How Does a Speeding Ticket Affect My Insurance Rates?
Most of us have been there before – running late for an appointment and driving over the speed limit to avoid being late. It seems harmless until you see those flashing lights in the rear view mirror.
It’s estimated that over 10 million Americans get pulled over for speeding every year and we’re willing to bet most of them wonder how it’s going to affect their insurance rates afterwards.
Depending on your past insurance and driving record, a speeding ticket can affect your insurance rates in three main ways:
Speeding Tickets Can Cause Your Rates to Go Up
The insurance companies we work with here at Velox Insurance in Georgia all check your driving record to see whether you have traffic violations or speeding tickets. The carriers do this at different frequencies but it’s usually not checked more than once a year so it could be several months before your rates are affected.
Since drivers who get more speeding tickets also tend to have more traffic accidents, it’s no wonder why the insurance companies charge more if you have several of them.
Your insurance rates won’t usually change throughout your policy period, but if the insurance company runs a report on your driving history before the next renewal that’s when you’re likely to see the effect.
Speeding Tickets Can Prevent You From Earning Future Discounts
An often overlooked effect from speeding tickets is the lost savings you may have been eligible for had your driving record remained clear. Many of the car insurance companies we work with offer discounts for avoiding accidents and tickets over time and while you may not see an increase, a traffic ticket could keep your rates from getting lower.
Speeding Tickets Can Force You Into Non-Standard Coverage
If you have too many tickets or accidents, you may not quality for standard insurance? and may need to enter the state-mandated insurance program, which is often much more expensive than regular coverage. This won’t happen from one speeding ticket alone, but one ticket could put you out of contention for a regular insurance policy if you have other tickets and acccidents.
How Can I Avoid Paying Too Much for Car Insurance After a Speeding Ticket?
If you see your renewal go up after getting a speeding ticket, it’s a good idea to reach out to an independent insurance agent like those at Velox Insurance and check to see if you may qualify for a more inexpensive insurance policy through another carrier. We work with many different companies here in Georgia and will be happy to help you find the most affordable car insurance, regardless of your traffic tickets.
To get an insurance quote today, give us a call at 1-855-Go-Velox,? contact a nearby agency, or get an auto insurance quote online today.
