On average, car insurance rates go up by 20 to 30 percent after a speeding ticket. This could mean paying $300 to $600 more per year depending on your current premium, age, location, and driving history. Some insurers raise rates more sharply, especially for repeat violations or high-speed offenses.
If you’ve recently received a speeding ticket or want to understand how it could impact your car insurance, this guide breaks it all down clearly. Let’s help you prepare for what’s ahead and find ways to lower your costs.
1. Average Insurance Rate Increase After a Speeding Ticket
According to national insurance data, a speeding ticket can raise your car insurance premium by:
- $30 to $50 per month
- $360 to $600 per year
- 20% to 30% average increase
Example:
| Before Ticket | After Ticket | Annual Increase |
| $120/month | $150/month | +$360 |
| $150/month | $195/month | +$540 |
However, this is just an average. The increase depends on how fast you were driving, how many prior offenses you have, and your insurance provider.
2. What Factors Affect the Price Hike?
Not all speeding tickets are treated equally. The increase in your insurance cost depends on several key factors:
A. Speed Over the Limit
- 1–10 mph over: Minor increase (10–15%)
- 11–20 mph over: Moderate increase (15–25%)
- 21+ mph over: Significant increase (25–40%)
- Reckless driving or racing: 50%+ increase or policy cancellation
B. Driving Record
- First offense? Expect a smaller increase.
- Multiple past tickets? Your rates will likely jump more.
- Accidents in your history? That could double the impact.
C. Your State’s Laws
Each state has different rules and penalties. For example:
- California has a point-based system.
- Florida is stricter with higher penalties for repeat offenses.
- New York adds surcharges for certain infractions.
D. Insurance Provider
Some insurers penalize heavily for a single violation, while others offer forgiveness for your first offense.
E. Age and Experience
Young drivers (under 25) may see the largest increases because they are considered high-risk.
3. How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Your Insurance?
Most car insurance companies check your driving record for the last 3 to 5 years. A speeding ticket will typically affect your rates for:
- 3 years in most states
- 5 years in some cases (e.g., major violations or repeat offenses)
Some insurers may lower your rate again after 12 to 24 months of clean driving.
4. State-by-State Insurance Increases After a Speeding Ticket
| State | Average % Increase | Average $ Increase |
| California | 40% | $720 |
| Texas | 30% | $600 |
| Florida | 35% | $660 |
| New York | 20% | $480 |
| Illinois | 25% | $540 |
| Georgia | 28% | $580 |
| Arizona | 22% | $500 |
| Ohio | 18% | $420 |
Source: Quadrant Information Services, based on 2024 industry data.
Rates vary widely depending on the carrier and your personal profile. Always compare quotes if your rate goes up.
5. First-Time Ticket vs. Repeat Offender
First-Time Speeding Ticket:
- 10–20% increase is common
- May qualify for accident forgiveness
- Some insurers may not raise rates if it’s a minor violation
Multiple Speeding Tickets:
- Second offense: 30–40% increase
- Third offense: Potential non-renewal
- Insurers may classify you as a high-risk driver
Being labeled high-risk may require SR-22 filing, which leads to even higher premiums.
6. How to Reduce Your Insurance Rate After a Speeding Ticket
Getting a speeding ticket isn’t the end of affordable insurance. Here are proven strategies to reduce the impact:
1. Take a Defensive Driving Course
Some states and insurers let you complete a certified course to avoid or reduce points.
2. Shop Around for New Quotes
Every insurer weighs tickets differently. Compare quotes from at least 3 to 5 companies.
3. Ask About First-Time Forgiveness
If you’ve been a good driver, ask if your insurer offers forgiveness for your first speeding ticket.
4. Increase Your Deductible
Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can reduce your monthly premium.
5. Bundle Policies
Combine auto and renters or home insurance to receive multi-policy discounts.
6. Maintain a Clean Record
Avoid more violations for the next 12 to 36 months to get your rate back down.
7. Use Telematics
Some insurers offer apps or devices that monitor your driving and reward safe behavior.
7. Should You Tell Your Insurance Company?
You don’t need to report a speeding ticket right away. However:
- Insurers check DMV records when you renew your policy.
- Once they run a check, the ticket will likely raise your rate.
- Not disclosing it won’t hide it — it will show up on your driving record.
If your renewal is coming up, prepare for a higher rate and start comparing quotes now.
FAQs About Speeding Tickets and Insurance
No. The rate change usually happens at your next renewal, not right after the ticket.
Some states allow you to erase or mask a ticket by completing traffic school. Check with your local DMV.
- Most states: 3 years
- Others (like Florida or Massachusetts): up to 5 years
Yes. Shopping around may find you a company that’s more forgiving, especially if your current insurer raised your rates sharply.
Yes. If you have a multi-policy discount, a driving violation could make your home or renters insurance rates go up as well.
Final Thoughts
A speeding ticket can raise your car insurance by 20 to 30 percent — sometimes more depending on your location, driving record, and insurer. The good news? It doesn’t last forever. With smart steps like shopping for new quotes, completing a safe driving course, and avoiding more violations, you can reduce the impact quickly.
Every insurance company has different rules, so don’t settle for a higher premium without checking your options. At Alias Insurance, we help you compare free quotes from top-rated providers across the country, even after a ticket. Drive smarter and save more with coverage that fits your situation.
