You might wonder if speeding tickets can affect your insurance if you are pulled over for driving too fast. Speeding tickets can increase your car insurance premiums. Speeding tickets can be added to your driving record. Insurance companies may check your driving record and use it to determine your likelihood of an accident or make an insurance claim. Your insurance cost may be affected by the perception that your driving record contains traffic violations.
The more traffic violations you have, the more likely it is you’ll see increases in the cost of insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Drivers who receive speeding tickets may be considered a higher risk group, and therefore be charged more for auto insurance even if they haven’t made a claim themselves, says the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. If you have too many risky behaviors, such as a high number of moving violations, your insurer may even decide not to renew your policy, says the III.
Insurance companies will vary in the amount of your auto insurance that you have to increase for a speeding ticket. Several factors will be considered:
- Your previous driving record
- No matter if the ticket was for the first time.
- Time since your last violation of the law
- What was the speed limit at which you traveled more than 100 miles an hour?
HOW A SPEEDING TICK CAN AFFECT YOUR INSURED
A speeding ticket can not only increase your car insurance rates but also cause other problems with your car insurance.
- There is less cost reduction over time. Multiple traffic violations can result in you missing out on cost-reductions for your insurance. In general, the III explains, more experienced drivers are likely to pay less for auto insurance. A poor driving record can reduce or eliminate any benefits you may receive from driving experience.
- Loss of standard coverage. The III says that if you have a history of traffic violations and accidents, it may be difficult to find private insurance companies that offer auto insurance coverage. The III says that if traditional insurance companies refuse to cover you due to traffic violations or accidents, they may not be able offer you insurance coverage.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP REDUCE PREMIUMS
There may be some things you can do to lower your auto insurance costs if you’ve been ticketed.
- Safety is the main focus of safe driving. Drive safely! According to the III, the better your driving record is, the lower your premium may be. You can avoid more speeding tickets than you have. This will help keep your car insurance costs down.
- You might consider changing your coverage. You may be able reduce your car insurance premiums if your rates have risen. This decision will be based on your individual insurance needs. To help you make an informed decision about your insurance coverage, your agent can provide additional information.
- Learn safe driving. You may be able reduce your premium in some states by taking a defensive driving course or an accident prevention class. For example, in New York, insurers must give a discount on auto insurance to drivers who have completed a state-approved accident prevention course, according to the New York State Department of Financial Services.
If the driver hasn’t been convicted of a similar offense in the past three years, some insurers won’t raise their premiums. If you have been cited for speeding, it is important to drive safely and avoid another violation.
Your car insurance cost may be affected by speeding tickets. Insurers might check your driving record and consider drivers who have been cited for speeding a higher risk. Even if drivers have never filed a claim, this can lead to higher premiums. Driving safely and responsibly is a great way to get affordable premiums.