How Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Your Insurance?
If you're wondering how a speeding ticket affects your insurance, the short answer is yes. A speeding ticket can significantly impact your auto insurance rates, sometimes for years after the violation. Here’s everything you need to know about how speeding tickets can affect your insurance and what you can do to prevent it.
Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Insurance?
When you get a speeding ticket, it's more than just a fine you have to pay or the points imposed by the DMV. Irrespective of the points assessed, the violation can also lead to an increase in your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies often view speeding violations as an indication that you're a higher-risk driver. This means they may raise your rates to compensate for the perceived risk.
Not all speeding tickets are equal, though. The severity of the ticket, the number of violations, and your driving history can all impact how much your insurance increases. In some cases, a single speeding ticket might not affect your rates as much as you think. However, if you have multiple tickets or a history of violations, the impact can be more significant.
How Much Does Insurance Go Up After a Speeding Ticket?
One of the most common questions drivers ask is: how much does insurance go up after a speeding ticket? While the exact amount can vary, studies show that your premium could increase by up to 20% to 30% after a speeding ticket. This increase depends on various factors, such as your current insurance provider, the severity of the offense, and whether the violation is considered a minor or major infraction.
For example, a minor speeding violation might raise your premium by about 10% for a few years, while more serious offenses could result in a much larger hike. In some cases, your insurance provider may even drop you, particularly if you have a pattern of speeding violations.
How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Insurance in New York?
If you’re wondering, how long a speeding ticket stays on your insurance in New York, the answer depends on the violation and the insurance company’s policies. In general, speeding tickets stay on your driving record for three to five years in New York. However, they can affect your insurance premiums for up to three years, especially if you are caught speeding multiple times within that period.
It’s important to note that even though a ticket may no longer appear on your driving record after a few years, your insurance company could still factor it into their rates, depending on their underwriting process.
How to Avoid Insurance Increase After a Speeding Ticket
Now, if you're wondering how to avoid insurance increase after a speeding ticket, there are a few strategies you can try:
Take a Defensive Driving Course: In New York, taking a state-approved defensive driving course can help reduce points on your driving record and may even lead to a discount on your insurance. This won’t erase the ticket, but it can reduce its impact on your rates.
Fight the Ticket in Court: If you believe the speeding ticket was unjust, you have the option to contest it in court. A reduction in the ticket or the possibility of a plea bargain could mean fewer points on your driving record, which could help avoid a premium increase.
Consider Switching Insurance Providers: If your current insurer raises your rates after a speeding ticket, it may be time to shop around. Other companies may offer more competitive rates, even with a speeding violation on your record. Just be sure to compare premiums and coverage options before making a change.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record: If this is your first speeding ticket, focus on keeping your driving record clean moving forward. Insurance companies are more likely to overlook a one-time mistake if you have a history of safe driving.
Does a speeding ticket affect insurance? Absolutely. But that doesn’t mean you're out of options. If you’ve received a speeding ticket and want to avoid the costly consequences, you’ve got choices. Whether you take a defensive driving course, fight the ticket in court, or shop around for new insurance, there are steps you can take to reduce the impact. Speak with a speeding ticket lawyer in New York for more information.
And if you’re in New York and facing the possibility of a Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee or even a license suspension due to points from speeding violations, we can help. Contact us today at 5 Towns Traffic and get expert advice on our range of traffic ticket lawyer services from Michael E. Beer, Esq. With over 32 years of experience helping drivers avoid penalties, our leading traffic lawyer in NYC will work with you to get the best outcome possible.