Many drivers worry that one speeding ticket will send their car insurance premiums skyrocketing. The truth is more nuanced. While serious speeding violations can absolutely affect what you pay, a minor ticket doesn’t always mean a financial hit.
Insurance companies weigh the severity of the violation, your overall driving history, and state laws before deciding whether to raise your rates. Let’s take a closer look at how speeding influences insurance costs, what you can expect after a ticket, and ways to keep premiums manageable.
Do Speeding Tickets Always Raise Insurance Rates?
Contrary to popular belief, not every ticket leads to higher premiums. A small infraction, such as going just a few miles over the limit, might not affect your insurance at all—especially if you recently renewed your policy.
That said, insurers do keep a close eye on patterns. A history of repeated tickets signals greater risk, which can lead to increased premiums. In some states, like Missouri, traffic violations add points to your license. Collecting too many points within a short timeframe can even result in license suspension, which will almost certainly affect your insurance eligibility and cost.
How Much Speed Matters
The amount you exceeded the limit plays a major role. Going a few miles per hour over may be treated lightly, but driving 20 or more above the posted speed is considered a serious violation. In Missouri, driving 26 mph or more over the limit requires a court appearance, and insurance companies typically view this as high-risk behavior.
The faster you were driving, the more likely you’ll see a spike in your premium when your policy renews.
Typical Insurance Increases After a Ticket
There’s no universal rate hike—it depends on the insurer, your driving record, and how severe the violation was. On average, a single speeding ticket can increase premiums by around 20–25% in the U.S. Losing a safe driver discount often adds to the overall cost.
More serious violations, such as reckless driving or racing, tend to push rates up much higher and can even lead to nonrenewal of your policy.
What to Do After Receiving a Ticket
Once you get a ticket, ignoring it is the worst option. Failure to act could result in additional fines, license suspension, or even a warrant. You generally have two choices: pay the fine or contest the violation.
If you believe the ticket was unfair, you can appear in court to fight it. Hiring a lawyer may help if your driving privileges are at risk. If you decide not to contest, pay the fine promptly to avoid penalties. In Missouri, for example, fines can usually be paid online, by phone, mail, or in person.
Will a First-Time Ticket Hurt Your Rates?
Not always. Many insurers forgive a first-time offense, particularly if you’ve had a clean record until then. However, if your first violation involved extreme speeding, you may still see an increase.
Even if your rates stay the same initially, keep in mind that another ticket could erase that leniency.
How Long Tickets Affect Your Insurance
Speeding tickets typically influence your premiums for several years. In Missouri, points from violations remain on your record for three years, and your insurance costs will likely reflect that. The more serious the infraction, the longer it may impact your rates.
Tickets in Other States
If you’re cited for speeding while traveling out of state, your insurance company may still find out. While points may not always transfer between states, the violation itself can still appear on your driving record and affect your premium.
Lowering Insurance After a Ticket
A ticket doesn’t mean you’re stuck with higher rates forever. Some steps you can take include:
- Ask about discounts: Paperless billing, bundling policies, or low-mileage programs may help offset increases.
- Shop around: Different insurers weigh violations differently, so comparing quotes can pay off.
- Take a defensive driving course: In Missouri, completing a state-approved Driver Improvement Program may reduce points or even dismiss a ticket.
- Drive carefully: Avoid additional violations. Many insurers reward long periods of safe driving with discounts.
Final Thoughts
While speeding tickets can affect your car insurance, the impact depends on how fast you were driving, how often you’ve been ticketed, and your overall driving history. A single minor infraction may not hurt much, but repeated or severe violations can cost you for years. The best way to keep your premiums in check is simple: drive responsibly, stay aware of speed limits, and avoid unnecessary risks on the road.
