Do Speeding Tickets Increase Insurance?
Speeding tickets are one of the most common traffic violations. Almost everyone has received one at some point in their lives, and they can be frustrating and expensive to deal with. One of the most common concerns of drivers after getting a speeding ticket is whether their auto insurance rates will increase. In this blog post, we will explore if and how speeding tickets affect your auto insurance rates.
How Insurance Companies Determine Your Rates
Auto insurance companies use a variety of factors to determine your rates. These include your age, gender, location, driving record, type of vehicle, and more. Your driving record is a particularly important factor because it provides insight into how safe of a driver you are. If you have a history of accidents or traffic violations, your rates will likely be higher than if you have a clean driving record.
How Speeding Tickets Impact Your Rates
Speeding tickets are considered a traffic violation, and they can have a significant impact on your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies view speeding tickets as an indication that you are a higher-risk driver, and they may raise your rates accordingly.
The amount by which your rates will increase depends on several factors. These include the severity of the violation, the speed at which you were traveling, and the number of points that were added to your driving record. In some cases, your insurance rates may increase by a few dollars per month, while in others, they may double or even triple.
How Long Do Speeding Tickets Affect Your Rates?
The impact of a speeding ticket on your auto insurance rates is not permanent. However, how long the ticket affects your rates varies depending on the insurance company and the state in which you live. In general, a speeding ticket will remain on your driving record for three to five years.
During this time, your rates will likely be higher than they would be if you had a clean driving record. However, once the ticket is removed from your record, your rates should decrease. It is important to note that your rates may not automatically decrease when the ticket falls off your record. You may need to contact your insurance company and ask them to reevaluate your rates.
How to Avoid Speeding Tickets and Keep Your Rates Low
The best way to avoid the impact of speeding tickets on your auto insurance rates is to avoid getting them in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you stay within the speed limit:
- Pay attention to speed limit signs and adjust your speed accordingly.
- Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed.
- Avoid rushing and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
- Attend a defensive driving course to improve your driving skills.
While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of getting a speeding ticket, following these tips can help lower your chances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, speeding tickets can have a significant impact on your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies view speeding tickets as an indication that you are a higher-risk driver, and they may raise your rates accordingly. The best way to avoid the impact of speeding tickets on your rates is to avoid getting them in the first place. If you do get a ticket, be aware that it will likely remain on your driving record for three to five years, and it may take some time for your rates to return to their previous level after it falls off your record.
Finally, we recommend that you shop around for auto insurance rates when a speeding ticket occurs. Some companies may look more favorably upon a driver with a speeding ticket and offer lower rates. Therefore, it does not hurt to compare insurers’ rates after a speeding ticket to find the most competitive option for you.