Does Getting a Speeding Ticket Raise Your Car Insurance Premium?

If you have a speeding ticket on your driving record, you'll pay $430 — or 49% — more annually for full coverage car insurance than a driver with a clean record.

After a speeding ticket, you can reduce auto insurance rates by taking defensive driving courses, shopping for quotes and bundling policies. A ticket typically stays on your record for 3–5 years, impacting your insurance rates during that time. Over time, the effect of a ticket diminishes, especially if you maintain a clean driving record.

At your policy renewal, your insurer might increase your full coverage rate by up to 49% annually if you've received a speeding ticket. However, insurers vary in how they rate traffic violations. After receiving a speeding ticket, you may notice a hike in your insurance premiums. Insurers often reassess your driving record at policy renewal time, and a new ticket could lead to higher rates. However, some companies are more forgiving than others:

• Allstate charges 18% more on average.
• State Farm might increase your rate by 19%.
• Progressive can charge up to 29% more for a speeding ticket.
• Travelers often raises premiums by 30% after a first-time speeding violation.

Speeding tickets can bump up your insurance rates, but the increase varies by provider. It's worth shopping around to find the best rates and checking if a defensive driving course can clear the ticket from your record. The table below shows the difference in rates for various providers after a ticket by age and coverage level.

The state you live in plays a big role in determining how much more you'll pay for car insurance after a speeding violation:

• In Idaho, expect to pay about 16% more on average.
• In Louisiana, a speeding ticket can lead to a 35% increase in rates.

Use the table below to find the average increase in rates following a ticket in your state.

Drivers in certain states or areas often pay more for auto insurance due to factors like heavy traffic or higher crime rates. So, even without a speeding ticket, where you live can significantly impact what you pay.

For example, in New Jersey, on average, drivers with clean records pay 71% more for insurance than drivers in North Carolina. However, after getting a speeding ticket, the rate increase in New Jersey might be just 9%. In contrast, North Carolina drivers could see their rates jump by 34% after a ticket. This means a North Carolina driver with a ticket might pay only a hundred dollars less than a clean-record driver in New Jersey.

If you've received a speeding ticket, it's important to be prepared for a potential increase in your auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies routinely evaluate your driving record, especially when it's time to renew your policy. A new speeding ticket is a red flag that could lead to higher rates, as it indicates a higher risk from the insurer's perspective.

While the impact on your premiums can vary depending on your provider and driving history, it's a good opportunity to explore other insurance options. Comparing quotes from different providers could help you find a more budget-friendly policy that still meets your coverage needs.

MoneyGeek found that the best car insurance companies for drivers with a speeding ticket are:

• State Farm with a MoneyGeek Score of 89 out of 100 and an Annual Premium of $1,088
• Travelers with a MoneyGeek Score of 88 out of 100 and an Annual Premium of $1,412

After a speeding ticket, obtaining the best car insurance is crucial to manage increased rates and ensure adequate coverage. A quality provider will offer fair pricing, good customer support, and potentially forgive the first offense, protecting your driving record and wallet.

The table offers a detailed look at auto insurance options for drivers with a speeding ticket from national providers. It includes annual and monthly premiums, along with our unique MG Total Best 100 score. To find the most relevant information for you, use the drop-down menus above the table to select your age range and coverage options.

The cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with speeding tickets are:

• State Farm: $1,008 per year, $84 per month
• Nationwide: $1,166 per year, $97 per month

The above rates are for full coverage.

Find the cheapest providers based on your age and desired coverage level in the table below:

A speeding ticket will typically affect your insurance rates for 3 to 5 years. However, the exact duration varies based on:

• The insurance company's policies
• The severity of the speeding violation
• The state you reside in

In places like California, a speeding ticket might linger on your record for up to seven years.

Defensive driving courses can refresh your skills and offer benefits like car insurance discounts. Such a course can even dismiss your speeding ticket in states like Texas. Once the ticket is off your record, it won't affect your insurance rates.

A zero-point ticket goes on your driving record, even if it doesn't add points. Insurance companies see tickets as signs of risk.

While a zero-point ticket is generally considered less severe than a ticket with points, some insurance companies might still increase your rates based on the violation. The impact on your premium largely depends on the insurance company's policies and the nature of the violation. Some insurers might ignore small violations if drivers have a previously clean record.

Some states have regulations that limit when and how insurance companies can raise rates based on traffic violations. In many states, the severity of the speeding violation — meaning how much over the speed limit you were driving — can determine the number of points added to your driving record. Minor speeding infractions might result in zero points in some jurisdictions, while more severe violations could result in multiple points.

After getting a speeding ticket, you may be able to immediately lower your insurance rates by taking a defensive driving course, comparing quotes from different insurers and bundling your home and auto policies. Additionally, considering a higher deductible and asking about various discounts can lead to further savings.

MoneyGeek addresses the most common concerns about car insurance after a speeding ticket.