While the initial sting of the fine might be unpleasant, many Californians don’t realize the hidden cost a speeding ticket can have on their price for car insurance. Cheap Insurance will delve into how a speeding ticket in California can impact your car insurance, exploring the potential cost increases, mitigating factors, and helpful strategies.
Key Takeaways:
- A speeding ticket in California can raise your car insurance by 29% to 70%.
- The severity of the ticket, your driving history, age, and insurance company all impact the increase.
- Minor speeding violations or a first-time offense might have a less impact.
- Shop around and compare auto insurance quotes in California, take defensive driving courses, and maintain a clean record.
- Consider fighting the ticket only if you have a strong case and understand the potential risks.
How Much Can a Speeding Ticket Raise the Cost For Car Insurance in California?
The amount of the increase depends on several factors.
The severity of the speeding violation. A minor speeding ticket (1-10 mph over) might have a less significant impact compared to a major speeding violation (20 mph or more over).
Driving history. A clean driving record with no prior offenses will likely result in a lower auto insurance increase than someone with a history of violations.
Age. Younger drivers (under 25) typically face steeper hikes due to their already higher risk profile.
Car insurance company. Different companies have varying risk assessment models, so comparing car insurance quotes in California from multiple insurers can help find cheap insurance after a ticket.
Does Every Speeding Ticket Raise the Cost of Car Insurance in California?
Thankfully, not every speeding ticket automatically translates to skyrocketing auto insurance rates.
Minor speeding violations. A ticket for going slightly over the speed limit (1-10 mph) might lead to a smaller increase or even no increase at all, depending on your driving history and your insurance company’s policy for speeding tickets.
First-time offense. If this is your first speeding ticket, some insurance companies might be more lenient, especially if you’ve been a loyal long term customer.
How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on a Record?
The good news is that speeding tickets don’t stay on your driving record forever in California. According to the DMV, a speeding violation typically remains on your record for three years from the date of conviction. This means after three years, the insurance carriers can no longer consider it when calculating your rates.
Are There Ways to Offset Car Insurance Increases After a Speeding Ticket in California?
Shop around for new auto insurance quotes. Don’t automatically renew with your current insurer. Compare affordable insurance quotes in California from other companies to see if you can find a cheap car insurance price.
Ask about forgiveness programs. Some automobile insurance carriers offer accident forgiveness or violation forgiveness programs. These programs might waive the rate increase for your first speeding ticket after a certain period of clean driving.
Complete a defensive driving course. Many insurance carriers offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course. This can help offset some of the increase caused by the ticket.
Maintain a clean driving record. Avoiding further violations for the next three years shows your insurance company you’re a responsible driver and can lead to lower insurance rates in the future.
Fighting a Speeding Ticket in California to Avoid Higher Car Insurance a Good Idea?
If you believe the speeding ticket was issued unfairly or in error, contesting it in court might be a good option. However, this decision requires careful consideration.
The strength of your case. Do you have a valid reason to contest the ticket, such as a malfunctioning speedometer or mistaken identity?
The potential consequences of losing. If you lose the case, you might end up paying the original fine, court costs, and potentially face a higher insurance increase due to a conviction on your record, instead of potentially taking traffic school or online course to reduce or eliminate the violation.
The cost of hiring an attorney. Hiring a traffic lawyer can be expensive, and the cost might outweigh the potential savings on your auto insurance in California.
While a speeding ticket can be a hassle, understanding how it affects your auto insurance and taking proactive steps can help minimize the financial blow. Remember, a clean driving record is the best way to keeping down the price of car insurance.
