How a speeding ticket impacts your insurance in Arkansas

While speeding is common amongst drivers, it’s a dangerous driving habit. Not only does speeding present risks to others on the road, but getting caught speeding presents risks to you as well. In Arkansas, receiving a speeding ticket can have significant financial implications, including with your insurance. From fines to potential increases in insurance premiums, the penalties of a speeding ticket can vary depending on the details of the infraction. Bankrate can explain the specifics of how much a speeding ticket is in Arkansas and how getting a ticket impacts your insurance. Our data shows that, as of April 2024, on average, drivers in Arkansas go from paying $2,080 per year for full coverage to $2,468 per year after a speeding ticket.

How much is a speeding ticket in Arkansas?

The cost of a speeding ticket in Arkansas depends on the circumstances. How much the speed limit was exceeded by and how many times the driver has been cited for speeding in recent years are taken into account. For instance, an Arkansas speeding ticket cost for driving 15 mph over the speed limit can be significantly more expensive than one for speeding less than 15 mph over.

Speeding ticket consequences in Arkansas may include:

• Speeding less than 15 mph over the posted limit
  • Up to a $100 fine or up to 10 days in jail for the first offense
  • Up to a $200 fine or up to 20 days in jail for the second offense within a year
  • Up to a $500 fine and possibly up to 6 months in jail for further offenses within a year
• Points added to drivers record
  • 4 points for exceeding the speed limit by 11 to 20 mph
  • 5 points for exceeding the speed limit by 21 to 30 mph
  • 8 points for exceeding the speed limit by 31 to 40 mph
  • 8 points for exceeding the speed limit by 41 mph or more
• Drivers going more than 20 over the posted limit may be charged with reckless driving
• Drivers with repeat convictions of speeding may have their licenses suspended

Further, you may be wondering how long a speeding ticket stays on your record in Arkansas. Generally, it will remain for three years after the conviction. However, if you receive more than 14 points in a three-year period, you may have your license suspended.

How much does a speeding ticket increase your car insurance in Arkansas?

The fine you pay for a ticket is not the only financial consequence. You will likely also face a car insurance premium increase following a speeding ticket. On average, Arkansas drivers pay an annual $2,080 for full coverage and $437 for minimum coverage car insurance. But drivers with marks on their driving records will likely pay more.

So, how much does your insurance go up for a speeding ticket in Arkansas? After just one Arkansas speeding ticket conviction, average rates increase to $2,468 and $528. As shown in the chart below, the average rate increase is 19 percent, though your age and gender also play a role. Your gender is important because men are statistically more likely to engage in risky behaviors, and crashes caused by male drivers are generally more serious than those caused by female drivers.

Similarly, younger and older drivers are typically considered riskier to insure than those closer to middle age. As a result, men and older people are often considered riskier drivers and pay higher rates, especially after a ticket.

*All premiums are average annual full coverage premiums.

How to lower your car insurance after a speeding ticket in Arkansas

Although your premium may go up after an Arkansas speeding ticket, there may still be ways you can save money on your auto insurance.

Get quotes from other car insurance companies

Some car insurance companies weigh traffic violations more heavily than others, so you may find another company can offer you a lower premium than your current carrier. To find the best car insurance company in Arkansas for you, get quotes from several insurers to compare prices and coverage offerings.

The table below shows average rates from several of the cheapest Arkansas insurance companies after a speeding ticket, according to our April 2024 data from Quadrant Information Services. As you can see, the percentage the average driver’s rate increases after a speeding ticket varies widely across carriers.

*All premiums are annual average full coverage premiums.

Although cost might be your most significant consideration, you may want to read carrier reviews and make note of other company traits, too, such as customer service, financial stability, claims satisfaction, coverage options and discount opportunities.

Look for discounts

It’s become increasingly common for auto insurers to maintain a competitive edge by offering car insurance discounts to eligible drivers. Some insurers may only have a few, but others have an extensive list. Some of the more commonly available discounts are listed and explained below:

• Car and home bundling: When you buy car insurance and another insurance product like homeowners insurance or renters insurance from the same provider, you could earn a significant discount.
• Defensive driving courses: Some companies reduce rates for drivers who have completed an approved defensive driving course.
• Telematics programs: Insurers are increasingly offering telematics insurance programs that track your behavior on the road and offer discounts based on your habits.
• Multi-car policies: Insuring more than one vehicle under your policy could result in an overall discount.
• Good student: Students with high academic performance may qualify for lower insurance rates.
• Safety features: Installing certain safety features in your vehicle, such as anti-lock brakes or air bags, could make you eligible for a discount.
• Low mileage: Driving fewer miles may qualify you for reduced premiums.

Frequently asked questions

• • What is the best car insurance company in Arkansas?

    The best car insurance company in Arkansas varies for each individual depending on their specific needs, preferences and circumstances. Factors like coverage requirements, budget constraints, driving history and desired level of customer service all influence what constitutes the best car insurance company for someone. Some may prioritize affordability and seek out companies offering competitive rates and discounts, while others may prioritize robust coverage options or customer support. Additionally, factors like the insurer’s reputation, financial stability and claims handling process also play a significant role in determining the best fit for each person.
    
    
    Most people are best served by requesting quotes from several providers and comparing their options to determine which car insurance company is best for them.

  • What is the best car insurance company for drivers with speeding tickets?

    Even when considering speeding tickets, the best car insurance company for one driver may not be the best for another. When looking for the best car insurance company for you after a speeding ticket conviction, you’ll likely want to compare coverage options and quotes from several different insurers. If you only have one speeding ticket on your record, that may not restrict your options significantly. However, if you have multiple offenses, it may be beneficial to look for insurers that offer coverage for high-risk drivers.

  • Do I have to tell my insurance company about a speeding ticket?

    You don’t technically have to tell your car insurance company when you get a speeding ticket, but they will likely gather this information from state sources (like the Department of Motor Vehicles) when your policy is up for renewal or when binding a new quote. Rate increases after a speeding ticket are most likely to occur during policy renewal periods, too.

  • What is the cheapest car insurance company?

    The cheapest car insurance company varies for each individual due to a multitude of factors such as driving history, location, age, vehicle type and coverage needs. While one insurance provider may offer the lowest rates for one person, it may not necessarily be the cheapest option for someone else with different circumstances. Factors like discounts, coverage options and customer service also play a significant role in determining the overall affordability and value of a car insurance policy. Additionally, if you have a speeding ticket on your record, some providers may offer cheaper rates than others if they are willing to take on more risk. Therefore, finding the cheapest car insurance company requires comparing quotes to identify the most cost-effective and suitable option for your situation.

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze April 2024 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 2022 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.

Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), single speeding ticket.

Gender: The following states do not use gender as a determining factor in calculating premiums: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania.

Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile (40 years) applied. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.