How a speeding ticket impacts your insurance in Maryland

Getting a speeding ticket is liable to lead to increased costs for you, and not just because of the fine from the ticket. Insurance companies tend to charge drivers more after a speeding ticket in Maryland; however, the uptick in your premium should only last a few years so long as you avoid additional infractions going forward. While Maryland drivers with a clean history pay an average of $2,582 per year for full coverage, drivers with a speeding ticket on their record pay an average of $3,132.

How much is a speeding ticket in Maryland?

As is the case in many states, the cost of a speeding ticket in Maryland will vary based on factors like where you were driving and how fast you were going. The higher your speed, the more you’ll typically pay, and driving in a school or construction zone will further increase the fine.

According to the District Court of Maryland, typical fines are:

• Speeding by 1 to 9 mph: $80 and one point on your license
• Speeding by 10 to 19 mph: $90 and two points on your license
• Speeding by 20 to 29 mph: $160 and two points
• Speeding by 10 to 19 mph in a posted speed limit zone of 65 or 75 mph: $160 fine and two points
• Speeding by 20 to 29 mph in a posted speed limit zone of 65 or 75 mph: $290 fine and five points
• Speeding by 30 to 39 mph: $290 and five points
• Speeding by 40 mph or more: $530 and five points

Points on your license will not necessarily directly result in an increase on its own. That said, getting too many points in a two-year period usually brings additional penalties:

• 3 to 4 points: Warning letter
• 5 to 7 points: Mandatory Driver Improvement Program (DIP)
• 8 to 11 points: License suspension
• 12 or more points: License revocation

Excessive speeding could also see you charged with reckless driving, which can carry fines as high as $1,000.

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

How much a speeding ticket in Maryland costs includes more than just the cost of the ticket. As mentioned, your insurance will likely go up after a speeding ticket in MD, as well. On average, Maryland drivers who get a speeding ticket will see their insurance premiums rise by 21 percent. The increase is similar for both male and female drivers. Your age may also play a role in how much your premiums increase, especially if you’re young because insurers see younger drivers as higher-risk.

Keep in mind that these are averages. The exact increase in your premium will depend on your specific rating factors, including the type of car you drive, the coverage you purchase and your prior driving history.

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

If you get a speeding ticket, you should be prepared to pay more for car insurance, but just because you get a ticket doesn’t mean that you have to accept your current rate. There are still ways you can save on your car insurance.

Get quotes from other car insurance companies

Every Maryland car insurance company has a different process for determining your auto insurance cost. How much your auto insurance goes up with a speeding ticket in Maryland depends on your insurer and your unique rating factors. When you get a ticket, one of the best things to do is shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance providers. By comparing rates from multiple insurers, you may be able to find a better rate than your current insurer.

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

Don’t forget that price is just one component. You’ll also want to consider things like the coverage offered, customer service and financial strength ratings to make sure that the insurer is a good fit for your needs.

Look for discounts

When you shop for insurance of any kind, one of the best ways to save money is through discounts. Insurers offer many discounts that you can likely qualify for, so be on the lookout for any that can help you save some money.

Common discounts include:

• Driving safety course: Enrolling in a defensive driving class or another approved driving safety course could make you eligible for a discount.
• Low mileage: If you don’t drive often, opting into a usage-based policy or asking about a low-mileage discount could potentially reduce your premium.
• Safety features: If your car has specific safety features, such as airbags or driving assistance, your insurer may offer a discount.
• Bundling: Combining your auto policy with other insurance, such as homeowners or renters coverage, could qualify you for discounts on both policies.
• Telematics programs: Telematics programs utilize technology to monitor driving behavior, and some insurance companies offer discounts based on factors like safe driving habits and low mileage.

Frequently asked questions

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

    There isn’t a single best car insurance company for drivers with speeding tickets. Each insurer is slightly different and will offer different policies and rates to different individuals. To find the right insurer for your needs, you’ll have to shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers.

  • Should I tell my insurance company about a speeding ticket?

    If you get a speeding ticket, you typically are not obligated to inform your insurer. However, your insurer will check your driving record at some point, usually at renewal time, at which point they will factor in your ticket and anything else on your driving record when determining your rates. Depending on your driving and claims history, you could be deemed a high-risk driver, which comes with higher insurance costs.

  • What is the cheapest car insurance company?

    The cheapest car insurance company will depend on many factors, but broadly speaking, Auto-Owners, USAA and Geico offer some of the most affordable rates. There isn’t one insurer that will offer the lowest-cost policies for every driver, though. Each Maryland insurer weighs factors like your age, the car you drive and your driving history differently. They also each offer different discounts. Get multiple quotes to determine the cheapest insurer for you.

  • How long does a speeding ticket affect my insurance costs?

    Most companies surcharge for tickets for three to five years, but this time frame can vary depending on your insurance company. After the ticket is old enough, based on the company’s guidelines, you might see your rate go back down, assuming you’ve avoided additional tickets or accidents.

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 single, 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, North Carolina, Pennsylvania.