If you’ve been pulled over for driving too fast, you may wonder whether a speeding ticket affects your insurance coverage and rates. In most cases, yes, traffic tickets may increase your premiums and the amount you pay for car insurance. A speeding ticket is a specific type of traffic ticket and is part of your driving record. After receiving traffic tickets, and if it results in demerit points on your record, your Insurance company can review your driving record, and they in turn may use the information in risk determination. If you regularly speed, receive traffic tickets or drive unsafely, you are at higher risk of causing or participating in a motor vehicle accident, which affects your insurance cost due to the risk you may cause on the roads.
Is My Driving Record Permanent?
Your entire driving history is kept on record, but demerit points may be removed by attending traffic school or waiting the period for points to fall off. This driving record shows all violations and traffic tickets, not just speeding violations. Whether you want them to or not, your tickets and violations will always appear on your record once they are issued.
When will my insurance increase?
Once you receive a traffic ticket, your premium will increase, but not necessarily immediately. The premium will not increase during the middle of an insurance, but you can expect to see an increase at your renewal time. If offenses are common to you and this is not your first offense, some insurance companies may deny coverage entirely.
How much will my auto insurance increase?
The amount that your auto insurance will increase after a speeding ticket varies between insurance companies. Here are some factors that may be taken into consideration:
- Your driving record
- Whether of not this ticket was a first offense
- If it was not your first offense, the amount of time since your last moving violation
- How many miles per hour above the speed limit you were traveling
What other information can insurers see?
For some auto insurance companies, they will review a report of your family/household members. This information is often presented as part of your application so it can ensure that everyone in your household is accounted for in the coverage premium you are paying for. Originally, all insured persons paid the same for their policy, but with differing circumstances have resulted in individuals needing different line items in their coverage, numerous drivers on the insurance, etc. This allows insurers to segment people into much smaller groups, allowing them to more accurately price your premium to the coverage you actually need. If and when you commit to a traffic violation, you should be prepared for your policy to increase.
What can I do to help reduce my premium?
After you have received a traffic ticket you may be able to put a conscious effort to help reduce the cost of your auto insurance again over time.
- Prioritize safe driving. Drive carefully! The better your driving record is, the lower your insurance may be. If you’ve received a speeding ticket, but put forth effort to drive safely, you are avoiding other traffic tickets and it may help to keep your car insurance costs low.
- Adjust or change your coverage, as needed. If auto insurance premiums have increased, especially with fluctuations that occur over time, you can consider changing insurers or adjusting your coverage. This may or may not be the right fit tip for you, based on the needs of you and your family.
When should I hire a Las Vegas traffic ticket lawyer?
If you hope to fight your speeding ticket or other traffic violations, it is important to understand the process of fighting traffic tickets, the effect of violations on your record and how it can affect your auto insurance coverage. You have increased chances of a successful resolution working with the right traffic ticket lawyer in Las Vegas, Nevada, and may get your charges reduced or even dismissed entirely.
