How a speeding ticket impacts your insurance in Rhode Island
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Auto insurance is a necessary expense for any Rhode Island driver. However, it is an expense that can be kept lower by practicing careful driving techniques and shopping around for the best price. Getting a speeding ticket is one of the things that may cause your insurance premium to increase and 20% of U.S. drivers receive a speeding ticket each year. If you have received a speeding ticket or tend to drive a little too quickly, it is important to understand how a speeding ticket impacts your Rhode Island insurance policy.
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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.
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 Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, it is against the law to drive a vehicle at a speed “greater than is reasonable and prudent,” as determined by posted speed limit signs. If you receive a speeding ticket in Rhode Island, you may also face a state fine on top of your potential insurance premium increase. According to Rhode Island law, you are subject to a $95 fine for operating 1-10 mph over the speed limit, and a minimum $205 fine for operating 11 mph or more over the speed limit (including an additional $10 per every mile over). Drivers who receive speeding tickets in Rhode Island may also face compounding fees if it is the second or third offense within a 12-month period.
How much does a speeding ticket increase your car insurance in Rhode Island?
On top of the fine you receive for getting a speeding ticket from the state, you may also face a premium increase in your auto insurance. The table below gives an overview of the average insurance premium increase by gender.
| Age | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-year-old male | $1,965 | $2,094 | 7% |
| 40-year-old female | $1,910 | $2,036 | 7% |
In Rhode Island, insurance premiums between males and females are comparable, as is the increase after a speeding ticket.
How to lower your car insurance after a speeding ticket in Rhode Island
If your Rhode Island auto insurance premium has recently increased after getting a speeding ticket, it is not uncommon to be worried about your expenses. Speeding tickets typically stay on your record for a period of 3 years, meaning you pay a higher premium for that entire period. Luckily, there are a few ways you can save on your insurance.
Get quotes from other car insurance companies
Whether your premium has increased due to a speeding ticket or has increased because of a claim, one way to obtain cheaper auto insurance is to shop around for a better premium price. Car insurance companies each set their own premium rates based on a variety of factors which means you may be able to find a cheaper price with a different company. The table below outlines the average increase of annual full coverage premiums after a ticket by carrier:
| Car insurance company | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amica | $1,810 | $2,203 | 22% |
| Geico | $1,798 | $2,580 | 43% |
| Nationwide | $1,722 | $2,085 | 21% |
| Travelers | $1,308 | $1,874 | 43% |
| USAA | $1,297 | $1,430 | 10% |
*Premiums are average annual full coverage premiums for 40-year-olds
When getting a quote from a different car insurance company, keep in mind that price is not always the best determining factor. You may also want to consider customer satisfaction ratings, claims handling policies and available discounts and coverages.
Check for discounts
Car insurance companies often offer a variety of discounts for their customers to help keep premium rates low. If you have just received a rate increase, try calling your insurance company and seeing if there are any available discounts you may qualify for and find out how to add them to your policy. Common discounts that could help lower your rate include multi-policy discounts, good student discounts, pay in full discounts, or professional/occupational discounts.
Evaluate your current policy
Many people will buy a car insurance policy and then rarely look at it again, even when it renews. However, it is important to keep a close eye on your policy and make changes when necessary. Although rules will vary by insurance carrier, you may be able to make small changes that could help your rate. For example, if you work from home and drive very little, lowering your daily use may save you a few dollars. You may also be able to re-assign the driver with a ticket to a cheaper vehicle or you might be able to remove some optional coverages to help keep costs down.
Other speeding ticket considerations
There is no doubt that the premium increase to your car insurance after a speeding violation is a valid reason to watch your speed on the road. However, it is important to remember that your consequences may not be limited to your insurance policy. You will likely be charged state fines of $95 or more in addition to your premium increase. In the case of subsequent or major offenses, you also risk suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car insurance company for drivers with speeding tickets?
The best car insurance company if you get a speeding ticket will vary based on your own individual needs because insurance rates depend on age, gender, driving record, insurance history and vehicle type. Some companies may offer a better rate for individuals with a poor driving record than others.
Will my insurance premium ever go back down?
After a speeding ticket, some drivers may be shocked at the premium increase. Although there are steps you can take to lower your premium, a speeding ticket will still stay on your record for a few years. However, once your ticket falls off your record, your insurance premium may drop—although the amount saved will depend on your carrier.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island car insurance rates are typically higher than the national average of $1,674 annually for a full coverage policy. In Rhode Island, the average cost of a full coverage policy is $2,018 a year. However, different zip codes within the state can impact your rate.
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 18-year-old and 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), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket, single DUI conviction and lapse in coverage.
