Yes, a speeding ticket will likely raise your insurance rates
A speeding ticket almost always increases what you pay for car insurance. Most insurance companies check your driving record when you renew your policy, and a ticket shows up there. The size of the increase depends on how fast you were going, your current insurance company, your state, and whether you have other violations on your record.
The increase is not automatic or the same everywhere. One company might raise your rate by 10 percent after a speeding ticket, while another raises it by 25 percent. Some insurers are stricter than others, and some states limit how much an insurer can raise your rate based on a single violation. The ticket will stay on your driving record for three to five years in most states, meaning your rates stay higher for that entire period.
Key Takeaways
- Insurance companies see your speeding ticket when your policy renews, and most will increase your rate as a result.
- The amount of the increase varies by insurer and state, but typically ranges from 10 to 40 percent depending on how fast you were going.
- The ticket remains on your driving record for three to five years, so the rate increase lasts that long unless you take action.
- You can sometimes remove the ticket from your record by completing a defensive driving course, which also prevents the rate increase.
- Shopping for a new insurance company after a ticket may cost less than staying with your current insurer, since different companies weight violations differently.
How much your rate will increase
The increase depends most on the speed over the limit. A ticket for going 10 miles per hour over the limit usually costs less in rate increases than one for going 30 miles per hour over. A minor speeding violation might raise your rate by 10 to 15 percent, while a serious one can raise it by 25 to 40 percent or more.
Your insurance company's own rules matter just as much. Some companies are lenient on first violations; others treat all speeding the same. If you already have other tickets or accidents on your record, the new ticket may push your rate up even more. A few insurers offer accident forgiveness or violation forgiveness programs that protect you from a rate increase on your first incident, but you have to ask whether you have this coverage.
State law also sets limits. Some states cap how much an insurer can raise your rate based on a single violation. Other states allow insurers to raise rates as much as they want. You can find your state's rules by calling your state's Department of Insurance or checking their website.
When the rate increase takes effect
The ticket does not raise your rate when ready. Your insurance company only sees it when your policy renews — usually every six months or a year. If you get a ticket three months into a six-month policy, you will not see a rate increase until that policy renews.
This timing matters if you are thinking about switching insurance companies. If your policy renews soon after the ticket, you might want to shop around before the renewal date, because a new company will also see the ticket and raise your rate. But if your renewal is months away, you have time to explore your options.
How long the ticket affects your rates
Most states keep a speeding ticket on your driving record for three to five years. During that entire time, your insurance company can see it and factor it into your rate. After the ticket falls off your record, your rate should drop back down, though some companies may take a few months to process the change.
The exact timeline depends on your state. Some states remove tickets after three years; others keep them for five or seven. You can check your own driving record through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to see when violations will be removed.
Removing the ticket from your record through defensive driving
Many states allow you to take a defensive driving course to have a speeding ticket dismissed or removed from your record. This is sometimes called traffic school, driver improvement course, or defensive driving school. If the ticket is dismissed, your insurance company will not see it, and your rate will not increase.
Not every ticket qualifies. You usually have to meet conditions like having no other violations in the past year or two, and the ticket cannot be for reckless driving or extremely high speed. You also have to request this option within a certain time after getting the ticket — usually 30 to 90 days. The course costs money, typically $50 to $200, but it is often cheaper than the rate increase you would pay over several years.
You must complete the course and submit proof to the court before the important date. Once the court dismisses the ticket, notify your insurance company in writing that the violation has been removed from your record. Keep a copy of the dismissal for your records.
Shopping for insurance after a speeding ticket
Different insurance companies treat speeding tickets very differently. One company might raise your rate by 15 percent while another raises it by 35 percent for the same violation. This means shopping around after a ticket can save you hundreds of dollars.
Get quotes from at least three to five different companies before your policy renews. Tell each company about the ticket when you request a quote — do not try to hide it, because they will find it during underwriting. Compare the total cost for the same coverage across all quotes, not just the base rate. Sometimes a company with a higher base rate offers better discounts that bring the total down.
Some companies specialize in insuring drivers with violations and may offer better rates than your current company. Others penalize violations heavily. You will not know until you ask for quotes. If you find a cheaper option, switch before your current policy renews so you avoid paying the higher rate at all.
What happens if you ignore the ticket
Ignoring a speeding ticket does not make it go away. If you do not pay the fine or respond to the ticket, the court can suspend your driver's license, issue a warrant for your arrest, or refer the debt to a collection agency. A suspended license makes your insurance invalid and can result in criminal charges if you drive.
Your insurance company will still see the ticket on your driving record whether you pay it or not. The only way to prevent a rate increase is to have the ticket dismissed through defensive driving, fight it in court and win, or have it removed from your record after the required time has passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my insurance company drop me because of a speeding ticket?
Most insurance companies will not drop you for a single speeding ticket. They may raise your rate, but they usually keep you as a customer. However, if you have multiple violations or accidents within a short time, the company may choose not to renew your policy when it expires. You would then need to find a new insurer.
Can I dispute a speeding ticket to keep it off my insurance record?
Yes. If you fight the ticket in traffic court and win, the ticket is dismissed and will not appear on your driving record. This prevents any insurance rate increase. However, fighting a ticket requires time and sometimes legal help, and you have to win for it to work. Many people find it easier to take a defensive driving course if that option is available.
Does a ticket for going 5 miles over the limit affect insurance differently than 20 miles over?
Yes. Insurance companies usually charge higher rates for higher speeds. A minor speeding violation might raise your rate by 10 percent, while a serious one can raise it by 30 percent or more. The exact difference depends on your insurance company's rules.
If I switch insurance companies, will the new company see my speeding ticket?
Yes. All insurance companies check your driving record, which is maintained by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. A new company will see the ticket and factor it into your rate the same way your old company would. You cannot avoid the ticket by switching, but you may find a company that charges less for it.
How do I know if my insurance company offers accident or violation forgiveness?
Check your policy documents or call your insurance company directly and ask. Forgiveness programs are optional add-ons that some companies offer, usually for an extra fee or as a benefit for customers with good records. If you have it, the company will not raise your rate for your first violation or accident during the coverage period.