In one of the most recent comprehensive studies of speeding in Colorado, it was reported that motor vehicle fatalities related to speeding increased steadily from 2013 to 2017 with the most dramatic increase (8%) occurring between 2016 and 2017. Speeding was the cause of 35% of all fatalities in auto accidents.
Colorado can be very costly for speeding. A conviction for speeding 25 mph faster than the posted speed limit could result in a $1,000 fine and at most 10 days imprisonment. Speeding can also impact insurance premiums. According to Bankrate’s 2021 study on annual premiums, a speeding ticket can increase the cost of Colorado car insurance by 15%.
What is the cost of a Colorado speeding ticket?
Like most other states, speeding penalties imposed in Colorado increase significantly as the speed increases. The minimum fine for speeding is $30 if you are stopped for driving less than 5 mph over the speed limit. Driving:
- The fine for exceeding the speed limit by 5-9 mph is $70
- The fine for exceeding the limit by 10 to 19 mph is $135
- The fine for exceeding the speed limit by 20-24 mph is $200
A conviction for driving 25 mph or more above the speed limit is considered a criminal misdemeanor. It can result in a $300 to $1000 fine and possible jail time of ten days up to one year.
What does a speeding ticket do to your Colorado car insurance?
A speeding conviction in Colorado will usually increase your auto insurance premiums. Because males have been statistically shown to be higher risk drivers than females, premium increases may be higher for men. This is true in Colorado, as the chart below shows.
Average premium for full coverage annually
Colorado has high speeding charges. You could also be sentenced to jail for a serious offense. Attorney’s fees can quickly add up. While there are steps you can take to reduce some of these expenses, the best thing is to avoid speeding up.
How to reduce your car insurance following a Colorado speeding ticket
There are many proactive ways to reduce the impact of a speeding ticket. This is not a new problem.
Get estimates from other car insurance providers
When determining the rates of policies, auto insurance companies take into account many factors. It is always a good idea to compare several options, as with all decisions. Obtaining quotes from several good car insurance companies and comparing them will help you find the best option after receiving a speeding ticket.
Online resources to assess your needs and options can be invaluable when facing a potential rate increase. These, along with conversations with representatives from car insurance companies, can help you compare the strengths and weaknesses. You should pay particular attention to car insurance companies’ financial, customer service, and claims handling ratings.
Find discounts
There may be many discounts to help reduce car insurance premiums. You should check with your insurer to see if they offer home insurance. If so, do they offer a discount for combining home and auto coverage? You may also be eligible for discounts depending on your vehicle type, location, age, and other factors.
Adjust coverages, limits, and deductibles
Minimum limits of liability coverage are required by most states. Colorado follows this trend but there are typically no restrictions on modifying the comprehensive and collision coverage that address financial consequences from damage to your own vehicle. If you don’t lease your vehicle, or have a lender that requires collision coverage, it may be possible to reduce these limits and save money.
Increase your deductibles may help reduce your premiums. Ask your insurance company if your vehicle usage has decreased and if they will adjust your rates based on your annual mileage.
Additional speeding ticket considerations
There is always the option to contest a speeding ticket at court. If you feel you weren’t speeding or have a reasonable explanation, it might be worth spending some time in court.
You should also consider the consequences of your choices when weighing them. Colorado employs a point system which adds points to a driver’s record based on the severity of an infraction. A driver’s record is assessed one point for speeding violations of between 5 and 9 mph in excess of the posted speed limit. Four points are added for violations exceeding the posted speed limit of between 10 and 19 mph. Six points are added to infractions that exceed the posted speed limit by between 20 and 39 mph. These points can have an impact on insurance premiums and could lead to license suspension.
Questions frequently asked
Which insurance company is best for drivers who have been cited for speeding?
For drivers facing speeding tickets, there is no one best car insurance company. A number of factors unique to each individual come into play and the best approach is to obtain several quotes from reputable and recommended insurers in Colorado. These quotes can be compared to help you choose the best coverage for your needs.
Do I have to inform my insurance company about a speeding ticket
You are not required to disclose speeding tickets to anyone, even your insurance company. It is possible that your auto insurance company will find the ticket when you renew your policy.
How can I check the points on my Colorado license?
The DMV in Colorado will allow you to purchase your driving record. This will include all points. You can either order the history online or at your local DMV.
