Although speeding tickets are not uncommon, there are consequences. You can expect to see ramifications for 3 to 5 years if you are convicted of speeding. When it comes to your car insurance, you can expect to see your premium to increase by an average of 23% per year after a speeding ticket.
It can be helpful to understand how a speeding ticket affects your auto insurance premium, policy eligibility and driving status. Understanding the consequences of a speeding ticket before you receive one can help you to be prepared and may help you to find ways that you can lower your premium.
Insurance premiums and speeding tickets
All insurance rates including homeowners, auto, and life insurance are based on risk. An insurance provider will usually evaluate your driving record to determine the level of risk that you might pose to auto insurance premiums and speeding tickets. Having a speeding ticket on your record typically means that insurance companies will view you as a higher risk. You will be charged a higher premium to compensate for this risk.
Drivers who are given speeding tickets see an increase in their insurance costs. Quadrant Information Services reports that the national average for full insurance coverage with an accident in record is 23%. However, this can change depending on many factors. Every insurance company has its own rates. This will impact the amount you pay. Additionally, if you have other incidents on your driving record, your premium will likely be affected.
How speeding tickets impact insurance premiums
What length of time does a speeding ticket remain on your record
The average length of time a speeding ticket remains on your driver’s licence in most states is three years. However, it can be longer or shorter in some states. For example, Virginia speeders will see a speeding ticket on record for five years.
A speeding ticket can not only impact your insurance premiums but also have a negative effect on other areas of your lifestyle. It is possible to wonder, “How much does it cost to get a speeding ticket?” You may be required to pay court fees and fines as well as attend driving school after a citation. Your license could be suspended depending on the severity of your offense. There may also be additional fees to reinstate your license. The cost of a speeding ticket will vary depending on where you live, what your insurance costs are, and the penalties that you face. Understanding your state’s laws can help prepare you for the aftermath of a speeding ticket.
Speeding tickets and your driver’s license
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), keeps track of traffic violations by using a point system. Each state has its own point system guidelines and point thresholds. Virginia, for instance, is a four-point violation. A certain amount of points will be added to your driver’s licence if you are given a speeding ticket. The speed at which you traveled may affect the number of points. In many states, the higher your speed, the more points you will see on your driving record.
Each state has its own point system. The points will remain on your driver’s licence for the same amount of time. The outcome of your speeding ticket will depend on the laws in your state.
Your auto insurance and speeding tickets
Having a speeding ticket on your record may affect more than just how much you pay for insurance — it could affect your eligibility with various car insurance companies. How long can a speeding ticket impact insurance? Insurance companies look at the average number of accidents, tickets, and DUIs that you have had over the past three to five year period. Each company will have its own underwriting regulations that determine how far back your records can be assessed.
Your insurance company may consider the severity of your speeding ticket when determining your premiums. Your auto insurance can be affected by your speeding ticket. Just like how fines are assessed if you exceed the limit, so can your ability to pay them. Your chances of getting declined for your policy are higher if you have a lot of tickets or other incidents on your record. If your license has been suspended, this can make things even more complicated. It can be difficult to find auto insurance with a suspended driver’s license, but it is possible. You may need to choose a company specifically geared toward insuring high-risk drivers.
How to get car insurance cheaper if you are convicted of speeding
While rates will increase once you get a speeding ticket there are still ways to save money on your auto insurance. Insurance companies often offer discounts to offset higher insurance costs after a speeding ticket. If you have been given a speeding ticket, there are several ways that you can save money on your car insurance.
- Compare rates: Each company has its own rating system. This means that some companies may rate your speeding ticket higher than others. Comparing quotes from multiple companies may help you to find a company that offers the same coverage but costs less.
- Completing a defensive driving course can save you money. Some insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who have completed a driver’s education or defensive driving course. The discount may not be available in all states or companies, so make sure you speak to an agent from your company before signing up for any course.
- Bundle your insurance policies: Many insurance companies offer multiple insurance lines, such as auto and home policies. This can help you save money by purchasing more than one type. If you own a car and a house, you might be able to save money by purchasing both policies from one company.
- Discounts are available: Many companies offer discounts that will help drivers cut down on their insurance. Bundling discounts are not the only savings options. Other common savings include becoming paperless, signing up to a telematics system, being a student, and owning a vehicle with certain safety features.
Speeding tickets are one the most common traffic offenses. Having one on your record could have serious financial and practical consequences for your life. You may have to deal with the consequences of a ticket for many years, depending on where you live and how much you exceed the speed limit. Insurers often offer discounts and savings opportunities to help reduce your insurance costs after a speeding ticket.
Questions frequently asked
If I get a speeding ticket, which auto insurance company is best?
There are many factors that go into choosing the best auto insurance company. Every car insurance company evaluates speeding tickets differently. Each state also has its own traffic violations rules. Some of the top car insurance companies that have been rated highly by third-party agencies may give you a starting place to compare rates, coverages and discount options.
How do I get rid of a speeding ticket from my driving record
You may be eligible to take a defensive driving course in some states to get your speeding ticket dropped. You may have to wait for the points to expire. Each state has its own point system. You will need to wait until the points expire in order to keep your driving record clean.
What can I do to save money on my auto insurance if I get a speeding ticket.
You can still save money after a speeding ticket was placed on your driving record. You might be able to find a lower premium by getting quotes from other companies. Many insurance companies offer discounts that you might be eligible for. Although each insurance company offers different discounts depending on the state, they may all be similar.
How can tickets impact your insurance?
Your premium will be affected by moving violations such as speeding, disobeying a traffic signal and following too closely. Your auto insurance will not be affected by non-moving offenses like parking tickets.
