Your driving record is one of the most important things that will be considered when determining your annual car insurance premiums. Your chances of getting a lower premium are higher if you have a clean driving record. Ohio has a lower average annual cost for full coverage car insurance than the national average. This may change after a speeding ticket. Bankrate’s 2021 study on annual premiums found that Ohio speeding tickets increased the cost of car insurance by 32%.
Speeding in Ohio is a misdemeanor and can result in higher insurance rates. A driver who exceeds 55 mph on most roads and 65 mph on most expressways is considered to be in violation of Ohio’s speed limit. Your car insurance premiums will rise and stay high for the next few years if you have a speeding ticket.
What is the cost of a Ohio speeding ticket?
Your penalties for speeding in Ohio will vary depending on the offense. Repetition offenders will be subject to more severe penalties than those who have not been convicted before. Penalties for speeding in Ohio can include the following:
- Maximum penalty of $150 for the first and second offenses
- Maximum penalty of $250 and/or 30 days imprisonment for a third offense
- For the fourth or subsequent offenses, you could face up to $500 in fines as well as up to 60 days imprisonment.
Insurance points in Ohio are added to the driver’s record for speeding ticket convictions. These points are also known as demerit points and are accumulated by motorists after repeated traffic violations. Having too many points on your record could make it difficult to obtain affordable car insurance. It may also lead to license suspension depending on the circumstances.
What does a speeding ticket do to your Ohio car insurance?
Car insurance rates in Ohio increase by 32% when you add a speeding ticket to your driving record. A minor traffic violation without any prior convictions can lead to high-risk insurance and higher premiums. Your annual premiums may rise if you’re younger than 25. Drivers under 25 years of age can sometimes expect to pay 50% more than the original cost of insurance after a speeding ticket because statistics indicate that cause more accidents than female drivers, and may be charged more after a speeding ticket accordingly.
The average cost of full coverage car insurance increases by 32% after a Ohio speeding ticket. However, the average increase for female drivers who have received speeding tickets is just 31%. These rates are based on Quadrant Information Services’ quoted annual premiums. They do not represent what your Ohio car insurance rates might be.
The risk factors that are unique to each driver, such as your driving record, life circumstances and age, will affect the premium you pay after a speeding ticket has been factored into your premium. These are the average rates for Ohio after a speeding ticket is added. However, there may be some ways to get car insurance that is cheaper.
How to reduce your car insurance following a Ohio speeding ticket
Although you might not be able stop your car insurance costs from rising due to a speeding ticket there are still ways you can save money on your premiums and reduce your car insurance. Some of these strategies might work for you, depending on your circumstances.
Get estimates from other car insurance providers
Annual premiums in Ohio can be more expensive for drivers who have been cited for speeding. However, there are some providers that may be less expensive than others depending on the rate of increase and other factors. If you are unable to afford your current rates, it is worth comparing quotes from different providers as the table below shows.
When choosing an insurance provider, price should not be the only consideration. Customer reviews, third-party ratings, coverage options and financial stability are some of the other things to check when picking the best car insurance company in Ohio.
Raise your deductible
Your annual premiums will be lower if the amount you have to pay out-of-pocket when filing a claim exceeds the standard deductible amount. While this strategy can save you money on car insurance monthly and annual, it also means that you take on more risk in the case of an accident. If you have to file a claim, it is important that you are prepared to pay your deductible.
Modify your coverage
You may also consider switching to a pay-per-mile program if you have low annual mileage to help with savings. You could save hundreds of dollars by bundling your car insurance policy with another policy from the same company. Some drivers may also consider dropping coverages that they do not require, such as collision and comprehensive coverages or any other add-ons. It is a good idea to check with your insurance about whether omitting these coverages could increase your financial risk.
Additional speeding ticket considerations
A speeding ticket can stay on your driving record for as long as three years. A speeding ticket can lead to an increase in your insurance rates and possibly loss of any safe driver discounts. Your insurance rates could drop gradually after three years or whatever time your speeding ticket remains on your record. This is provided that you don’t have any other incidents.
In Ohio, if you are charged with exceeding prima facie speed limits (as opposed to absolute speed limits) you have the choice to go to court and prove yourself not guilty. Other than that, penalties for speeding include monetary fines and incarceration for subsequent offenses. If a driver continues to break speed limits and accumulates large amounts of demerit points, a license suspension could occur. Although speeding tickets are not grounds for suspension, your insurance company may continue to monitor your driving record.
Questions frequently asked
Which insurance company is best for drivers who have been cited for speeding?
The best car insurance companies will be different for drivers with a clean record compared to those with speeding tickets. If regular insurers quote you unaffordable rates, or even deny coverage, you may need to look to providers who specialize in high-risk insurance. Although most major insurers offer options for high-risk drivers, smaller local businesses may be able provide better rates. It is a great way to compare quotes and find the right provider for you.
How can I get rid of a speeding ticket?
Safe driving and adhering to the speed limit will ensure that you don’t get a speeding ticket. Drivers who are given a speeding ticket might be able contest it or request a driving course. This could help keep the ticket off your record.
What length of time does a traffic ticket stay on your driving record?
A ticket can remain on your driving record in most states for three years. This can change depending on how severe or frequent the convictions were.