If you recently received a speeding ticket, you may wonder how it will impact how much you pay for car insurance.
Most insurance companies, including MAPFRE Insurance, take into account driving history when evaluating risk levels. If you have a clean driving record, one speeding ticket will probably not put you into the category of being a high-risk driver. But previous speeding tickets and other driving violations like at-fault accidents will likely impact what you pay for insurance.
Some of those other violations that could cause your rate to increase are:
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Texting and driving
- Talking on the phone while driving
- Driving without a seatbelt
- Failure to stop
- Making an improper turn or failing to yield
- Reckless driving
- Careless driving
- Illegally or improperly passing another driver
- Following another driver too closely
How much will my car insurance go up after a speeding ticket?
Your independent agent can tell you roughly how much your premium is likely to increase. Just like speeding ticket amounts vary from state to state, the amount your car insurance premium may increase will vary depending on your driving record.
MAPFRE Insurances uses our own Merit Rating Plan. This plan is based upon a points system that rewards customers for good driving based on their own driving record and the driver’s records of those covered by the auto insurance policy. The plan also takes into consideration minor/major accidents and violations.
How long will the speeding ticket stay on my record?
Depending on your state, speeding tickets and other violations might stay on your driving record for three to five years. If you live in a state like Massachusetts, be careful not to rack up more violations, as three or more speeding tickets within 12 months could cause you to have your license suspended and further increases on to your premium. Check with your state for specific details.
What can I do to lower my rate?
There are some things you can do to get your rate lower like increasing your deductible. By opting to do this, you can lower your premium significantly, but it’s important to remember to keep sufficient funds set aside in case you have an accident and need to pay your deductible for your portion of the vehicle repair costs.
You could also consider signing up for MAPFRE’s MotionSmartSM, a usage based insurance option that utilizes a smartphone app and analyzes your driving behaviors. When you do, you could receive up to a 2% discount on your initial enrollment and up to a 20% discount at renewal – providing you maintain a good driving record.
Taking advantage of MAPFRE discounts is another good way to save on your annual auto insurance premium. In addition to bundling your policies, you could benefit from MAPFRE’s Good Student discount, the Student away from home discount, and the Clean in Three discount discount.
If you need help reviewing your auto insurance policy, an independent agent in your state can always check to make sure you have the right coverage suited to your individualized needs. And if you’re not yet insured with MAPFRE, you can get a fast, free quote today on your Massachusetts car insurance policy.
