How Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Your Car Insurance?

By the Mercury Team

Getting a speeding ticket might seem like a minor inconvenience — you pay the fine, and it's over. However, that ticket could have a lasting impact on something more significant: your auto insurance. Insurance companies pay close attention to your driving habits, and any violation can increase your premiums. Here’s what you need to know about driving behavior and how much a speeding ticket affects insurance.

Does a Speeding Ticket Increase Insurance?

The short answer is “yes.” The riskier an insurance provider thinks you are as a driver, the costlier it will be to insure you — and the more you’ll pay for coverage. A speeding ticket on your record indicates to them that you’re more likely to get into an accident.

If you have a spotless driving record, you’re probably wondering whether a first-time speeding ticket affects insurance. One speeding ticket won’t increase your premium by a huge amount, particularly if you have a clean driving record, but it will still likely raise your insurance slightly. If you have a long history of traffic violations, be prepared to pay significantly higher premiums.

Types of Speeding Violations That Impact Insurance

Insurance companies categorize speeding as major or minor. The more serious the offense, the higher your insurance premiums. Minor offenses are five to 10 miles over the speed limit, while major offenses are 20 to 25-plus miles over the limit.

What Are Insurance Points?

An insurance points system is a way to keep track of traffic violations on your driving record. Getting a ticket adds points to your record, and the more points you accumulate, the higher the chances are that your insurance premium will go up.

How Much Does a Speeding Ticket Increase Insurance?

Exactly how much does a speeding ticket increase insurance? And does insurance go up every time you get a ticket? A 2024 NerdWallet study found that insurance companies raise your premiums an average of 25% but, in general, expect a 10 to 30% increase, depending on the severity of the violation and whether this is your first offense or your fifth.

Put another way, if you’re paying $1,500 a year for car insurance and your premium goes up by 20%, that adds an extra $300 to your yearly bill.

Factors Influencing a Rate Increase

The following factors will determine how much a speeding ticket will impact your car insurance premiums:

• The driver’s age and experience: Younger and less experienced drivers are already seen as higher risk by insurance companies. If you’re under 25, a speeding ticket can cause a bigger spike in your rates compared to older, more experienced drivers.
• The severity of the ticket: Going five miles over the limit might not hurt your rates too much, but if you’re caught doing 20 to 30 mph over the limit, your insurance company will take that a lot more seriously.
• The driver’s overall record and existing infractions: If you’ve been a model driver with a clean record, one speeding ticket might not make a huge dent in your rates, but the more infractions you have, the higher the premium.

How to Minimize Insurance Rate Increases After a Speeding Ticket

Concerned about your premiums after a speeding ticket? Here are some ways to mitigate a speeding ticket insurance increase:

• Take a state-approved defensive driving course. This shows your insurer that you’re serious about improving your driving habits, and it can reduce the number of points on your record in some states.
• Maintain a clean record moving forward. Getting a speeding ticket is a red flag to insurers, but avoiding extra hikes by practicing good driving habits is key.
• Ask about accident forgiveness. Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness programs, which means your first ticket or minor accident won’t result in a rate increase.
• Check for available discounts. Even with a speeding ticket, you may still qualify for other auto insurance discounts that can offset some of the rate increase. Look into discounts for bundling home and auto insurance, having safety features on your car, being a good student, or even paying your premium upfront.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Record for Insurance?

When will a speeding ticket show up on insurance? It goes into effect when your policy renews annually. Typically, a speeding ticket will remain on your record for three to five years, depending on your insurance provider and where you live. If, however, you avoid any further infractions, the impact of the ticket on your rates will start to fade over time. As the ticket ages and your driving record remains clean, insurers may lower your premiums again.

The best way to keep your insurance premiums affordable is to invest in safe driving practices and find affordable, quality auto insurance. Contact us today for a fast, free quote!