How a speeding ticket impacts your insurance in Kentucky
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Navigating the roadways of Kentucky responsibly is not just about safety, it’s also about understanding the financial implications of any missteps. Knowing the nuances of how a speeding ticket affects car insurance rates in Kentucky may be a good idea, especially when you consider that the average annual full coverage rate jumps from $2,124 to a notable $2,627 after receiving a ticket, according to Quadrant Information Services. For those in the Bluegrass State, we aim to offer insights into what drivers might anticipate should they find themselves facing a speeding ticket in Kentucky.
How much is a speeding ticket in Kentucky?
The cost of a Kentucky speeding ticket and the laws surrounding them varies based on the severity of the infraction and where a driver was speeding when they were pulled over. Drivers who speed may be charged with fines, have points assessed on their license or have their license suspended.
In Kentucky, a speeding ticket will put the following points on your license:
- 10 mph or less over the speed limit: 0 points
- 11-15 mph over the speed limit: 3 points
- 16-25 mph over the speed limit: 6 points
- 26 mph or more: Points to be determined by a hearing
Beyond the points system, there are specific costs associated with speeding in Kentucky:
Miles per hour over the speed limit | Fine amount |
---|---|
10 mph | $20 |
11 mph | $22 |
12 mph | $24 |
13 mph | $26 |
14 mph | $28 |
15 mph | $30 |
16 mph | $32 |
17 mph | $34 |
18 mph | $36 |
19 mph | $38 |
20 mph | $40 |
21 mph | $43 |
22 mph | $46 |
23 mph | $49 |
24 mph | $52 |
25 mph | $55 |
26+ mph | $60 but no greater than $100 |
It’s worth noting that while Kentucky doesn’t directly tie the license points mentioned to insurance costs, having a speeding ticket on your record might influence your insurance premiums.
How much does a speeding ticket increase your car insurance in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, driving behaviors, such as speeding, may impact car insurance rates, especially among younger drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) points out that in 2021, a significant 35 percent of male drivers and 21 percent of female drivers in the 15 to 20-year-old age group were involved in fatal traffic crashes due to speeding, highlighting the risks associated with youthful indiscretion.
As drivers mature, this risk disparity between genders gradually narrows. By the time drivers reach their 40s, the difference in premiums between men and women tends to converge. However, regardless of age or gender, a speeding ticket on one’s record in Kentucky can elevate insurance premiums. The subsequent table provides an insight into the potential percentage increase in insurance premiums after receiving a speeding ticket for those hovering around this age bracket.
Age | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | Percentage increase |
---|---|---|---|
40-year-old male | $2,138 | $2,778 | 30% |
40-year-old female | $2,110 | $2,726 | 29% |
Total average | $2,124 | $2,770 | 24% |
How to lower your car insurance after a speeding ticket in Kentucky
After you get a speeding ticket in Kentucky, your insurance premium is very likely to increase, but the amount of the increase depends on the severity of the speeding ticket and any other recent violations you have on record. The good news is that there are still ways to save.
Get quotes from other car insurance companies
Exploring different options by obtaining and comparing car insurance quotes can potentially lead to significant savings, especially after receiving a speeding ticket in Kentucky. It’s worth noting that insurance providers often have varied premium adjustments in response to traffic violations. Therefore, while one company might hike up your rate significantly, another might offer a more lenient rate adjustment. Diversifying your options and taking the time to compare can help position you better financially post-ticket.
Take a look at the table below to see how much of a discrepancy there can be.
Car insurance company | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | Percentage increase |
---|---|---|---|
State Farm | $1,455 | $1,611 | 11% |
Geico | $1,572 | $1,778 | 13% |
USAA | $1,610 | $2,080 | 29% |
Westfield | $1,675 | $1,976 | 18% |
Nationwide | $1,693 | $1,980 | 17% |
*Premiums are average annual full coverage premiums for 40-year-olds
While shopping for car insurance, you might want to pay particular attention to the price of the quotes you receive, a company’s customer satisfaction scores with companies like J.D. Power and the available coverage types, discounts and policy features that are available.
Look for discounts
Car insurance companies typically have an array of discounts that could significantly decrease your premium. By examining the offerings, you might find several for which you qualify. Here are some potential discounts you can explore:
- Bundling discounts: By combining your homeowners or renters insurance with your auto policy, you could avail of a discount.
- Paperless billing: Opting for electronic billing might lower your premium.
- Automatic payments: Some providers offer discounts for setting up auto-pay.
- Multi-car discounts: If you’re insuring more than one vehicle, there may be savings in store.
Remember, you can ask about these and other discounts when discussing your policy with an agent. They might be able to provide insights into the best ways to optimize savings based on your unique circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
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The best car insurance company after a speeding ticket will vary based on your own needs, wants and rating factors. Some drivers might be looking for the cheapest car insurance policy they can find, while others may have specific coverage needs in mind. Getting quotes from a few different companies could help you compare the options and choose a policy that is right for you.
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Car insurance rates fluctuate based on various factors, including location and individual driving records. On a national scale, the average full coverage car insurance sits around $2,014. For those in Kentucky, the figure is slightly above this, averaging at $2,124. However, after receiving a speeding ticket in Kentucky, drivers might see this average climb to approximately $2,627. It may be worth noting that factors such as how long a speeding ticket stays on your record in Kentucky can influence these rates over time.
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Most companies charge for tickets for three to five years. After that point, your ticket shouldn’t affect your premium, but the time period varies by company. Changing companies may not be an effective strategy to get away from a premium increase; car insurance companies can see your prior driving history even if you change carriers.
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While it might seem necessary to inform your insurer immediately after receiving a speeding ticket in Kentucky, it’s generally not mandated for you to report it right away. That being said, insurance companies often discover these infractions independently during policy renewals or periodic checks. So, even if you don’t relay the information, they’ll eventually become aware of any changes to your driving record. Nonetheless, be mindful that such tickets can potentially influence your premiums in the long run.
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When seeking cost-effective insurance solutions, Auto-Owners, USAA and Geico often emerge as top contenders, according to Bankrate’s analysis. It’s worth noting that the cheapest car insurance company can vary based on individual circumstances, such as driving history and coverage needs. Therefore, while these companies offer competitive rates, you may want to consider comparing car insurance quotes to find the best fit for your situation.
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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