How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Your Insurance in Massachusetts?
If you are a driver, you know that getting a speeding ticket can be frustrating and expensive. However, what many drivers are unaware of is the impact that a speeding ticket can have on their car insurance rates. In Massachusetts, a speeding ticket can affect your insurance rates for several years.In this post, we will explore how long a speeding ticket affects your insurance in Massachusetts and what you can do to minimize the impact.
How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Driving Record?
When you receive a speeding ticket in Massachusetts, the ticket is added to your driving record. Your driving record is maintained by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and provides a history of your driving behavior, including any traffic citations and accidents.A speeding ticket will remain on your driving record for five years from the date of the violation. During this time, your car insurance company can access your driving record to determine your insurance premiums.
How Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Your Insurance Rates?
When you receive a speeding ticket, your car insurance rates are likely to increase. The amount of the increase varies depending on the circumstances of the violation and your driving record.In Massachusetts, your car insurance rates can increase by an average of 30% after a speeding ticket. However, this is just a rough estimate, and your actual increase may be more or less depending on your circumstances.If you have a clean driving record, a single speeding ticket may not raise your rates significantly. However, if you have a history of traffic violations or accidents, your rates may go up significantly.
How Can You Minimize the Impact of a Speeding Ticket on Your Insurance Rates?
Although a speeding ticket can impact your car insurance rates, there are ways to minimize the impact. Here are a few tips:
Take a Defensive Driving Course
In Massachusetts, you can enroll in a state-approved defensive driving course to have the ticket removed from your record. Keep in mind that you can only do this once every three years, and you must complete the course within 90 days of the citation.
Drive Safely
One of the best ways to keep your insurance rates down is to maintain a clean driving record. Avoid speeding and other traffic violations, and drive safely and defensively. The longer you go without receiving a ticket or causing an accident, the less impact a single ticket will have on your insurance rates.
Shop Around for Insurance
Different insurance companies may have different policies regarding speeding tickets. Some insurers may be more forgiving of a single ticket than others. If you receive a ticket, consider shopping around for insurance to find the best rates.
Ask About Accident Forgiveness
Some insurance companies in Massachusetts offer accident forgiveness policies that can help offset the impact of a speeding ticket. These policies will forgive your first accident or traffic violation, which means your rates will not increase.
In Conclusion
In Massachusetts, a speeding ticket can impact your car insurance rates for up to five years. However, there are ways to minimize the impact, such as taking a defensive driving course, driving safely, shopping around for insurance, and asking about accident forgiveness policies.Remember, the best way to keep your insurance rates down is to maintain a clean driving record. So, slow down and drive safely to minimize the risk of receiving a speeding ticket in the first place.
