Yes, a speeding ticket will usually raise your insurance rates

A speeding ticket typically increases your car insurance premium within three to six months of the conviction. Most insurance companies check your driving record when your policy renews, and a ticket on that record signals higher risk to them. The size of the increase depends on how fast you were going, your current insurance company's policies, and whether you have other violations on your record.

Not every ticket raises rates by the same amount. A ticket for going 10 miles over the speed limit usually costs less in premium increases than one for going 30 miles over. Some insurers are more forgiving than others — a company that specializes in high-risk drivers may raise rates less than a standard insurer. The only way to know what your specific ticket will cost you is to contact your insurance company or get quotes from competitors.

Key Takeaways

  • Your insurance company will see the speeding ticket when your policy renews, usually three to six months after conviction.
  • The rate increase depends on the speed over the limit, your insurer's policies, and your driving history.
  • You can sometimes avoid a rate increase by paying to dismiss the ticket through traffic court or a defensive driving course.
  • Shopping for new insurance after a ticket may reveal companies that charge less for the same violation.
  • The ticket will stop affecting your rates after three to five years, depending on your state and insurer.

When the insurance company finds out about your ticket

Insurance companies do not learn about your ticket when ready. They receive updates from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at set times — usually when your policy renews. If your policy renews in July and you got a ticket in April, the company will see it in July. If you got the ticket in August and your renewal is in July, you may not see a rate increase until the following year.

Some companies check your record more frequently than others. A few pull your driving history every six months even if your policy does not renew. The safest assumption is that any ticket will show up within six months, and you should budget for a rate increase at that point.

How much your rate will actually increase

Insurance rate increases for speeding tickets vary widely. A ticket for going 15 miles over the limit might raise your premium by 10 to 15 percent. A ticket for going 40 miles over the limit might raise it by 25 to 40 percent. These are ranges, not guarantees — your actual increase depends on your insurer, your age, your location, and your driving history.

If you have a clean record otherwise, the increase is usually smaller than if you already have other violations. A second ticket in three years will trigger a larger increase than a first ticket. Some insurers add a flat surcharge per violation; others multiply your base rate by a percentage. The only way to know your specific increase is to call your insurance company or request quotes from other companies.

Paying to dismiss the ticket or take a course

In many states, you can pay a fee to attend a defensive driving course, and the ticket will not appear on your driving record. This means your insurance company will never see it, and your rates will not go up. The course typically costs $20 to $50 and takes a few hours online or in person. You usually have 30 to 60 days from the ticket date to complete it.

Some jurisdictions offer a different option: you can pay a fine to have the ticket dismissed outright, without taking a course. This also keeps it off your record. Not all states or counties allow this, and the fee is often higher than a course. Check your ticket or contact the court listed on it to see what options are available in your area.

If you choose to fight the ticket in court and lose, the conviction will still appear on your record and your rates will increase. If you win, the ticket disappears and your insurance is unaffected. The decision to fight, pay to dismiss, or take a course depends on the cost of each option and the likelihood you will win in court.

How long the ticket affects your insurance

A speeding ticket typically stops raising your rates after three to five years. The exact timeline depends on your state and your insurance company. Some states require insurers to ignore violations after three years; others allow five years. Some companies have their own internal policies that are more lenient.

The ticket may remain on your driving record longer than it affects your rates. Your DMV record might show the violation for seven to ten years, but your insurance company will stop using it to calculate your premium after the company's window closes. If you are shopping for insurance, ask the company how far back they look at your driving history.

Shopping for insurance after a ticket

Not all insurance companies charge the same amount for the same ticket. After you receive a ticket, get quotes from at least three other insurers before your policy renews. You may find a company that charges significantly less for the same violation. Some companies specialize in drivers with tickets and price accordingly.

When you get quotes, be honest about the ticket. Lying about your driving history can lead to denial of a claim later. Tell each company the date of the ticket, the speed, and whether you paid a fine or took a course. Compare the total premium, not just the increase from your current company. Sometimes switching saves you money even after the rate hike.

What happens if you ignore the ticket

If you do not pay the fine or respond to the ticket, the court may suspend your driver's license. A suspended license is worse for your insurance than a paid ticket — some companies will not insure you at all, and others charge much higher rates. Your insurance may also be cancelled if your license is suspended.

Pay or contest the ticket by the important date on the citation. If you cannot afford the fine, contact the court about a payment plan. If you want to fight it, show up on your court date or file a written response before the important date. Ignoring it creates problems that cost far more than the original ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a speeding ticket show up on my insurance if I pay it?

Yes. Paying the fine means you accepted the ticket, and it will appear on your driving record. Your insurance company will see it when your policy renews. The only way to prevent it from affecting your rates is to have it dismissed through court or by completing a defensive driving course, depending on what your state allows.

Can I switch insurance companies to avoid a rate increase?

You can switch, and you may find a company that charges less for the same ticket. However, all insurers will see the ticket on your record, so you will pay more with any company. Shopping around is still worth doing — the increase varies by insurer, and you might save money overall by switching.

Does a ticket for going 5 miles over the limit affect insurance differently than 25 miles over?

Yes. The further over the limit you were going, the larger the rate increase. A minor speeding ticket may raise your rate by 5 to 10 percent, while a serious one could raise it by 30 percent or more. Your insurer's specific formula determines the exact difference.

What if I got a ticket in another state?

Your home state's DMV will record it, and your insurance company will see it. Interstate violations appear on your driving record just like in-state ones. The rate increase will be the same as if you had received the ticket where you live.

Will the ticket affect my rates if I switch insurance companies before my renewal?

New companies will pull your driving record and see the ticket, so yes, it will affect your rates with them too. Switching before renewal does not hide the violation. However, you might find a new company that charges less for the same ticket than your current insurer would.