Does Speeding Ticket Increase Insurance?

Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations that drivers commit. However, many drivers are not aware of the potential consequences that come with getting a speeding ticket. One major concern is the increase in insurance premiums that may result from a speeding ticket. In this article, we will explore whether or not getting a speeding ticket will increase your car insurance rates and what you can do about it.

Understanding Car Insurance Rates

Before we get into whether or not a speeding ticket will affect your insurance, it’s important to understand how car insurance rates are determined. Insurance companies use a variety of factors when determining your insurance rates, including your age, gender, driving record, vehicle make and model, and the number of claims you have made in the past, among others.

These factors are used to calculate the level of risk that the insurance company is taking on by insuring you. If you are deemed a high-risk driver, you will likely be charged higher insurance premiums than someone who is considered a low-risk driver.

How a Speeding Ticket Affects Your Insurance Rates

When you get a speeding ticket, it goes on your driving record. This means that your insurance company can see that you have been ticketed for speeding. Insurance companies consider speeding to be a risky behavior and will often increase your insurance rates as a result of a speeding ticket.

The amount by which your rates will increase will depend on a few factors, including how fast you were going when you were ticketed, the number of points that were added to your driving record, and your insurance company’s policies regarding speeding tickets.

Factors That Affect the Amount of the Insurance Rate Increase

If you are ticketed for going only a few miles over the speed limit, your insurance company may not increase your rates at all. However, if you were driving a significant amount over the speed limit, your rates may increase by a considerable amount. The specific amount of the increase will depend on your insurance company’s policies regarding speeding tickets.

The number of points that are added to your driving record as a result of the speeding ticket will also affect the amount of the increase. The more points you have on your driving record, the riskier you are considered to be by insurance companies, and the higher your rates will be.

Finally, different insurance companies have different policies when it comes to speeding tickets. Some companies may forgive one or two tickets, while others may increase your rates as soon as you receive your first ticket. It’s important to check with your insurance company to see what their policies are regarding speeding tickets.

Ways to Avoid an Increase in Insurance Rates

If you want to avoid an increase in your insurance rates as a result of a speeding ticket, there are a few things you can do. The first is to contest the ticket. If you believe that you were not actually speeding or that the ticket was issued in error, you may be able to have the ticket thrown out.

If you are unable to have the ticket thrown out, you may still be able to avoid an increase in your insurance rates by taking a defensive driving course. Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete defensive driving courses, and some may even waive the increase in rates that would normally result from a speeding ticket if you complete a course.

FAQ

Q: How long will a speeding ticket affect my insurance rates?

A: A speeding ticket will typically affect your insurance rates for three years.

Q: Will my rates increase if I get multiple speeding tickets?

A: Yes, your rates will likely increase if you receive multiple speeding tickets. The more tickets you receive, the higher your rates will be.

Q: Will an insurance company know if I get a speeding ticket out of state?

A: Yes, your insurance company will be able to see any speeding tickets that you receive, regardless of where they were issued.

Q: Will my rates increase if I get a speeding ticket while driving someone else’s car?

A: Yes, your rates may still increase if you receive a speeding ticket while driving someone else’s car. The ticket will still be added to your driving record, which your insurance company will be able to see.

Q: Can I avoid an increase in my insurance rates by paying the ticket without going to court?

A: No, paying the ticket without going to court will not prevent your rates from increasing.

Conclusion

Getting a speeding ticket can be costly, both in terms of the fines you have to pay and the potential increase in your insurance rates. However, there are steps you can take to avoid an increase in your rates, such as contesting the ticket or completing a defensive driving course. If you do receive a speeding ticket, it’s important to check with your insurance company to see what their policies are regarding speeding tickets.