Are you one of those drivers who can’t resist the urge to push on the gas pedal a little harder than necessary? Have you recently received a speeding ticket and are now worried about how it will affect your insurance rates? You’re not alone! Speeding tickets are a common occurrence, but what most people don’t know is that they have an impact on your auto insurance.
In this blog post, we’ll explore whether getting a speeding ticket really does increase your insurance rates and what steps you can take to mitigate any potential increases. So sit back, buckle up, and let’s dive into the world of car insurance!
How Much Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Your Car Insurance Rates?
If you’re caught speeding, it could lead to an increase in your car insurance rates. How much your rates go up depends on a few things, including your insurer, the state you live in, and the severity of the offense.
In general, insurers typically surcharge drivers anywhere from 20% to 50% for a speeding ticket. The surcharge is usually applied for three years. So, if you have a clean driving record and are currently paying $1,000 per year for car insurance, a 20% surcharge would add $200 to your annual premium, bumping your total rate up to $1,200 per year.
The size of the increase also varies by state. For example, in California, a speeding ticket will only result in a 20% surcharge on your premium. But in Massachusetts, a speeding ticket could cause your rates to triple.
And finally, the severity of the offense also plays a role in how much your rates will go up. If you’re caught going over the speed limit by just a few miles per hour, the impact on your rates will likely be less than if you’re caught speeding significantly over the limit.
Factors That Play a Role in Determining How Much a Speeding Ticket Will Raise Your Rates
There are a number of factors that play a role in determining how much a speeding ticket will raise your rates. The first is the severity of the offense. A speeding ticket for going 10 mph over the limit is not going to have as big of an impact as one for going 50 mph over the limit. The second factor is your driving record.
If you have a clean driving record, then one speeding ticket is not going to have as big of an impact as it would if you had multiple tickets or accidents on your record. Insurance companies also look at the state in which you received the ticket, as well as the speed limit. If you received a ticket in a state with lower speed limits, it is likely to have a bigger impact than if you received a ticket in a state with higher speed limits.
Finally, insurance companies will also look at how much your rates would have increased without the speeding ticket. If your rates were already set to increase by 10%, then a speeding ticket is not going to have as big of an impact as it would if your rates were only set to increase by 5%.
Ways to offset the rate increase from a speeding ticket
There are a few ways to offset the rate increase that you may experience after receiving a speeding ticket. One way is to take a defensive driving course. This can show your insurance company that you are taking steps to be a safer driver, and they may give you a discount on your premium as a result.
Another way to offset the rate increase is to shop around for new insurance. Sometimes, even if you have been with the same company for a long time, it can pay off to get quotes from other insurers. They may be able to offer you a better deal than what you’re currently paying.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a speeding ticket can indeed increase your insurance premiums. However, the amount of impact that it has on your premiums can vary depending on the severity of the violation and whether or not you have any other moving violations on your record.
If you do find yourself with a speeding ticket, make sure to check in with your insurance provider to get an idea as to how much more you may be paying each month for coverage.
