Car insurance for drivers with multiple speeding tickets

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Car Insurance for Drivers with Multiple Speeding Tickets

Introduction

Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations in the United States. While one ticket may only cause a small increase in insurance premiums, multiple speeding tickets can drastically impact your car insurance rates. Insurers see frequent speeding as a sign of risky driving behavior, which increases the likelihood of accidents and claims.

If you have a history of multiple speeding tickets, you may already know how difficult it can be to find affordable car insurance. Premiums rise, discounts disappear, and some insurers may even refuse coverage. But don’t lose hope—there are still ways to get insured, reduce costs, and rebuild your driving record over time.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about car insurance for drivers with multiple speeding tickets—from how tickets affect your rates to practical strategies for lowering costs.

How Speeding Tickets Affect Car Insurance

Insurance companies base their rates on risk assessment. When you receive multiple speeding tickets, insurers assume you are more likely to cause accidents or file claims. As a result:

  • Premiums Increase: Each ticket can raise your premium by 10–25%, depending on severity.

  • Discounts May Be Removed: Safe driver or good driver discounts are usually revoked.

  • High-Risk Category: With multiple violations, you may be categorized as a high-risk driver.

  • Policy Non-Renewal: Some companies may refuse to renew your coverage.

  • SR-22 Requirement: In severe cases, you may be required to file an SR-22 form proving financial responsibility.

Factors That Determine How Much Your Rates Increase

Not all tickets are treated equally. The impact on your insurance depends on:

  1. Number of Tickets

    • One ticket: Small increase.

    • Two or more: Significant increase.

  2. Severity of Offense

    • 5–10 mph over: Mild penalty.

    • 20+ mph over: Considered reckless driving in many states.

  3. Time Frame

    • Tickets within the last 3 years affect your rate the most.

    • Older tickets may eventually “fall off” your record.

  4. Location and State Laws

    • Some states are stricter about points systems and insurance surcharges.

  5. Insurance Provider

    • Some companies are more forgiving than others.

Average Rate Increases After Multiple Speeding Tickets

On average, here’s how your premiums may rise:

  • 1 Ticket: 10–20% increase.

  • 2 Tickets: 20–40% increase.

  • 3+ Tickets: 40–70% increase or higher.

For example:

  • A driver paying $1,200 annually may see costs rise to $1,800–$2,000+ with multiple violations.

High-Risk Car Insurance Explained

If you’ve accumulated multiple speeding tickets, you may be classified as a high-risk driver. High-risk insurance is specifically designed for drivers with:

  • Multiple traffic violations.

  • At-fault accidents.

  • DUI/DWI convictions.

  • Lapses in coverage.

High-risk insurance is more expensive, but it ensures you remain legally covered.

How to Get Car Insurance with Multiple Speeding Tickets

1. Shop Around for Quotes

Not all insurers treat speeding tickets the same way. Some companies specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer more affordable rates. Use online comparison tools like:

  • The Zebra

  • Insurify

  • Compare.com

2. Consider Non-Standard or High-Risk Insurers

Companies like Dairyland, The General, and Direct Auto often insure drivers with poor records.

3. Adjust Coverage Levels

If premiums are too high, consider lowering coverage (while meeting state minimums):

  • Drop comprehensive and collision if your car is old.

  • Increase deductibles to reduce monthly payments.


4. Take Defensive Driving Courses

Many states and insurers allow you to reduce points or earn discounts by completing approved defensive driving or driver improvement courses.

5. Ask About SR-22 Insurance

If your state requires an SR-22, work with insurers who provide this service. Companies like Progressive and State Farm commonly file SR-22 forms for customers.

6. Drive Safely to Rebuild Your Record

Insurance companies typically review your driving history for the last 3–5 years. Avoiding further violations will help your rates decrease over time.

Discounts That May Still Be Available

Even with multiple tickets, you may still qualify for some discounts:

  • Multi-Policy Discount (bundle with renters/home insurance).

  • Multi-Car Discount (insure more than one vehicle).

  • Good Student Discount (for young drivers with strong grades).

  • Loyalty Discount (staying with one insurer, even at higher rates).

  • Telematics Programs (install a monitoring device to prove safe driving).

State-Specific Differences

Each state has its own laws regarding tickets, insurance, and license points. For example:

  • California: Uses a point system; too many points can lead to license suspension.

  • Florida: Speeding 15+ mph over limits can significantly affect rates.

  • Texas: Tickets stay on your record for 3 years.

  • New York: Excessive points may lead to a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee.

Always check your state’s DMV rules to understand how long tickets impact your driving record.

Alternatives to Standard Insurance

If you struggle to find coverage, consider:

  1. State-Assigned Risk Pools

    • Programs that assign high-risk drivers to insurers. Usually more expensive.

  2. Usage-Based Insurance

    • Pay-per-mile or telematics programs that reward safe driving behavior.

  3. Non-Owner Car Insurance

    • If you don’t own a car but need coverage to reinstate your license.

Tips to Lower Your Premiums Over Time

  1. Avoid Further Violations – The most important step.

  2. Maintain Continuous Coverage – Lapses make you look riskier.

  3. Consider a Cheaper Vehicle – Sports cars and luxury vehicles are more expensive to insure.

  4. Improve Your Credit Score – Insurers often factor credit into rates.

  5. Re-Shop Annually – Rates can change as tickets age.

How Long Do Speeding Tickets Stay on Your Record?

  • Insurance Record: Usually 3–5 years.

  • DMV Record: Depends on state; some keep violations for up to 10 years.

Once tickets drop off your record, your rates may decrease significantly.

Common Mistakes Drivers Make

  • Not Shopping Around – Staying with one insurer may cost more.

  • Failing to Disclose Tickets – Insurers will find them when they run your record.

  • Ignoring Defensive Driving Courses – Missed opportunity to save.

  • Driving Uninsured – Leads to severe penalties and higher costs later..

Conclusion

Multiple speeding tickets can make finding affordable car insurance challenging, but it’s not impossible. By shopping around, considering high-risk insurers, and taking proactive steps like defensive driving courses, you can still secure coverage and gradually lower your rates over time.

The key is to recognize that while your current situation may feel overwhelming, insurance rates are not permanent. With patience, safe driving, and the right insurer, you can rebuild your driving record and regain access to better premiums.

Staying insured is not optional—it’s a legal requirement and a financial safety net. Even with multiple speeding tickets, you have options to remain covered and protect yourself on the road.


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