher insurance rates.

In summary, while an out-of-state ticket can impact your insurance, the consequences vary based on the specific state where the ticket was issued, your insurance provider, and your driving history. To minimize the impact, it's generally advisable to pay the fine for an out-of-state ticket to avoid further complications.

How can you lower your rate after a ticket?

The impact of a ticket on your auto insurance depends on several factors, including your driving history, location, insurance company, and the severity of the violation. Here are some ways to lower your rate after receiving a ticket:

• Be smart with your claims: It is generally advised to use your car insurance coverage only if the cost of damage repairs exceeds your ability to pay for them. Insurance companies often raise rates substantially after a claim is filed.
• Pay only for the coverage you need: If your vehicle is worth less than $4,000, you may not need comprehensive or collision coverage. These coverages are optional and only protect the physical value of your vehicle. However, consider adding uninsured motorist coverage to protect yourself from uninsured drivers.
• Double-check for discounts: While discounts may not lead to significant savings, they can still help reduce your premium. Common discounts include good driver discounts, lower rates after taking a defensive driving course, bundling insurance policies, or insuring multiple cars.
• Shop around for quotes: Compare car insurance quotes from different companies, as rates can vary significantly. You may find a company that doesn't penalize you for a single ticket or offers more competitive rates.
• Consider reducing your coverage: If you have full coverage and are unhappy with the price increase after a ticket, consider switching to minimum coverage. Minimum coverage is typically cheaper but remember that it may not include comprehensive and collision coverage, so you'll have to pay for repairs out of pocket if you cause a crash.
• Raise your deductible: Increasing your car insurance deductible will lower your premium. Just ensure you have enough savings to cover the higher deductible in case of an accident.
• Take a safe driving course: Completing a state-approved driving course may help remove points from your driving record or keep the offense off your record entirely, resulting in no rate increase.
• Revisit quotes after improving your driving record: Shop for new quotes three to five years after any tickets or violations, as they may no longer appear on your record, and you may be eligible for lower rates.

What is the best car insurance company for drivers with a speeding ticket?

A speeding ticket will likely increase your insurance rate, but it depends on several factors, including your insurance company, driving record, insurance history, and the state you live in. The impact of a speeding ticket on your insurance premium can vary by insurer, and some companies may not raise your rates at all after a single ticket.

State Farm:

State Farm is a top pick for drivers with speeding tickets, offering affordable rates that average $86/month. They have multiple local agents to offer in-person assistance and high levels of customer satisfaction. State Farm also provides a wide variety of discounts and coverage options to help drivers lower their rates. However, they may have higher rates for drivers with poor credit scores.

Progressive:

Progressive is known for its affordable rates for high-risk drivers and its easy-to-use apps and website. They offer multiple discounts, such as multi-car discounts, and their Snapshot program rewards safe drivers, even with prior speeding tickets. However, Progressive's customer service ratings are not as competitive as other companies, and their rates for teen drivers are higher.

Geico:

Geico offers reasonable average rates, even for drivers with speeding tickets, and has high customer satisfaction. They provide a user-friendly mobile app and website, making it convenient for policy management. Geico also has various insurance products, including homeowners and renters insurance, which can lead to bundling discounts. However, they have fewer local agents for in-person services, and their rates may be higher for drivers with a DUI.

Allstate:

Allstate's Drivewise program offers discounts to safe drivers, even with a prior speeding ticket. They have a well-rated mobile app and multiple auto insurance coverage options. However, Allstate's average rates tend to be higher, and their customer reviews regarding claims handling are mixed.

Nationwide:

Nationwide offers accident forgiveness for safe drivers, which can be beneficial if you have only one speeding ticket. They also have the SmartRide program, which provides discounts for safe driving. However, Nationwide has fewer local agents for personalized assistance, and some discounts are not available in all states.

Liberty Mutual:

Liberty Mutual offers multiple discounts and coverage options to help drivers with speeding tickets save money. Their RightTrack program provides discounts for safe driving habits. However, customer reviews for Liberty Mutual are mixed, especially regarding claims processing, and the rate increases may exceed the discounts offered.

Esurance:

Esurance has a simple online quote process and competitive rates for drivers with speeding tickets. Their mobile apps are highly rated, making it easy for policy management. However, Esurance is not available in every state, and their customer reviews are mixed.

Farmers Insurance:

Farmers Insurance offers a variety of discounts, strong financial stability, and multiple auto insurance coverage options. However, they may have higher rates for drivers with speeding tickets, and they may not have local agents in every area.

It's important to note that insurance rates can vary based on individual factors, so it's recommended to compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best rates and coverage options for your specific situation.

Frequently asked questions