If you get a speeding ticket, your car insurance will likely increase. Insurance companies consider speeding and other moving violations, like running a red light, illegal lane changes, or reckless driving, as risk factors that can increase your insurance premiums.
How much the increase will affect insurance depends on the severity of the violation, your driving record, and where you live.
Comparing car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies is a good idea for lower rates. Some insurers may offer more competitive rates despite the ticket. Even if you’ve seen those flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror, you still have options.
How Much Does a Speeding Ticket Raise Your Insurance Rates?
After getting a speeding ticket, your car insurance rates increase by about 25%, but the exact amount varies.
For example, if you were paying $1,995 a year for full coverage car insurance with a clean record, a speeding ticket could result in an average increase of $500 or more in your annual auto insurance premiums.
A driver with a speeding conviction will pay around $2,495 a year for full coverage.
But the rate increase depends on several key factors:
- Speed Over the Limit – Minor infractions (2-5 mph over the speed limit) are generally less severe than major violations (10+ mph over the speed limit). The more you were speeding, the higher the rate increased.
- State Laws and Regulations—Each state has different rules on how speeding violations affect insurance rates. Some states impose steeper penalties than others.
- Insurance Company Policies—Some companies increase rates significantly for speeding tickets, while others may not raise coverage rates at all for a first offense.
- Driving Record—A clean record will result in a minor increase. Still, multiple violations in a short period will signal to insurers that you’re a higher-risk driver, and they’ll increase your rates more.
- Time Since Last Violation—If you’ve received multiple tickets in a short time, insurers will view you as a higher-risk driver and increase your rates.
- Location of the Violation—Speeding in high-risk areas like school zones or residential neighborhoods is generally penalized more harshly than speeding on rural roads or highways.
Since insurers weigh these factors differently, comparing quotes from multiple companies will help minimize the cost increase.
When Will a Speeding Ticket Show up on Insurance?
A speeding ticket affects insurance rates when your policy renews, as insurance providers review your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). If you get a ticket with 3 months left on a 6-month policy, any rate increase will likely show up when your policy renews in 3 months.
Not all insurers increase rates after one speeding ticket. Some may ignore a first minor offense, so your premium might not change. If your insurance company does raise your rates, shop around for a new policy after your ticket is on record. That way, any quotes you get will reflect your updated risk profile, and you may find a better rate.
How Long Will a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Driving Record?
The time a speeding ticket stays on your record and affects your insurance rates varies by state and insurer. Generally, a speeding violation will be on your record for 3 years, and you will pay higher insurance rates during that time. But in some states, a speeding ticket will be on your driving record for 3 to 5 years, and insurers will consider violations in that time frame when quoting.
Insurers review your driving history at policy renewal, so you won’t see an immediate rate increase after you get a traffic ticket. Instead, the price increase will be applied when your policy is renewed. The timing depends on the insurer, as some start 3 years from the date of the violation, and others start from the date of conviction.
However, the impact on your insurance rates may vary depending on:
- Your state’s laws – Some states have laws that prohibit insurers from increasing rates for minor speeding violations.
- The severity of the offense—A minor infraction such as going 1-5 mph over the limit may not increase your rates, while more excessive speeding will have a greater impact.
- First-time offenders: Many insurers are more lenient with drivers with a clean record who have received only a single speeding ticket and may not increase rates for a first-time violation.
When shopping for insurance, it’s a good idea to ask the insurer about their policy on driving violations. Some insurers will impose higher penalties for speeding tickets, while others may be more forgiving, especially for minor infractions or first-time offenders.
How to Get a Ticket Off Your Record
Since laws vary state by state, the best thing to do is to get a traffic ticket off your driving record to keep it from raising your car insurance rates.
You can do this by contesting the citation in court. Some good tactics are requesting a deferred sentence, taking a driving safety course, or negotiating with the court.
Traffic tickets are more than just a financial burden. They can also impact your driving privileges. Accumulating too many points on your license from traffic violations can lead to penalties such as increased insurance rates, license suspension, or a revoked license.
Taking proactive steps to dismiss or decrease a ticket will help you avoid higher auto insurance rates and keep a clean driving record.
While options vary by state, here’s how to keep a ticket off your record:
- Take a Defensive Driving Course – Some states allow you to take a defensive driving course to get a ticket dismissed. While this is often a one-time deal, it can also remove points on your drivers license and sometimes get you an insurance discount.
- Request a Deferral – In many areas, the court will defer the ticket, meaning it won’t go on your record if you don’t get another ticket for a set period (usually a year). But if you get another ticket during that time, both will go on your record and increase your insurance rates.
- Delay the Court Date—Request a continuance, and you can postpone your court date for months or even a year. Suppose the officer who gave you the ticket can no longer testify because they’ve changed jobs or retired. In that case, you might be able to get the ticket dismissed.
- Seek Mitigation—If it’s your first ticket in years, you can plead guilty. Explain your situation to the judge, and they might reduce the fine or offer an alternative, like a deferral or defensive driving course.
- Contact the Clerk of Court – In some areas, the court clerk can lower the charge to a non-moving violation or offer alternatives like a deferral or driving course. You’ll still have to pay the fine and court costs.
- Contest the Ticket – Plead not guilty and fight the ticket in court. Especially if you have evidence (like dashcam footage) that proves you were not at fault. Dismissals often happen because of an error in the citation, like wrong time, location, or personal info.
Each option has risks and costs, so you must weigh what’s best for you and your state.
Long-Term Affect of Speeding Tickets on Insurance Coverage
A speeding ticket will raise your car insurance rates; it may also affect your coverage and discounts.
Some Long-term effects of how speeding tickets affect insurance are listed below.
- Less Cost Savings Over Time – Experienced drivers pay lower insurance rates. Still, multiple speeding tickets or traffic violations can prevent you from getting those lower rates. A poor driving record may even eliminate discounts for safe driving.
- Risk of Losing Standard Coverage – If your record has multiple accidents or serious traffic violations, some auto insurance companies may not insure you. You may have to review the state’s assigned risk plan in that case. Check with your state’s insurance department to see if that’s your option.
Keeping a clean record is key to keeping your insurance rates low and having standard coverage options.
What Can I Do to Lower My Insurance Rates After a Speeding Ticket?
Receiving a speeding ticket can increase your car insurance rates. Still, there are ways to lower costs and find more affordable coverage.
If you want cheaper car insurance after a speeding ticket, try the suggestions listed below.
- Get Quotes from Multiple Insurers—Shopping around for car insurance is the best way to lower your rates. Rates vary across carriers, and you may find a company that offers better rates despite your ticket. Keep in mind that if your ticket is recent, it may not be on your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) yet, so your rate may increase when your policy renews.
- Ask for Discounts – Many carriers offer car insurance discounts that can offset the impact of a speeding ticket. Here are some common ones:
- Low-mileage discount – You may qualify for lower rates if you drive less.
- Bundling insurance policies – Combining auto and homeowners' or renters' insurance can save you money.
- Multi-vehicle discount – Ensure that multiple cars are covered under one policy, which can save you overall.
- Good student discount – If you’re a student with good grades, you may be eligible for a discount.
- Take a Defensive Driving Course – Completing a state-approved defensive driving or accident prevention course can lower your premium in some states. Check eligibility with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or insurance carrier.
- Increase Your Deductible – Raising your deductible, the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance pays can lower your monthly premium. Just ensure you have enough savings to cover the higher deductible in case of an accident.
- Focus on Safe Driving Habits – Having a clean driving record after a speeding ticket is key. Many carriers review your driving record for 3-5 years, so avoiding additional tickets can prevent further rate increases and may lower your rates over time. Some insurance carriers may not increase rates for a single ticket if you have a clean record, especially if you’re over 25.
- Re-evaluate Your Coverage – If your insurance rate increases significantly, consider adjusting your coverage. For example:
- If you drive an older car, you might drop comprehensive and collision coverage to save money.
- Review your policy coverage limits to see if you’re paying for coverage you don’t need.
- Talk to your carrier to learn about your coverage options. Pay-per-mile insurance with a telematics program may be a more affordable option.
- Take Advantage of Life Changes—Certain life events, like getting married, moving to a lower-risk area, or improving your credit score, can get you lower rates. If you’ve had any major changes, check to see if they can help your premium.
By following these tips, you can minimize the financial impact of a speeding ticket on your car insurance rates. Safe driving and policy reviews will get you the best coverage at the best price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Speeding Ticket a Moving Violation?
Yes. A moving violation occurs when a vehicle is in motion, so speeding is a moving violation that can result in a ticket and rate increase.
Do Out-of-State Tickets Affect Insurance?
Yes. Tickets you get while driving out of state will affect your insurance. But how much depends on how your insurer and the state where the violation occurred treat the offense. Always pay the fine promptly; if you don’t, it could result in legal consequences if you go back to that state.
Does Texting and Driving Affect Insurance?
It depends on your state. Some states prohibit insurers from using texting and driving violations to set rates; others treat them as minor moving violations, which can result in a rate increase.
Do Parking Tickets Affect Insurance?
No. Parking tickets won’t affect your insurance rates as they are non-moving violations. However, policies vary by insurer.
Do Red-Light Camera Tickets Affect Insurance?
This varies by state. Some states don’t allow insurers to use red-light camera tickets to determine rates; others classify them as minor moving violations, which can result in a rate increase.
Does Failing to Stop at a Stop Sign Impact Insurance?
If you get a ticket for failing to stop at a stop sign when required, your rates may or may not increase depending on how your insurer and state treat the violation. But if this causes an accident, a rate increase is much more likely.
Will a DUI Increase My Insurance Cost?
Yes. A DUI will increase your premium big time. Insurers will classify you as a high-risk driver. Some may even refuse to insure you if you have a DUI on your record.
