How A Speeding Ticket Affects Your Insurance In Pennsylvania
A speeding ticket in Pennsylvania can increase your car insurance by around 10%.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
With 9 years of experience as a licensed insurance agent, I’ve helped many drivers find auto insurance that can offset the impact of a speeding ticket. There are ways to get affordable auto insurance even after a ticket. Let me explain how a speeding ticket can affect your insurance in Pennsylvania.
Key Takeaways
Drivers in Pennsylvania can choose to pay their fine, contest the ticket, or take a defensive driving course after receiving a speeding ticket.
If drivers opt for a defensive driving course in Pennsylvania to avoid points on their record, they must complete it within 90 days of their ticket.
Insurance rates typically rise after a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania, but there are strategies to help keep your premiums manageable after an infraction.
Do Speeding Tickets Affect Insurance In Pennsylvania?
As a driver in Pennsylvania, every action you take on the road can affect your insurance costs. While it’s well-known that an accident will raise your premium, it’s also important to recognize that even a single speeding ticket can lead to an average increase of about 10% in your insurance rates.
How A Speeding Ticket Impacts Your Insurance In Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, a speeding ticket can significantly affect your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies view speeding violations as a sign of risky behavior, which can lead to higher premiums. Understanding how a speeding ticket impacts your insurance can help you navigate the aftermath and make informed decisions moving forward.
Below are some examples of how just one speeding ticket can impact your insurance cost. See how the differences vary between companies.
| Provider | Clean Record | Speeding Ticket | Increase |
| Geico | $1,393 | $1,900 | 36% |
| Nationwide | $1,434 | $1,646 | 15% |
| Erie | $1,635 | $1,716 | 5% |
| Progressive | $2,236 | $2,246 | 0% |
| Allstate | $3,857 | $4,435 | 15% |
Insurance costs can change based on several factors, including your driving history, where you live, gender, and past claims. When you file a claim related to a speeding ticket, it can affect these factors differently, especially depending on how serious the speeding violation is. If your ticket includes multiple violations, the increase in your insurance rate can be more significant.
Important: 9 out of 10 drivers admit to speeding even though nearly 90% know that it is wrong.
How To Lower Your Premiums After A Ticket
In Pennsylvania, it’s common for your insurance rates to rise following a speeding ticket. However, you won’t notice this increase until it’s time to renew your insurance policy. In Pennsylvania, speeding violations typically stay on your driving record for up to five years, depending on the severity of the offense.
Here are some strategies to help reduce your premiums in Pennsylvania after receiving a speeding ticket:
Lower Your Coverage Levels
Consider lowering your coverage limits. This can reduce your monthly premium, but make sure you still have enough protection. Keep in mind that if you file a claim, you might end up paying more out of your own pocket.
If you own an older vehicle, think about removing Comprehensive and Collision coverage. However, be aware that if you have an accident, your insurance will only cover damages to the other driver’s vehicle. Comprehensive and Collision are the parts of your policy that pay for your own injuries and vehicle damage.
Search For Discounts
When looking to lower your insurance premiums in Pennsylvania, it’s essential to search for available discounts. Many auto insurance companies offer various discounts that can significantly reduce your rates. These might include discounts for safe driving, completing a defensive driving course, bundling multiple policies like home and auto insurance, or even being a good student if you have a young driver on your policy.
Don’t hesitate to ask your insurance provider about any special offers they might have. Taking the time to explore these options can lead to substantial savings on your premiums.
Defensive Driving Courses
We mentioned this earlier when discussing discounts, but it’s worth repeating: taking a defensive driving course can really benefit you, especially after getting a speeding ticket. Completing the course shows your insurance company that you’re committed to improving your driving skills.
Shop Around
Shopping around for insurance is a smart way to find better rates. Different companies offer different prices, so it’s important to compare quotes from several insurers. Take the time to look at their coverage options, discounts, and customer reviews. You might discover a company that provides the same coverage for less money or offers special deals that fit your needs.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure you understand what each policy includes. By exploring your options, you can save money and get the best coverage for your situation.
TIME INFRACTIONS: If you get 4 or more violations in a 12 month period your license will be suspended, 7 or more in a 24 month period.
Does A First-Time Speeding Ticket Affect Insurance?
A first-time speeding ticket can affect your insurance rates. When you receive a speeding ticket, your insurance company may consider it a sign of risky driving behavior, which can lead to higher premiums. However, the impact may vary depending on the insurer and your overall driving history.
Some auto insurance companies in Pennsylvania might be more lenient for first-time offenders, while others could raise your rates at renewal. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand how a first speeding ticket might specifically influence your rates and explore options to minimize any increases.
Tip: Speeds below 10 MPH are classified as Class C Misdemeanors; Speeds up to and exceeding 25, or reckless driving, are Class B and A Misdemeanors.
How To Find Affordable Insurance After A Speeding Ticket
Finding the right insurance after a speeding ticket can take some effort, as different companies assess each driver and situation uniquely in Pennsylvania.
For instance, a teenage driver with a speeding ticket may face different consequences than a 30-year-old with the same violation.
Additionally, a driver with two tickets is likely to see stricter penalties compared to a first-time offender; in fact, studies show that rates can jump by as much as 43% after a second ticket.
Minor infractions, like going five miles over the speed limit, might not affect your rates, but serious offenses, such as reckless driving or exceeding the limit by over 20 miles per hour, could lead to higher premiums.
To find affordable insurance after a speeding ticket, consider these effective strategies:
Compare Quotes From Different Companies
One of the best ways to save on insurance is to get quotes from various companies. Each insurer has its own way of setting prices and may view violations differently. By comparing quotes, you can find the best deal for your situation. Online tools make it easy to see how prices differ, helping you make a smart choice and potentially save money on your premiums.
Take A Defensive Driving Course
Signing up for a defensive driving course can help lower your insurance costs after a speeding ticket. Many insurance companies give discounts to drivers who complete these courses because it shows you’re committed to safer driving. Not only can this lead to lower rates, but it also teaches you skills to avoid future tickets, which is beneficial for your driving record.
Maintain A Good Credit Score
Your credit score can greatly affect your insurance premiums, so it’s important to keep it healthy, especially after getting a speeding ticket. Insurers often consider credit scores when deciding rates, and a higher score can lead to lower premiums.
Review Your Coverage
After getting a speeding ticket, it’s a good time to review your insurance coverage. You might find that you have more coverage than you really need, especially if your vehicle is older. Consider adjusting your policy by lowering coverage options like Comprehensive and Collision. Just make sure you still have enough protection in case of an accident.
What To Do After Getting A Speeding Ticket
When you get a speeding ticket, you have two main options: pay the ticket or contest it.
Paying The Ticket
Paying the ticket is a simple process. When you go to court, they will give you instructions on how to pay. Make sure you pay on time to avoid extra fees. If you delay too long, you could even face a warrant for your arrest.
Contesting The Ticket
If you decide to challenge the ticket, you can plead not guilty when you appear in court, and they will set a date for your hearing. You can choose to represent yourself or hire a lawyer. If the court finds you not guilty, the ticket will be dismissed. However, if you are found guilty, you’ll need to pay the fine, and the ticket will go on your driving record.
Deferred Disposition
There’s also a third option called deferred disposition. In this case, you would plead no contest and pay your fine. Then, you’ll be put on probation. If you don’t get another speeding ticket during the agreed probation period, the original ticket won’t show up on your record.
How Long Does A Speeding Ticket Stay On My Record?
In Pennsylvania, a speeding ticket typically stays on your driving record for up to 5 years. However, the impact of the ticket on your insurance rates may vary depending on your insurer’s policies. For more serious offenses, such as reckless driving or speeding significantly over the limit, the ticket may remain on your record even longer and could lead to higher premiums.
It’s important to be aware of how these violations can affect your driving history and insurance costs in the long run.
How Much Is A Ticket In Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania takes speeding seriously, and the consequences can be significant. While the state does not typically impose the highest increases on insurance rates, a speeding ticket can still lead to an average rate hike of around 10% to 15%.
However, if the speeding occurs in sensitive areas like school zones or construction zones, the penalties may be harsher, including higher fines and potential points on your driving record.
| Fine by MPH over limit | Posted Limit | School Zone | Construction Zone |
| 1 to 5 | $25 | $150 | $300 |
| 6 to 9 | $50 | $150 | $300 |
| 10 to 14 | $100 | $150 | $300 |
| 15 to 19 | $150 | $150 | $300 |
| 20 to 29 | $300 | $300 | $500 |
| 30 plus | $500 | $500 | $1000 |
Driving over thirty miles an hour above the speed limit is classified as reckless driving. This type of offense is taken more seriously than others because it shows a complete disregard for traffic laws and puts everyone on the road at risk.
Penalties For Speeding
In Pennsylvania, the penalties for speeding can vary based on how much over the speed limit you were driving. Here are some key points about the penalties you might face:
- Fines: For most speeding violations, fines can range from $25 to $300, depending on how fast you were going over the limit. The higher your speed, the steeper the fine.
- Points on Your Record: Speeding can also result in points added to your driving record. For example, going 1 to 5 miles per hour over the limit typically adds 2 points, while speeding 26 to 30 miles per hour over can add 5 points. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension.
- Increased Insurance Rates: Receiving a speeding ticket can lead to higher insurance premiums, as insurers view it as a sign of risky driving behavior.
- Additional Penalties in Certain Zones: Speeding in construction zones or school zones can result in even harsher penalties, including larger fines and more points.
- Court Appearance: In some cases, particularly for excessive speeding or repeat offenses, you may be required to appear in court.
Understanding these penalties can help you make better choices on the road and avoid the consequences of speeding in Pennsylvania.
Important: According to the NHTSA, speeding was a factor in 29% of accident fatalities in 2022.
FAQs
What is the cheapest car insurance after a speeding ticket?
Finding the cheapest car insurance after a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania can depend on several factors, including your driving history and the insurance company you choose. Some insurers are known for being more forgiving to drivers with violations. Companies like GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive often offer competitive rates and discounts that can help lower your premiums.
How do I get a speeding ticket off my insurance?
To get a speeding ticket off your insurance in Pennsylvania, you can take a few steps. First, consider completing a defensive driving course, as some insurance companies offer discounts for this and may overlook the ticket. Next, make sure to maintain a clean driving record going forward; avoiding further violations can help improve your insurance rates over time.
You can also contact your insurance company to ask about the possibility of removing the ticket from your record if you’ve demonstrated safe driving since then.
Will my insurance company find out about my speeding ticket immediately?
No, your insurance company may not find out about your speeding ticket immediately. Typically, the information about traffic violations is reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and insurance companies usually access this information during the renewal period or when you apply for a new policy.
However, if you notify your insurer about the ticket, they will update your record accordingly. It’s important to remember that some companies may monitor your driving habits or use other means to gather information, so being honest about any tickets is always the best policy.
Sources
⇅- Pennsylvania Department Of Transportation – Driving under the influence of alcohol or substances
- Bucks county atty – What are the consequences of speeding in Pennsylvania
