Seeing the flashing red and blue lights behind your car, is the start of your problems – but the effects of speeding can carry on for months and even years. There are over 34 million speeding tickets issued per year, and even one ticket can raise your insurance premium by $45 per month or $540 per year. Therefore it is important to understand exactly how speeding tickets on your record can affect your ability to maintain affordable coverage. (Source for above statistics, AutoInsurance,org)

  • Your auto insurance rates are calculated by assessing various risk factors associated with the probability of the motorist filing a claim at some point in the future.
  • One of the most compelling factors considered in determining risk of any individual driver is their driving record.
  • Those who have speeding tickets on their driving record will be charged more monthly than a driver with a clean record. The insurance company is allowed to add a surcharge for up to three years after the ticket(s) appear on the report from the Motor Vehicles Department.
  • The amount of the applicable surcharge will vary by provider and region, but the average surcharge nationally for a speeding ticket is 15 percent of your premiums.
  • Multiple speeding tickets will likely cause a motorist to lose any good driver discounts  offered by their insurance provider. Thus the financial impact may be greater than the surcharge itself.

Speeding tickets typically affect auto insurance rates for 36 months, but depending on your situation it may be longer.  Those who receive a speeding ticket can either appear in court to dispute the citation, or pay the fine by mail. Paying the fine is considered an admission of guilt, and will be permanently on your driving record.

Total Cost of a Speeding Ticket

You may initially think that the cost of a speeding ticket is its face value, but there are many ways you will pay for that lead foot.

  • The cost of the speeding ticket / fine.
  • The cost of an attorney if you choose to hire one.
  • The additional premium added as a surcharge for up to 3 years (varies by age and driving record of the motorist, the provider and the state where the insurance was issued. The premium will not typically be raised immediately, but upon your renewal date.
  • If you are issued multiple speeding tickets in a 3 year period, you may be dropped by your insurance company – and alternate coverage may be difficult to obtain.
  • If your premiums have increased and you wish to comparison shop your rates, you can do so and may find a lower rate. But all insurance providers will check your driving record and will be aware of your speeding tickets.

    The best way to keep your auto insurance rates low is to maintain a clean driving record, However, if you experience an accident, get a speeding ticket or otherwise need to make a claim, you may experience premium  increases. This is a great time to call Ezzi Insurance Advisors and ask for additional quotes for your auto insurance. Because we are insurance brokers and can sell policies from multiple companies, we can likely find you a competitive rate from one of our quality providers.

    Call today to learn more about how our customized service and strong partners can help you to get the best auto insurance possible for your needs.