How a speeding ticket impacts your insurance in Connecticut

Speeding is dangerous and increases your chance of a car accident, but getting a speeding ticket can also have implications for your finances. In addition to the speeding ticket fine, your car insurance rates will likely go up. Bankrate’s insurance editorial team dives into how a speeding ticket impacts your car insurance in Connecticut.

How much is a speeding ticket in Connecticut?

How much is a speeding ticket in Connecticut? The cost of a speeding ticket in the state will depend on how much above the speed limit the driver was traveling. A first instance of driving between one and nine miles over the speed limit will result in a fee of $142, but for higher speeds or multiple infractions, the cost can be much higher.

If the driver was breaking any other laws at the time of the violation, like texting and driving or driving recklessly, the fine can be much higher and additional fees may apply. Additionally, speeding ticket fines in Connecticut might be higher if the driver is speeding in a work or school zone.

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

You may be wondering if your car insurance will go up after a speeding ticket in Connecticut. In addition to civic penalties, you are likely to see an increase to your car insurance premium after a speeding ticket conviction. Bankrate’s 2023 survey of average annual premium rates in Connecticut indicates that rates rise by an average of 24 percent following a single ticket.

Although they see the same average percentage rate increase following a speeding ticket, males pay higher car insurance rates than females, on average, both before and after a speeding ticket is taken into account. This is because men engage in risky driving behaviors more often than women. These are averages, and the actual increase you will see after a ticket will depend on your own individual rating factors.

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

Although you are likely to see an insurance premium surcharge following a speeding ticket conviction, there are strategies that may help you save money and keep the increase to a minimum. Consider the following tactics if you are seeking more affordable coverage after a speeding ticket in Connecticut.

Get quotes from other car insurance companies

Different car insurance companies in Connecticut charge different rates for coverage. If you get a ticket, you may find better rates by obtaining and comparing quotes from several other insurance companies. If you can find a better rate from another carrier, it may be worthwhile to consider switching companies. The table below includes some of the major carriers in Connecticut and quoted average annual rates for drivers before and after a speeding ticket:

*Premiums are average annual full coverage premiums for 40-year-olds

Keep in mind that the cheapest car insurance company is not necessarily the best provider for your situation. Discount opportunities, the company’s customer service ratings and financial strength may all affect your decision. For this reason, insurance experts typically recommend comparing at least three quotes to find the best insurer for your needs and preferences.

Take advantage of discounts

Most car insurance companies in Connecticut offer discounts to help drivers save money on their policies. You might find discounts that are not tied to your driving history or that will apply savings for future safe driving habits. Here are some examples of common discounts that may help you save:

• Bundling: This very common discount offers you savings if you purchase more than one insurance policy with the same carrier. This discount may apply for bundling your auto coverage with home, renters or even motorcycle or umbrella coverage.
• Safe driver/telematics: Telematics programs monitor your driving in real time through the use of a smartphone app. If you prove to be a safe and careful driver, you may earn a discount of up to 40 percent with some insurers.
• Low mileage: If you are retired or work from home, you may want to consider switching to pay-per-mile insurance, which offers a lower rate for drivers who are not on the road frequently.
• Young driver: Young drivers traditionally pay a high rate for their coverage, but they may find discounts available for students who maintain a high GPA or for students who take a defensive driving course designed for young adults.
• Military discounts: Some insurers offer savings for members of the military, veterans and their eligible family members. A military member who is deployed may earn an even higher discount, and there may also be savings if they garage their vehicles on base.

Review your coverage

If you have endorsements on your car insurance policy, consider reviewing your coverage to see which optional coverage types are no longer necessary. For example, if you added a rideshare endorsement and you no longer drive for a company like Uber or Lyft, you might be able to remove the endorsement for additional savings. However, because insurance protects your finances, reviewing any coverage changes with a licensed agent first is usually a good precaution.

Frequently asked questions

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

    The best car insurance company for drivers with a speeding ticket will vary based on factors like age, previous driving record and the type of car they drive. To find the best provider, you might want to compare carriers using your personal criteria for customer experience or digital policy management options, then get quotes based on the coverage and limits you need. This could help you determine which insurer is best after receiving a speeding ticket.

  • How much does car insurance cost in Connecticut?

    The average car insurance premium in Connecticut is $1,553 per year, or about $129 per month, for a full coverage policy. Average minimum coverage policies are $620 per year in Connecticut and $622 per year nationally. However, car insurance rates are unique to each driver and level of coverage. You might pay more or less depending on personal factors like your age, credit history, ZIP code and the type of car you drive.

  • What are the minimum coverage requirements in Connecticut?

    Connecticut car insurance laws require every driver to carry at least the following coverage types and limits:

    • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
    • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
    • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
    • $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
    • $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
    • $25,000 underinsured motorist bodily injury per person
    • $50,000 underinsured motorist bodily injury per accident

    However, insurance agents recommend that most drivers purchase more than the state minimum coverage limits for greater financial protection. Many drivers choose to have a full coverage policy that includes coverage for damages to your vehicle, as an accident or collision can have devastating financial impacts.

• Methodology

  Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for 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 2021 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.