Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Your USAA Insurance?
If you’re a driver, you likely understand first-hand the potential penalties for speeding, including fines, points against your license, and increases to your insurance rates. Despite this, many drivers may not fully understand how speeding tickets specifically affect their insurance premiums. If you’re wondering whether a speeding ticket will affect your USAA insurance rates, here’s what you need to know.
The Impact of a Speeding Ticket on Your Insurance Rates
A speeding ticket has the potential to have a significant impact on your car insurance rates. According to a report from Insurance.com, the average increase to your insurance rates after a speeding ticket is 23%. This means that if your insurance premiums are $1,000 per year, you could see an increase of $230 per year after receiving a speeding ticket. The reason for this increase is related to insurers’ risk assessments. Drivers with speeding tickets are considered riskier to insure, as they have been shown to have higher rates of accidents and insurance claims. To offset this risk, insurers charge higher premiums to those with speeding tickets. It’s important to note that not every speeding ticket will result in an increase in your premiums. Many insurers, including USAA, use a points-based system to determine policy premiums. When you receive a speeding ticket or other moving violation, points are added to your driving record. Typically, the more points you have, the higher your insurance premiums will be. However, not all speeding tickets result in points being added to your record. In some states, for example, some minor speeding violations are not assessed points.
How USAA Handles Speeding Tickets
USAA, like many other insurance companies, uses a points-based system to determine policy premiums. Each state has its own point system, and each insurer has its own standards in terms of how many points are required before an increase in premiums is implemented. In general, if you receive a speeding ticket that results in points being added to your record, you can likely expect to see an increase in your USAA insurance premiums. USAA often takes a “minor offense forgiveness” approach; that is, they may not raise your premiums for a one-time, minor offense, such as a low-level speeding ticket. However, this policy can vary depending on your state and driving history. In some cases, USAA may offer you the option to attend a defensive driving course in exchange for a reduction in points or a waiver of the ticket. This can be a good option for those looking to avoid an increase in their insurance premiums.
How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Your Insurance Rates?
The impact of a speeding ticket on your insurance rates varies depending on your insurer and your state. In general, a speeding ticket will remain on your driving record for three to five years from the date of the violation. During that time, you can expect to see higher insurance premiums. The good news is that the effect of a speeding ticket on your insurance rates will typically decrease as time goes on. If you maintain a clean driving record for several years after your speeding ticket, your premiums may begin to decrease again.
Tips for Avoiding Increases to Your USAA Insurance Rates
While receiving a speeding ticket may result in an increase in your USAA insurance rates, there are steps you can take to minimize the impact on your premiums. Here are a few tips to consider:
1. Drive defensively. One of the best ways to avoid a speeding ticket is to drive defensively. Obey traffic laws, drive at safe speeds, and always pay attention to your surroundings.
2. Take a defensive driving course. Some states and insurers offer defensive driving courses that can help you avoid points being added to your record. This, in turn, can help you avoid an increase in your insurance rates.
3. Shop around for insurance. If you do receive a speeding ticket and see a significant increase in your insurance rates, it may be worth shopping around for a new policy. Be sure to compare rates from several different insurers to find the best deal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a speeding ticket can have a significant impact on your USAA insurance rates. However, not all speeding offenses are assessed the same number of points, and not all insurers handle these offenses in the same way. If you receive a speeding ticket, it’s important to understand how it will impact your insurance premiums and to take steps to minimize this impact, such as driving defensively and taking defensive driving courses.