Understanding the Business of Speeding
Warren Buffett, the legendary investor, has long been a fan of insurance companies. He famously compared them to one-way toll bridges: providing a constant stream of revenue while remaining highly liquid. To truly understand how a speeding ticket impacts your insurance, it’s crucial to first understand the business model of your car insurance provider.
Premiums are designed to cover the costs of accidents and claims, so, in theory, the total premiums collected must exceed the total claims paid out. The safer your driving history, the lower your premiums. Unfortunately, for many drivers, the odds are stacked against them long before they even hand over their license and registration.
Risk vs. Premium: The Basics
The sleek, red sports car will typically have higher insurance rates than the unassuming, burgundy minivan. Why? Insurance companies perceive sports cars as riskier to insure. Statistically, sports cars are driven faster and are therefore more prone to accidents. In the world of insurance, Risk = Cost. But remember, risk isn’t always tied to the driver’s habits alone. The vehicle’s safety rating, likelihood of theft, and even where you live can all influence the premium.
Not All Speeding Tickets Are Created Equal
So, will your insurance rates increase after a speeding ticket? The short answer: it depends on how risky your driving was.
-
Were you going 55 mph in a 45 mph zone? (Slight risk)
-
Were you driving 65 mph in a 45 mph zone? (Greater risk)
-
Were you racing down a one-way street in the wrong direction? (Extreme risk)
To assess the impact a speeding ticket might have on your insurance, ask yourself: How risky was my driving? The more extreme the behavior, the higher the likelihood that your rates will go up.
Young and the Reckless: First-Time Offenders Under 23
If you’re under 23, you’re statistically seen as one of the highest-risk groups to insure, even before you hit the road. Unfortunately, factors like age and gender are beyond your control. But here’s the good news: over time, with a clean driving record, you can expect your premiums to drop.
The bad news? Until you turn 23 or have three years of safe driving, you’re lumped into a group that insurance companies generally associate with risky driving behavior — think drag racing and tire screeching. So, if you’re a young driver and get a speeding ticket, expect your rates to increase, especially if it’s your first offense. Unless you live in a state with programs to reduce points from your record, brace yourself for a small premium hike. But don’t worry, there’s hope! Check out the Opportunity Cost section for tips on how you can minimize the impact of that first violation.
First-Time Offender: Age 23 and Up
If you’re in your mid-20s or older, your first speeding ticket can still cause a spike in your premiums. Whether it’s a five-minute delay or a momentary lapse in judgment, getting a ticket will reflect on your driving record — and insurance companies care deeply about your record. To them, speeding is associated with greater risk, and higher risk means higher premiums.
That said, insurance companies might show some leniency depending on your history. Have you maintained a clean driving record for the past 3-5 years? If so, some insurers may not raise your rates after your first ticket, especially if you’ve been loyal to the same provider.
Multiple Offender: All Ages
Your driving record is like your credit score: if you’re responsible and consistently on time, one mistake won’t hurt. But if you’re frequently making risky decisions behind the wheel, expect higher premiums.
If you’ve received multiple speeding tickets within the last three years, your premiums will likely increase — unless you’re in a state that offers ways to keep the ticket “in-house” (for example, through defensive driving courses). The more tickets you accumulate, the higher the impact on your insurance, much like how a bad credit score affects your interest rates. See the Opportunity Cost section for strategies to potentially reduce the impact of multiple offenses.
Out of State? Out of Mind? Not Quite.
Think that getting a speeding ticket in another state won’t affect your insurance? Think again. Whether you’re driving a rental car or your own, any violation, including speeding tickets, will show up on your driving record. Insurance companies will find out, and it will be tied to your policy.
So, whether you’re in a different state or just passing through, be sure to take care of the ticket on time. Contesting the ticket or letting it slide could lead to serious consequences down the line.
Opportunity Cost: Long-Term Rewards for Short-Term Sacrifices
In car insurance, points are bad news. They can cause premiums to skyrocket. That’s why it’s essential to avoid accumulating points on your driving record at all costs. Fortunately, many states offer options to reduce or remove points from a speeding ticket. For example, you can often take a defensive driving course for a small fee — typically around $200 — to get the points removed.
Even a seemingly minor ticket can increase your premiums by 25%, so it’s worth considering alternatives that might save you money in the long run. Contesting the ticket could also reduce it to a non-moving violation, which generally doesn’t affect your insurance rates.
Make a Plan: Check, Double-Check, and Follow Through
Before you simply mail in your ticket and check the “guilty” box, take a few extra steps. Contact your insurance provider to see what they recommend. Do you have a personal contact at your insurer? If not, make one! They can provide valuable insight into your situation and guide you on the best steps to preserve your driving record.
Check your current driving record — is it spotless? If so, consider bringing that record to court to plead “no contest.” If you’ve been with the same insurance company for several years and have a clean history, you may have some negotiating room.
Also, take a close look at your insurance policy. Are there ways to reduce it? Have your circumstances changed, like driving fewer miles or becoming a one-car family? Sometimes, simply updating your policy can help offset the cost of a speeding ticket.
By staying proactive and informed, you can minimize the long-term impact of a speeding ticket on your insurance. A little patience and effort now can save you money and stress in the future. Drive smart, stay safe, and remember — the cleaner your record, the lower your premiums.
Ready to Keep Your Insurance Rates Low?
Contact us today and let us help you navigate your insurance options and keep your rates as low as possible!