Getting a speeding ticket can be an annoying and expensive experience. Along with the actual ticket fine, your auto insurance rates will likely increase as well after a speeding violation. However, how much your insurance goes up after a speeding ticket depends on several factors.
In Texas, speeding tickets can have a significant impact on your car insurance rates. Texas is considered an “at-fault” state when it comes to auto insurance, meaning insurers can raise rates based on your driving record and any tickets or violations.
Some of the key factors that determine how much your insurance may increase after a Texas speeding ticket include:
- Your current insurance provider and policy details
- Your previous driving history and record
- The number of speeding tickets you’ve received
- The number of miles per hour over the speed limit
- Whether you were driving in a school or construction zone
Getting just one speeding ticket for going a few miles over the limit may result in a small increase in your rates. But multiple tickets for excessive speeding may cause your rates to double or more.
How Much Will Insurance Rates Increase?
Most insurers in Texas use speeding tickets as a factor when calculating your auto insurance premiums. So you can expect to see an increase, but how much varies significantly based on your unique situation.
Here are some general guidelines for how much rates may increase after a speeding ticket in Texas:
- 1-15 mph over speed limit – Average increase of 15-22%
- 16-30 mph over speed limit – Average increase of 20-45%
- Over 30 mph over speed limit – Average increase of 45-75%
Driving at excessive speeds is seen as high-risk by insurers. Going over 30 mph or more over the posted speed limit can result in premium hikes of 50-75% on average. However, for minor speeding of less than 15 mph over, some insurers may not increase rates at all, especially for first-time offenses.
Your specific insurance provider, driving history, age, location and other factors will also be used to determine any rate changes after a speeding violation. Drivers with multiple speeding tickets on record should expect more significant increases compared to those with clean driving records.
How Long Will the Rate Increase Last?
In addition to how much your insurance premium rises, drivers also want to know how long the rate increase will last after a speeding ticket.
In Texas, a speeding ticket should only affect your insurance rates for 3 years from the date of violation. After this 3-year period, the ticket should no longer be used as a factor in determining your car insurance rates.
However, those 3 years may seem like a long time to pay the financial penalty for a speeding offense. Certain insurers may be willing to remove a ticket sooner than 3 years with no accidents or violations since receiving the ticket.
Drivers should also know that getting multiple tickets can extend the impact on insurance rates. Back-to-back speeding tickets can keep your rates elevated for 6 or more years before they stop being factored by insurers.
How to Reduce the Rate Increase from a Speeding Ticket
If you do receive a speeding ticket in Texas, there are a few steps you can take to try and reduce the rate increase on your auto policy:
- Avoid further violations – Multiple tickets will lead to much higher increases, so drive carefully.
- Take a defensive driving course – This can potentially remove a ticket from your driving record and keep your rates lower.
- Increase your deductible amount – Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 could offset some of the premium increase.
- Shop around for better rates – Compare quotes from insurers like Geico, Allstate, and State Farm.
- Ask about discounts – Taking extra safety measures like adding airbags may qualify you for more discounts.
- Improve your credit score – A better score can help offset rate hikes in some cases.
Taking defensive driver training shows insurers you’re taking steps to improve your driving skills and reduce risk. This can minimize the impact of a speeding violation on your rates.
Comparison shopping is also essential, as certain insurers may weigh speeding tickets less or offer better discounts than your current provider. Reviewing all available options can help find the best value car insurance after a ticket.
Will My Insurance Company Automatically Raise My Rates?
In Texas, insurance providers aren’t required to automatically raise your rates after a speeding ticket. However, they are allowed to re-evaluate and change your premiums based on the updated risk following a violation.
So while a rate increase isn’t guaranteed, it is very likely in most cases where a ticket is issued. Your insurer will review the details of the speeding offense when they become aware of it and make adjustments to your policy rates as needed.
Drivers are required to report any moving violations like speeding tickets to their auto insurance provider. Failing to do so is considered misrepresentation and can lead to policy cancellation or claim denials down the road.
To avoid any surprises, contact your insurer promptly after receiving a speeding citation. This gives you the opportunity to discuss how the ticket may impact your rates and if there are any ways to mitigate the potential increase through defensive driver courses or other options.
Will Switching Insurance Companies Help?
After seeing your rates go up with your current insurer, you may wonder if switching providers could help reduce your premiums after a speeding ticket in Texas.
The answer is – sometimes. Here are a few factors to consider:
- New insurer may not view your ticket history right away – You may initially get lower rates at the beginning.
- Each insurer weighs tickets differently – One may raise your rate 20% while another raises it 40% for the same offense.
- Discounts vary – New insurer may offer better ways to offset rate hikes.
- You’ll have no loyalty discount – Long-time customers often get better rates.
Shopping around makes sense to compare quotes and see if another insurer can offer you a better deal even after a speeding ticket. Just keep in mind that they will eventually see your violation history and may raise your premiums accordingly.
Switching right after a ticket may result in some initial savings. But staying with your current provider may be better in the long run once they are able to remove the ticket from your rate calculation after a few years.
How Can I Check if My Rates Went Up?
If you receive a speeding ticket and want to see exactly how much it increases your premiums, there are a couple ways to check:
- Review your renewal notice – This will show your new 6-month or 12-month premium based on the updated risk assessment.
- Get an updated quote – You can get a new quote at any time from your insurer or compare marketplace sites to see how rates change.
- Call your insurance company – An agent should be able to explain specifically how much a ticket raised your costs.
In most cases, a rate increase from a speeding ticket won’t show up until your next renewal. But you can request an adjusted quote at any time after receiving the ticket to see approximately how much your premium could rise.
Monitoring your rates and shopping around annually can help ensure you get the best deal. If it looks like you’re paying an excessive penalty for a speeding offense on your record, compare other insurers’ rates.
Should I Comparison Shop for Car Insurance Rates?
Any time you have a major change that can influence your auto insurance premiums, it’s a smart idea to comparison shop rates. Speeding tickets and other moving violations can significantly alter your insurer’s risk profile. This means it’s very likely you could find a better deal by getting quotes from competing providers after receiving a ticket.
Here are some key benefits to comparing insurance rates:
- See if another insurer can offer you better discounts to help offset the rate increase from a ticket.
- Insurers weigh driving factors differently – you may find one that penalizes speeding tickets less severely.
- Take advantage of a new customer discount with a different provider.
- Assess whether switching insurers completely makes sense for your situation.
- Get leverage to negotiate with your current provider by showing them a better offer.
At a minimum, it’s wise to compare rates from 3-5 top insurers when your policy is up for renewal after getting a speeding ticket. This ensures you aren’t overpaying and incentivizes your current company to keep your business.
Usage-based programs from insurers like Progressive and State Farm also help monitor your driving and potentially offset rate increases from past violations with good driving habits.
Can I Contest a Speeding Ticket to Prevent a Rate Increase?
Receiving a speeding ticket in Texas means you face two negative consequences – the cost of the ticket fine itself and likely increased insurance rates. That gives you a strong incentive to consider contesting a speeding citation if you believe it was unjustified or in error.
Successfully contesting a ticket means you’ll avoid both the fine and increased auto insurance costs. Here are some common ways drivers fight speeding tickets:
- Question the radar gun calibration – Radar guns need regular calibration checks to ensure accuracy. Ask for calibration records to look for any possible issues.
- Note any obscured speed limit signs – If signs were blocked or difficult to see, it may excuse going over the limit somewhat.
- Mention medical emergencies – Drivers rushing someone to the hospital may get sympathy and dismissal of a ticket.
- Submit proof of your actual speed – Dashcam footage or connected car data proving your lower speed may help.
- Clerical errors – Any mistakes on the ticket paperwork can help get it dismissed.
You also have the option to request traffic school or defensive driving to have a ticket removed from your record. This avoids both insurance increases and having to pay the citation fine.
Contesting a speeding ticket takes effort but is well worth it to avoid increased policy costs. Having an experienced traffic ticket lawyer fight the citation on your behalf maximizes the chances of success.
Can I Take Defensive Driving to Prevent Insurance Rate Increases?
Fortunately, Texas does allow drivers to take defensive driving courses after receiving a traffic ticket to potentially avoid having their auto insurance premiums rise.
Defensive driving is an approved driver safety course focusing on accident prevention and overall better driving habits. Completing an approved course after a ticket can result in the following benefits in Texas:
- Dismissal of the speeding ticket to keep it off your driving record
- Avoid the increase in insurance rates that accompanies a speeding violation
- Prevent assessment of DMV points against your driver’s license
However, you typically have to request and complete defensive driving within 30 days of your ticket issuance date. Some courts may allow up to 90 days.
Drivers in Texas are only allowed to use this defensive driving option once every 12 months and for no more than 3 tickets in a 3-year period. The courses are available online or in-person and take 6-8 hours typically.
Utilizing defensive driving for a speeding ticket can help maintain your insurance rates. Just make sure to confirm the specifics in your county and court jurisdiction to take advantage of this benefit.
Should I Contact My Insurance Company About the Ticket?
Any time you receive a traffic citation for a moving violation like speeding, it’s wise to contact your auto insurance provider directly to notify them. Here are some reasons why:
- They will see the ticket anyway when reports are run – Better to be transparent.
- Shows responsibility for your actions.
- Provides the opportunity to discuss how rates may change.
- Can find out about defensive driving options through your insurer.
- Allows you to start shopping around for better rates if needed.
The worst thing you can do is try to hide a ticket from your insurance company. That constitutes fraud and can lead to cancellation of your entire policy if discovered.
Contacting them right away gives you time to take steps to mitigate rate increases, prepare for a higher premium, or shop for a new provider if needed. Most insurers will work with customers proactively to avoid non-renewal or extreme rate hikes.
Are There Other Options to Reduce Insurance Increases?
While traffic tickets like speeding violations will almost always lead to some insurance rate increase in Texas, there are a few other potential options to help minimize the financial impact:
- Increase your deductible amount – Choosing a higher deductible like $1000 can help offset premium hikes.
- Adjust your coverage – Removing collision or comprehensive coverage can lower your overall premium.
- Take extra driving courses – Beyond defensive driving, additional driver training may qualify you for discounts.
- Check for other discounts – Adding safety features to your vehicle, combining home and auto policies, maintaining good credit, and being a long-time customer can help reduce your costs.
- Drive safely – Going an extended period without any violations can lead to reduced rates again over time.
The best way to keep your rates as low as possible is to maintain a clean driving record over the long-term. But utilizing other available discounts and making adjustments to coverage can help minimize increases after getting an occasional traffic ticket.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, speeding tickets will almost certainly lead to increased car insurance rates in Texas. How much your premium goes up depends on the severity of the speeding offense and your prior driving record.
Drivers should contact their insurance provider right away when ticketed for speeding. This allows time to take defensive driving courses, negotiate rates, or shop around before increased premiums take effect. Maintaining a clean record and utilizing available discounts help minimize the insurance impact of occasional traffic violations.
Comparison shopping rates from other top insurers is also advised anytime your coverage costs rise significantly after a driving infraction. While speeding tickets drive up rates, taking proactive steps and exercising safe driving habits can mitigate the insurance consequences.