How much does a speeding ticket affect car insurance rates?

Nearly every driver is guilty of speeding, at some time or another, whether it’s because you’re late to work, there is an emergency, or your attention slipped.

Getting a speeding ticket is a hassle no one wants to deal with, especially since they usually involve hefty fines. Speeding tickets also increase your insurance rates, with the average driver seeing their coverage raise by about 21%. You’ll see even higher rates if you have multiple speeding tickets, and you might have to look at high-risk car insurance.

Read on to learn how much your rates might increase and how long higher prices might last. Then, compare rates with as many companies as possible to find the most affordable coverage after getting a speeding ticket.

Read more: How Traffic Infractions Affect Car Insurance

How much does a ticket raise your car insurance?

Speeding tickets are one of the most common traffic violations in the U.S., with millions of citations written yearly. But, unfortunately, getting even a single speeding ticket can significantly raise your insurance rates.

A speeding ticket’s exact amount will affect your insurance rates, depending on your driving record and where you live. In addition, some states have stricter laws regarding speeding tickets, while you’ll face harsher penalties if you have previous incidents on your record.

The average speeding ticket raises your rates by about 21% or about $30 monthly. However, you’ll see different increases based on the nature of your speeding ticket. For example, you’ll probably see much higher rates if you’re caught speeding in a school zone or going more than 20 miles over the limit.

Another thing to consider is that insurance companies charge different rates for speeding tickets, so you’ll need to compare your options. Check below for an idea of how much you might pay for insurance after a speeding ticket.

Read more: Can getting speeding tickets or a DUI cancel my car insurance?

Average Monthly Cara Insurance Rates for Top 10 Insurance Companies for Drivers with a Ticket

As you can see, there is a significant difference between the cheapest and most expensive companies after a speeding ticket. Although State Farm, Geico, and Progressive might be your best insurance option after a speeding ticket, you should still compare rates with other companies. You might find cheaper rates elsewhere. Find the best car insurance companies for people with speeding tickets. 

How much do speeding tickets affect your car insurance rates by state?

You’ll see higher car insurance rates after a speeding ticket, no matter which state you live in. However, some states have stricter laws than others, and you might pay much higher insurance rates depending on where you live.

Although some states have cheaper rates after a speeding ticket than others, it’s hard to pinpoint how much your quotes will increase. Location is only one factor insurance companies consider when crafting your rates.

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How long does a speeding ticket affect your rates?

The exact amount of time your insurance rates will be affected by a speeding ticket depends on where you live. State laws limit how long an insurance company can look at speeding tickets, but the average length is about three years.

However, a few states, like Massachusetts, allow insurance companies to look at speeding tickets for the past five years.

Regardless of where you live, an insurance representative can help determine how long a speeding ticket will affect your rates.

How do insurance companies find out about tickets?

Many drivers believe their insurance companies won’t find out about a speeding ticket. However, you don’t need to report a speeding ticket for your company to find out about it.

Insurance companies periodically check your driving record, which is how they discover new traffic violations. Most insurance companies renew your policy after six months — after every six-month period passes, your company will review your record. So at best, you can conceal a speeding ticket for six months.

Many states allow you to take a defensive driving class to have a speeding ticket removed from your record. Learn the best defensive driving tips. 

How do other traffic violations affect your car insurance rates?

Although speeding tickets are one of the most common violations American drivers see on their records, they’re not the only violations that affect your car insurance. Even the smallest violation can increase your rates. 

Read more: 15 Traffic Tickets that Raise Car Insurance Rates

Most states use a point system to keep track of traffic violations. But what could get you points on your car insurance?

For example, a speeding ticket in Arizona will earn you three points on your driver’s license, while Indiana awards two points. If you’re wondering how much two points affect your insurance — or any other number of points — you can check with a representative.

Insurance companies don’t directly look at your point total to determine your rates. However, every incident that adds points to your license will increase your insurance rates. There are dozens of moving violations that affect your car insurance rates, but some of the most common include the following:

• Texting and driving. A cell phone ticket will affect car insurance rates in most states. Laws about texting while you’re behind the wheel vary by state, but the average insurance increase is 19%.
• Hit-and-run. One of the most severe traffic violations you can get is a hit-and-run charge. The average hit-and-run can increase insurance rates by 82%, but you might need high-risk car insurance instead.
• DUI. This serious traffic violation can cause insurance companies to reject you as a customer. Car insurance rates after a DUI charge will be higher by 74%.
• At-fault accident. No one wants to get into an accident, but they’re not always avoidable. If you cause an accident, your insurance rates will increase by about 42%.
• Driving with a suspended license. Aside from needing SR-22 car insurance, your car insurance rates after a suspended license will increase by about 62%.
• Failure to wear a seat belt. You might not expect such a minor incident to impact your rates, but a seat belt ticket will affect your car insurance. However, driving without wearing a seat belt can increase your rates by 4%.

You’ll likely see higher rates after a speeding ticket, even utilizing money-saving tips. But, as mentioned above, your rates will likely return to normal after three years if you avoid additional incidents.

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How to Lower Insurance Rates After a Speeding Ticket

Although you’ll see higher rates after getting a speeding ticket, there are ways you can lower its impact. If you’re facing increased rates after a speeding ticket, consider the following tips to save:

• Defensive driving course. Most insurance companies offer a defensive driving discount if you complete a defensive driving class. Your insurance company must approve the course, but you can earn a significant discount.
• Compare rates. Most companies don’t charge a cancellation fee, so you should consider comparing car insurance quotes if your rates spike too high after a speeding ticket.
• Check for discounts. You should check with a representative to ensure you get every car insurance discount possible.
• Raise your deductible. Your car insurance deductible is the portion you need to pay before your insurance kicks in. You can lower your monthly rates by increasing your deductible, but you’ll be financially responsible for more if you get into an accident.
• Consider pay-per-mile insurance. If you drive fewer than 10,000 miles per year, you can find major savings with a pay-per-mile car insurance policy
• Lower your coverage. Although you might need full coverage car insurance if you have a loan or lease, you should check how much coverage you actually need. Lowering your coverage limits will lower your rates, and you can check with a representative to see what you can drop
• Improve your credit score. It takes a little time, but improving your credit score will lower your car insurance rates.

You’ll likely see higher rates after a speeding ticket, even utilizing money-saving tips. But, as mentioned above, your rates will likely return to normal after three years if you avoid additional incidents.

Find the Best Rates After a Speeding Ticket Today

Aside from the hassle of getting a speeding ticket and the fines that come with it, you’ll also see higher car insurance rates. However, there are ways to save on your coverage, including looking for discounts, lowering your coverage, and taking a defensive driving course.

One of the most important ways to find affordable coverage after a speeding ticket is to compare rates with as many companies as possible. Even if you already have car insurance, obtaining new quotes can help you save.

Case Studies: Impact of Speeding Tickets on Car Insurance Rates

Case Study 1: Minor Speeding Ticket

John received a minor speeding ticket for exceeding the speed limit by a small margin. This type of violation is generally considered less severe, and his insurance provider categorizes it as a low-risk offense. As a result, John’s car insurance rates may experience a minimal increase, if any, as a result of the minor speeding ticket.

Case Study 2: Excessive Speeding Violation

Sarah was caught driving at a significantly higher speed than the posted limit, resulting in an excessive speeding violation. This type of violation is considered more severe and poses a higher risk on the road. Sarah’s insurance rates increased significantly due to the increased perceived risk associated with her driving behavior.

Case Study 3: Multiple Speeding Tickets

Mike has accumulated multiple speeding tickets over a short period. This pattern of behavior raises concerns about Mike’s driving habits and increases the perceived risk of future accidents. As a result, Mike’s car insurance rates have significantly increased due to the repeated violations and the higher risk associated with his driving record.

Case Study 4: Insurance Provider Policies and Speeding Tickets

Samantha received a single speeding ticket, but her insurance provider offers accident forgiveness or a ticket forgiveness program as part of her policy. As a result, Samantha’s car insurance rates remained relatively unaffected by the speeding ticket since her insurance provider does not increase rates for the first violation.

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