How a speeding ticket impacts your insurance in Delaware
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In 2018, speeding was directly responsible for 193 of the 28,863 reported crashes in Delaware. Not all speeding incidents result in a crash, but there are other consequences besides property damage. A speeding ticket in Delaware will cost you fines and penalties, plus possible license suspension. Increased auto insurance premiums are another risk, too, with the average cost of car insurance increasing in Delaware by 19%, according to Bankrate’s 2021 study of quoted annual premiums.
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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 much is a speeding ticket in Delaware?
The fine associated with a speeding ticket in Delaware varies based on the amount over the speed limit and if it is your first offense. However, additional ticket fees and court costs can bring the total cost of the ticket well above the original fine amount.
The added fees can more than triple the amount of the fine for a speeding ticket in Delaware.
How much does a speeding ticket increase your car insurance in Delaware?
Fines are not the only issue facing a driver with a speeding ticket. Unfortunately, car insurance premiums can increase with a ticket on your record. The chart below uses data from Quadrant Information Services to illustrate the difference one speeding ticket can make to auto premiums.
| Age | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-year-old male | $1,723 | $2,109 | 22% |
| 40-year-old female | $1,828 | $2,123 | 16% |
Typically female drivers, and older drivers, pay less for premiums because insurance carriers view them with less risk. However, a speeding ticket can cause an increase, no matter the age or gender, although the severity of the increase may be different.
How to lower your car insurance after a speeding ticket in Delaware
An increase after a speeding ticket in Delaware may be expected, but it doesn’t mean you have to overpay for premiums. Fortunately, there are several methods to help control the costs of rates, and possibly even reduce them, even after a speeding ticket.
Get quotes from other car insurance companies
Obtaining quotes from multiple carriers is one method for finding ways to pay less. By getting quotes, you not only see how much a carrier would charge, but you might find you like the coverage options better with a new insurer. The chart below shows how much the rates vary from one auto insurance company to the next, even when the criteria is the same.
| Car insurance company | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,614 | $2,984 | 14% |
| Geico | $1,354 | $1,864 | 38% |
| Progressive | $1,820 | $2,342 | 29% |
| Sentry | $4,675 | $5,489 | 17% |
| Travelers | $1,072 | $1,387 | 29% |
*Premiums are average annual full coverage premiums for 40-year-olds
Rates are certainly a crucial factor when looking for a new carrier, but there are other considerations. Finding out the insurance company’s reputation for customer service, financial strength ratings and ease of use online or with an app are other important things you may want to include.
Review available discounts
Whether you choose a new carrier or stay with your current one, be sure to review all available discounts for your policy. You may qualify for new ones since your last renewal, such as if you purchased a new vehicle or took a defensive driving course. Discounts are an easy way to save and can make a big impact on your overall costs.
Raise your deductibles
If you have optional collision and comprehensive coverage on your policy, now is a good time to review your deductibles. If you increase your deductibles, it means you pay more out-of-pocket expenses in the event of vehicle damage. However, taking on this risk means you will pay less in premiums.
Other speeding ticket considerations
In addition to fines and court costs, Delaware uses a point system to assign points to violations. After you accumulate a certain amount of points in 12 months, you face license suspension. For example, if you accumulate 14 points in a year, the result is a four-month license suspension. One speeding ticket ranges from two to five points. If your license is suspended, you pay an additional $50 reinstatement fee.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car insurance company for drivers with speeding tickets?
Finding the best car insurance company when you have a speeding ticket on your record is still possible. One of the most effective methods is to compare numerous carriers to one another and obtain multiple quotes. You will find the one offering the best rates for you, as well as the coverage options you want.
Do I need to notify my insurance carrier if I get a speeding ticket in Delaware?
It is not necessary to notify your carrier if you receive a speeding ticket. Most carriers run driving record reviews during a policy renewal period. Your next renewal is usually when you will see the ticket impact your car insurance premiums.
Why did my insurance premiums increase after getting a speeding ticket?
Premium increases are inevitable because insurance companies use risk to determine how much to charge. A driver with a speeding ticket on their record is deemed a higher-risk driver. The higher the risk is for the insurer, then the premiums will usually be more expensive.
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 40-year-old male and female drivers 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 coverages that meet each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2019 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
Incident: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base) and a single speeding ticket.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
