Alabama police issue 105 speeding tickets per 10,000 residents annually. Speeding is the leading cause for fatalities in Alabama. A ticket will also impact your auto insurance. According to Bankrate’s 2021 study on annual premiums, a single speeding ticket can increase the cost of Alabama car insurance by 28%.
Alabama speeding tickets are not something you want to get, but knowing how they can impact your wallet and you may be able to avoid one in Alabama may help you.
What is the cost of a speeding ticket for Alabama?
Speeding tickets will result in a fine. This will vary depending on where you live and how fast you drove. In Huntsville, for example, speeding less than 25 miles over the limit will cost $179; while going faster than that will result in a fine of $199. Fines are generally between $150 and $300. Surcharges may apply, and fees in work zones are automatically doubled.
What does a speeding ticket do to your Alabama car insurance?
Below is the average increase in car insurance for a 40-year old driver following a speeding violation in Alabama. The rates for female drivers are slightly lower than those for male drivers before the speeding ticket but the rates for male drivers after the ticket is higher. Why is this? Statistically, women have fewer accidents, according to the Insurance Information Institute, and thus are considered a lower risk by insurance companies. Men also are more likely to engage in risky behavior — such as speeding — and when they have accidents, they are more severe.
Average premium for full coverage annually
No matter if you’re male or female, your auto insurance will increase by at least 25%. Your age may have an impact on how much you pay for auto insurance. The percentage of your increase may be lower for younger drivers who already pay a high car insurance premium.
How to reduce your car insurance following a speeding violation in Alabama
We’ve looked at the impact of a speeding ticket on your insurance. But is there a way to reduce this increase? These are some factors that can help to keep your insurance increase to a minimum. You don’t want to spend more on car insurance than you need. If you have been cited for speeding in Alabama, these are some options.
Get estimates from other car insurance providers
A speeding ticket could be a signal that it is time to change insurance companies. You can call an insurance agent or go online to get free quotes. There may be a better deal with another insurer. Note that the average annual cost of a car insurance policy in Alabama in general is $1,623.
Alabama car insurance company average annual full coverage premium
While the price is an important factor, there are other factors that you should consider such as customer service and financial stability. A good place to start your search is with Bankrate’s Best Car Insurance in Alabama for 2021 list.
Analyse your discounts
Even if you don’t have a speeding ticket, it is worth reviewing your discounts every year. Any agent can review your policy to ensure you get all discounts that you are entitled. Simple actions such as bundling your auto insurance with homeowners insurance can increase your discounts.
Learn defensive driving
A qualified defensive driving course can help you save money on your insurance. It may also erase points from your licence or disqualify you from a citation depending on where you live. Online courses are available and often affordable. Many insurers offer discounts to students who have completed courses.
Additional speeding ticket considerations
An Alabama speeding ticket can result in several penalties. First, you will have points assigned to your license: two points if you are going 1-25 miles over the speed limit and five if you are going more than 26 mph over the speed limit. If you accumulate more than 12 points within a two year period, your license will be suspended.
However, Alabama insurance points are just one consideration. Multiple tickets could result in a suspension of your license and a court appearance. A suspended license and a court appearance could result in jail time as well as additional costs.
Questions frequently asked
Which insurance company is best for drivers who have been cited for speeding?
A good strategy for finding the best insurance company after an Alabama speeding ticket is to get quotes from several of the insurers who are writing the best policies. In addition to the speeding ticket, your premium rate will be based on many factors, such as your age, gender, and car model. There may be several premium rates offered by different insurers. You can choose the one that suits your needs best.
What caused my insurance to go up after I was cited for speeding in Alabama?
Premiums are calculated on the basis of risk. A lower risk driver who is less likely to file claims will receive a better rate than one with higher risk. This is because they are more likely not to file claims that could cost the insurer money. A speeding ticket will immediately place you in a higher risk pool. This results in a higher premium.
How much does a speeding ticket in Alabama cost?
Alabama’s speeding ticket costs will vary depending upon where it was received, but they will usually exceed $150. Surcharges and administrative fees may also be added. Your auto insurance premium will rise by an average 28% if you get a speeding ticket.
