If you’ve been caught speeding, you’re probably wondering how it will affect your insurance rates. After all, a speeding ticket is evidence that you’re more likely to get into an accident. But how much will your rates actually go up? And is it worth it to fight the ticket in court? Read on to find out.
How Much Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Your Insurance?
No one likes getting a speeding ticket. Not only do you have to pay a fine, but you also have to deal with the potential of your insurance rates going up. So, how much will a speeding ticket actually affect your insurance rates?
It depends on a few factors, such as your insurance company, your driving record, and the severity of the speeding ticket. But, in general, you can expect your rates to go up by about 10% after receiving a speeding ticket.
If you have a clean driving record, then you may not see as large of an increase in your rates. However, if you’ve had multiple speeding tickets or other moving violations, then your rates could go up quite a bit.
The best way to avoid having your rates go up is to simply obey the speed limit and drive safely. But if you do get pulled over for speeding, don’t despair. A single ticket probably won’t break the bank when it comes to your insurance rates.
How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record?
A speeding ticket will typically stay on your driving record for three years. However, the impact on your insurance rates will vary depending on your insurer and the severity of the infraction. Some insurers may raise rates for a first-time speeding offense, while others may not impose a surcharge until a driver accumulates multiple tickets.
How to fight a speeding ticket
If you get pulled over and cited for speeding, there are a few ways you can fight the ticket and avoid having your insurance rates go up. First, you can try to negotiate with the officer who issued the ticket. If that doesn’t work, you can always take your case to court and argue your case before a judge. Finally, if all else fails, you can always hire a traffic lawyer to help you out.
The best ways to avoid getting a speeding ticket
There’s no surefire way to avoid getting a speeding ticket, but there are some things you can do to lessen your chances of being pulled over. First, make sure your vehicle is in good working order and that all your lights are in proper working condition. This will help you avoid getting pulled over for a mechanical violation. Second, be aware of your speed and obey the posted speed limit. If you’re driving in an area with a lower speed limit, be extra cautious. And finally, be courteous to other drivers and follow the rules of the road. If you do get pulled over, remain calm and polite with the officer. You may still end up with a ticket, but being rude will only make the situation worse.
Conclusion
If you’re caught speeding, you’re likely to see an increase in your insurance rates. How much they go up depends on a number of factors, including your driving record, the state you live in, and the amount of the ticket. If you have a clean driving record, the impact on your rates may not be as severe. But if you’ve been caught speeding multiple times, or if you have other violations on your record, the increase could be significant. The best way to avoid having your rates go up is to obey the speed limit and drive safely.