Will A Speeding Ticket Affect My Car Insurance in Georgia?

The answer is that you will likely see an increase in your car insurance rates anytime you get caught breaking the law while driving in your vehicle in Georgia. A speeding ticket is considered a moving violation, and moving violations typically bring down more of the state’s wrath than, say, letting the meter run out when you are parked downtown. 

In 2020, Georgia logged 331,796 crashes. Out of that number, 1,588 were considered fatal crashes, meaning one or more people in the accident died. Georgia also estimates that 76% of their crashes are caused by factors such as driving too fast, distracted driving and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

You can see why the state of Georgia takes speeding so seriously. 

How Much Will a Speeding Ticket in Georgia Cost Me? 

Since most speeding violations are considered misdemeanors in Georgia, you could be looking at the punishment for that – up to $1,000 in fines and/or a max of 12 months in jail. Typically though, what a speeding conviction will cost you in terms of actual dollars depends on how fast you were going and where you were driving at the time of the offense. Here’s a look at how that translates for a first-time offender. 

Things change up quite quickly if you are caught speeding in a highway work zone ($100-$2,000 in fines and/or up to 12 months in jail) or if you get labeled a “super speeder” – someone who is convicted of driving 85 mph. That can add a fee of $200 to any other fees. 

If you don’t pay your fines, you can expect to lose your driver’s license and it will cost you an additional $50 to get it back. 

You may also be required to complete a defensive driving course. 

The Effect of a Speeding Ticket on Your Car Insurance in Georgia 

You probably already know that your insurance premium is based on factors that are specific to you: your age, your zip code, your marital status and more. Gender is also an important factor. More men than women are convicted of speeding – and of being involved in serious car accidents. So, males are typically going to pay more for their car insurance. 

However, in many cases, the price increase after a speeding ticket is higher for women than for men. On average, men will see their insurance go up roughly 31% after a speeding ticket, while women will see their rates increase by 37%. What that translates to for women is that after a speeding conviction, they may see their insurance rates – with all other factors, such as age and zip code being equal – become very similar to the rate for males without a speeding conviction. 

One speeding ticket won’t generally label you as a high-risk driver and therefore taboo to some insurance companies, but you will definitely be feeling it in your wallet. 

The Point System in Georgia 

Georgia is like many states that use a point system to judge when it’s time to yank someone’s driving privileges. Once a driver accumulates 15 points in a 24-month period, they’ve become eligible for suspension of their driver’s license. And speeding comes with its own number of points. 

It’s possible to take certain steps that may get your points reduced before you reach the driver’s license suspended stage, but it’s probably easier just to not get convicted for speeding! 

How Can I Lower My Car Insurance After a Speeding Ticket in Georgia? 

Getting a speeding ticket – or any moving violation for that matter – can hurt your wallet when it comes to increased premiums on your car insurance. Luckily, there are ways to mitigate that impact. Here are some ways to find discounts and other methods of lowering your car insurance. 

Bundle: If you need home insurance, are considering life insurance, have recreational vehicles to insure or any other assorted insurance needs, ask your agent about bundling the policies for all under one roof. Sometimes insurance companies will reward you for giving them more business. 

Vehicle: Insuring a make and model car that falls into a lower risk category will lower your premium. Check around – especially if you are in the market for a new (or new-to-you) vehicle to find out which cars are statistically safer and cost less to repair. 

Deductible: If you can afford it, choose a higher deductible. When your deductible is higher, your insurance company doesn’t have to start paying up until you’ve taken care of the deductible. 

Circumstances: Are you a current or former member of the military? Are you a student who consistently makes the Dean’s List? Are you married? Do you have children? Believe it or not, many insurers offer discounts for things that tell them you are a responsible member of society. 

These are just some ways you can use discounts to offset the cost of your insurance premium. Be sure and ask your agent and check in frequently or anytime your circumstances change.