Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Car insurance for drivers with tickets
The Bankrate promise
At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. To help readers understand how insurance affects their finances, we have licensed insurance professionals on staff who have spent a combined 47 years in the auto, home and life insurance industries. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation of . Our content is backed by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed entity (NPN: 19966249). For more information, please see our .
Receiving a ticket while driving can be unfortunate, and may have lasting impacts depending on the type of infraction. In addition to hefty fines, as well as potentially losing your driver’s license or other punishments, you may also be facing surcharges from your car insurance company for years to come. Learn what you can do to save on car insurance after receiving a ticket.
Compare auto insurance rates
Save on auto insurance with quotes from trusted providers like
Drivers switch & save an average of $750+/year
Are you overpaying for auto insurance?
Safe drivers choose Allstate®
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
How tickets impact car insurance
In most cases, insurance premiums increase after you get a ticket. However, keep in mind that you will not see the rate increase until your policy renews, usually every six months or 12 months.
Car insurance for drivers with multiple tickets is often more expensive because it indicates that you are a high-risk driver. From the perspective of an insurance company, you are more likely to file insurance claims or other violations in the future.
However, the rate increase after a ticket depends on the specific violation. For example, a speeding ticket usually results in a much lower rate increase than DUI. After a ticket, you will probably pay a higher insurance premium for at least several years, depending on the violation.
Key Takeaways
- On average, a speeding ticket could increase car insurance premiums by 21 percent while a DUI could increase car insurance costs by 93 percent
- Receiving a ticket changes how insurers perceive you as a safe driver, which consequently affects your car insurance premiums.
- Erie and USAA offered the cheapest average premiums for drivers after a speeding ticket according to our research.
- American National and Selective had the most affordable average premiums for drivers after a DUI.
Cheapest car insurance after a speeding ticket
For a speeding ticket, the rate increase depends on several factors, including your location, driving record and insurance company. In addition to a higher rate, most speeding tickets also come with a fine. Based on Bankrate’s study of average annual premiums after a single speeding ticket, gathered from Quadrant Information Services, we found Erie to offer the cheapest average rate.
Average annual car insurance premium based on driving record
| Car insurance company | Clean record | Single speeding ticket conviction |
|---|---|---|
| Erie | $1,321 | $1,435 |
| USAA | $1,209 | $1,464 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,305 | $1,507 |
| State Farm | $1,397 | $1,606 |
| Nationwide | $1,383 | $1,635 |
Cheapest car insurance after a DUI ticket
A DUI is one of the most serious violations you can receive. After getting a DUI or DWI (depending on the state), you can expect your car insurance premium to increase significantly. Getting a DUI also typically comes with other potential consequences, including expensive fines, jail time and license suspension.
The car insurance rate increase after getting convicted of a DUI is based on your driving record, insurance company and state. Based on Bankrate’s research of average annual premiums after a single DUI ticket, we found American National to offer the cheapest average rate.
Average annual car insurance premium based on driving record
| Car insurance company | Clean-record | Single DUI conviction |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $634 | $940 |
| Selective | $1,159 | $1,809 |
| Progressive | $1,561 | $2,049 |
| Mercury | $1,483 | $2,133 |
| Erie | $1,321 | $2,285 |
Best discounts for drivers with tickets
If you have received a ticket, there are several ways that you could get a cheaper car insurance premium. Many car insurance companies offer discounts to help drivers save money and you do not necessarily have to have a perfect driving record to qualify. Here are a few common discounts you may be able to find:
- Safe driver: Drivers who have not filed an insurance claim in the last several years can often save some money on their policy.
- Defensive driving course: Most car insurance carriers will lower your rate if you complete an approved defensive driving course.
- Pay in full: Paying your premium upfront and in full usually results in a slightly lower car insurance rate.
- Policy bundling: If you purchase two or more policies from the same insurance carrier, you can usually qualify for a discount.
- Automatic payments: Many insurance companies will give you a small premium discount if you sign up for automatic payments.
Other ways to save on car insurance after a ticket
Besides taking advantage of discounts, adjusting coverage or switching carriers, there are some other ways that drivers can lower their rates after receiving a ticket.
One of the most effective ways to get a cheaper car insurance premium in most states is by improving your credit score (excluding California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan). Drivers with good credit tend to pay the lowest rates, whereas drivers with poor credit tend to pay higher rates. If you are able to improve your credit score, you should see your rate drop during the policy renewal period.
You can also consider adjusting your coverage limits and deductible to get a cheaper rate more quickly. Raising your deductible can help you pay a lower premium and you can change it at any time, not just during renewal. However, if you use this method, keep in mind that you agree to take on a higher out-of-pocket cost in the event of a claim. If you are paying for add-ons you do not need, like roadside assistance or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage, considering dropping those coverage options can also lower your rate.
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2022 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2020 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Incident: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), single speeding ticket and single DUI conviction.