How a speeding ticket impacts your insurance in Arkansas
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Speeding is a fairly common, if incredibly dangerous, driving habit. Higher rates of speed can contribute to more accidents and more severe accidents. Even if you do not cause an accident by speeding, every Arkansas speeding ticket has consequences that can continue for several years after the citation. You may owe fines, face a license suspension and even risk jail time if you are a chronic offender.
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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.
Your Arkansas speeding ticket also impacts your auto insurance. The average cost of car insurance in Arkansas increases by 25% after a speeding ticket, according to Bankrate’s 2021 study of quoted annual premiums.
How much is a speeding ticket in Arkansas?
How much does your insurance go up after a speeding ticket? The cost of your speeding ticket will vary based on the circumstances. Generally, the faster you are going over the speed limit, the more you’re likely to pay in fines. If you are cited for going 15 miles or more per hour over the speed limit, that may be considered a serious offense and the penalties will likely be more severe.
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 in Arkansas. The average rate of increase is 25%, though your age and gender play a role in this as well. The car insurance laws in Arkansas also play a role in determining how heavily a company will charge your ticket.
Your gender is important because men are statistically more likely to engage in risky behaviors when driving, and crashes caused by male drivers are generally more serious than those caused by female drivers. Because of this, men are often considered riskier drivers and pay higher rates, especially after a ticket.
Average annual full coverage premium
| Age | Rate before speeding ticket | Rate after speeding ticket | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-year-old male | $1,902 | $2,422 | 27% |
| 40-year-old female | $1,926 | $2,353 | 22% |
| Total average | $1,914 | $2,388 | 25% |
Age is important because younger drivers, especially teens, tend to have higher base premiums than more experienced drivers, so their increases can be more severe after a ticket.
How to lower your car insurance after a speeding ticket in Arkansas
Although your premium may go up after an Arkansas speeding ticket, there are still ways you can save money on your auto insurance. Note that the average overall cost of car insurance in Arkansas is $1,914, although your own rates may differ.
Get quotes from other car insurance companies
Some car insurance companies rate tickets more heavily than others, so you may find another company that offers you a lower premium. The best car insurance company in Arkansas will vary based on your own individual needs, but getting quotes can help you compare price and coverage offerings. The table below shows the rates for several popular Arkansas insurance companies before and after a ticket.
Average annual full coverage premium by car insurance company in Arkansas
| Car insurance company | Rate before speeding ticket | Rate after speeding ticket |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | $1,454 | $2,181 |
| Alfa | $2,044 | $2,750 |
| Allstate | $3,039 | $3,100 |
| Cameron Mutual | $1,720 | $1,827 |
| Farmers | $1,150 | $1,471 |
| Nationwide | $1,350 | $1,634 |
| Progressive | $1,492 | $2,292 |
| Sentry | $2,619 | $2,798 |
| Shelter | $1,862 | $2,535 |
| State Farm | $1,281 | $1,301 |
| The Hanover | $4,183 | $5,952 |
| USAA | $1,142 | $1,342 |
*Premiums are average annual full coverage premiums for 40-year-olds
Although cost might be your biggest consideration, you may want to make note of the customer service you receive, each company’s financial stability and the breadth of coverage options and discounts when you are looking for the provider that is best for you.
Sign up for discounts
Most major insurance companies offer discounts to help you save money. Telematics discounts are some of the newest; these discounts involve using a smartphone app or plug-in device in your car to track your driving habits. If you maintain good driving patterns after your ticket, you might save money. Just know that some companies can also increase your premium if your driving data shows you engaging in risky behaviors. You may also want to consider bundling your auto and home insurance, signing up for paperless statements or setting up automatic payments.
Maintain a clean driving record in the future
Avoiding additional tickets, accidents and DUI convictions is one of the best ways to keep your premium from increasing even more. Insurance companies generally surcharge for tickets for three to five years. After that point, you might see your rates drop back down. If you’ve avoided additional issues on your driving record, you might see your rate drop to around the level it was before your speeding ticket.
Other speeding ticket considerations
In addition to the fine that you may have to pay after an Arkansas speeding ticket and your increased insurance premiums, you may face other penalties. You may have points assessed on your license. You might also be required to appear in court, and, depending on the circumstances of your ticket, your license could be suspended. If you are a repeat offender, your speed was excessive or you caused an accident with injuries or death, you may face jail time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car insurance company for drivers with speeding tickets?
To find the best car insurance company in Arkansas after a speeding ticket, you may want to make a list of your wants and needs. The best company for you is the one that offers you the coverage options, discounts and policy features that you need at a price you can afford.
What happens if I can’t afford my insurance after a speeding ticket?
Your insurance rates are likely to increase after a ticket, but you should keep your policy in force. Driving without insurance in Arkansas is illegal and can lead to fines, license suspension and jail time. If you cause an accident without insurance, you’ll have to pay for the damage you cause out of pocket. If your insurance after a ticket is too much for your budget, contact your carrier to discuss any discounts you might be missing. You can also shop your policy with other companies to see if you can find a lower rate.
Will having points on my license increase my insurance?
Probably. You will likely have Arkansas insurance points on your license if you have committed an infraction such as speeding. Insurers view points and a history of driving violations as evidence of risky driving behavior, which could indicate that you are more likely to engage in risky behavior in the future.
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2021 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. 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 2019 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.
Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 18-60 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Hawaii rates indicate age is not a contributing factor.
Gender: The following states do not use gender as a determining factor in calculating premiums: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania.
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