How Does a Speeding Ticket Affect My Insurance?
Getting a speeding ticket can be an expensive and frustrating experience, but it can also have long-term effects on your car insurance rates. Many drivers wonder how much their insurance will be impacted by a single ticket, and if there are ways to mitigate the damage. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ways a speeding ticket can affect your insurance rates and what you can do to minimize that impact.
How Insurance Companies View Speeding Tickets
Insurance companies use a variety of factors to determine your premium, including your age, driving history, and location. Your driving history is one of the most important factors they consider, as it gives them an idea of how risky you are as a driver. Insurance companies consider speeding tickets to be a sign that you’re more likely to get in an accident, which means you’re a higher risk to insure.
As a result, your insurance rates will likely go up after getting a speeding ticket. The increase in your premium will depend on a variety of factors, including how fast you were going, how many points were added to your license, and whether you have any previous driving infractions on your record.
How Much Will My Insurance Go Up?
The amount your insurance will go up after a speeding ticket can vary widely depending on the circumstances. A single ticket for going a few miles over the speed limit may not have a dramatic impact on your rates, while multiple tickets or a high-speed violation could lead to a significant increase.
According to a recent report by Insurance.com, the average increase in rates for a single speeding ticket is about 22%. However, this can vary widely by state and by the driver’s individual circumstances. If you have a clean driving record and a lot of experience behind the wheel, your rates may not go up as much as someone with previous infractions.
Options for Reducing the Impact of a Speeding Ticket
If you’re worried about the impact a speeding ticket will have on your insurance, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage:
1. Attend Traffic School
If you’ve been issued a speeding ticket, you may be able to attend traffic school instead of paying the fine. In many cases, attending traffic school can keep the violation off your driving record, which can help prevent your insurance rates from going up.
2. Negotiate with Your Insurance Company
If you have a good driving record and a strong relationship with your insurance company, you may be able to negotiate a lower rate increase after a speeding ticket. Be honest about the circumstances of the violation and ask if they’re willing to work with you to keep your rates as low as possible.
3. Shop Around for a New Policy
If you’re unhappy with the rate increase from your current insurance company, it may be worth shopping around for a new policy. Different insurance providers have different underwriting criteria, which means you may be able to find a company that offers more favorable rates after a speeding ticket.
Conclusion
A speeding ticket can have a significant impact on your car insurance rates, but there are steps you can take to minimize that impact. Attend traffic school, negotiate with your insurance company, and shop around for a new policy to find the best possible rates after a violation. It’s important to always drive safely and obey traffic laws to avoid tickets and keep your rates as low as possible in the long run.