The Impact of Speeding Tickets on Your Car Insurance

Speeding tickets come loaded with hidden costs. On top of the initial fine, every speeding ticket carries with it a court fee, and in some cases, a driver responsibility assessment (DRA) as well. The biggest financial impact, however, is likely the one on your car insurance.

Every insurance company is different when it comes to speeding and other traffic tickets. One company may raise your rates for three years following a conviction, whereas another may apply a surcharge that will be removed after one year if you avoid any further infractions. The length of time that you’ve been with your insurer and past driving record can also be taken into account, and long-time customers with good records could see a lesser increase.

On the whole, however, most drivers who just plead guilty and pay the fine will see a significant difference in their annual premiums. InsuranceQuotes.com found that on average speeding leads to these increases in premiums:

• 21% for 1 to 15 mph over the speed limit.
• 28% for 16 to 30 mph over the limit.
• 30% for more than 30 mph over the limit.

This can be substantial for New York drivers, who already pay among the highest premiums in the country. It’s not uncommon for New Yorkers to shell out between $1,400 and $2,700 annually. That means even the smallest speeding ticket could result in an additional $294 to $567 per year!

For most drivers, it is more than worthwhile to hire an attorney to arrange for a plea bargain (which would have no impact on your insurance). In some cases, an attorney can also fight to have the ticket dismissed outright, such as if an officer doesn’t appear as complaining witness or if certain information on the summons is not filled out or is filled out incorrectly.

If you’re concerned that a speeding ticket could impact your car insurance, it is essential that you consult an attorney. The lawyers of the Rosenblum Law Firm are skilled New York traffic ticket attorneys with experience in handling tickets for speeding as well as other driving-related offenses. Call 888-203-2619 or email the Rosenblum Law Firm today for a free consultation about how your ticket could impact your insurance rates.

Save