How a speeding ticket impacts your car insurance in Rhode Island
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A speeding ticket can cost you in more than one way. After you pay the ticket itself, you can usually expect your car insurance in Rhode Island to go up. Although the exact amount varies from driver to driver, looking at average rates can help you get an idea of how much you might pay for car insurance after the infraction. Rhode Island drivers with a clean record pay an average of $2,875 per year for full coverage. After a ticket, drivers pay an average of $3,421. To help you learn more about what to expect after getting a speeding ticket in Rhode Island, Bankrate’s insurance editorial team put together a brief guide.
How much is a speeding ticket in Rhode Island?
Driving over the posted speed limit in Rhode Island not only impacts your insurance but can also result in substantial state fines. To help you determine how much a speeding ticket costs in Rhode Island, here’s a breakdown of what you might encounter if issued a citation:
- Rhode Island law: It’s deemed unlawful to drive at speeds “greater than is reasonable and prudent” based on the speed limit signs in the state.
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Speeding penalties:
- If you’re caught driving 1-10 mph over the limit, you’re looking at a fine of around $95.
- Speeding 11 mph or more over the designated limit can result in a starting fine of $205, plus an added $10 for each mile exceeding that limit.
- Recurring offenses: Drivers with multiple speeding offenses within a year might be subject to compounding fees, amplifying the financial strain.
Be aware that if this is your first violation within the past three years and you’ve had your Rhode Island driver’s license for at least three years, you could get the ticket dismissed under Rhode Island law. While you may have to pay court administrative fees, RI speeding ticket forgiveness shouldn’t affect your car insurance premium.
How much does a speeding ticket increase your car insurance in Rhode Island?
While the immediate cost of a speeding ticket in Rhode Island can sting, the longer-term effects on your auto insurance can be even more significant. Age and gender can play roles in how insurers calculate your premiums in the state. For instance, younger drivers are often perceived as riskier due to their relative inexperience on the road, which can contribute to higher premiums.
Similarly, statistical data suggests differences in driving behavior between genders, which insurance companies might factor into their rates as well. However, according to Progressive, drivers receiving their first speeding ticket could see an average increase of 15 percent to their next six-month policy (this is not specific to Rhode Island).
Rhode Islanders may witness a similar rise in their insurance costs, further emphasizing the importance of safe driving. The table below gives an overview of the average insurance premium increase by gender in the state.
| Age | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | Percentage increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-year-old male | $2,918 | $3,500 | 20% |
| 40-year-old female | $2,833 | $3,342 | 18% |
| Total average | $2,875 | $3,421 | 19% |
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. But how long does a speeding ticket stay on your record in Rhode Island? Speeding tickets typically stay on your record for a period of three years, meaning you will likely pay a higher premium for that entire period. Luckily, there are a few ways you might be able to save on your insurance.
Get quotes from other car insurance companies
Different insurance companies evaluate risks differently and some might offer more competitive rates than others, even post-ticket. Actively seeking out and comparing quotes from a range of providers can potentially lead you to savings, ensuring you don’t pay more than necessary. The table below outlines the average increase of annual full coverage premiums after a ticket by carrier, and we have sorted the table to show the cheapest average rates after a speeding ticket in Rhode Island.
| Car insurance company | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | Percentage increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,946 | $2,245 | 15% |
| Travelers | $1,883 | $2,250 | 19% |
| Nationwide | $2,376 | $2,819 | 19% |
| Amica | $2,253 | $2,861 | 27% |
| Geico | $2,580 | $3,844 | 49% |
*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.
Look for discounts
Even after a speeding ticket in Rhode Island, you might still have the opportunity to reduce your car insurance premium by tapping into various discounts. Most insurance companies offer a range of discounts and you could be eligible for some you’re not even aware of. Here are some potential discounts to consider:
- Safe driver discount: If your record is relatively clean aside from a recent ticket, you might still qualify.
- Bundling discount: Combining multiple policies, like home and auto, often leads to savings.
- Defensive driving course discount: Some insurers might offer a discount if you complete a recognized driving course.
- Multi-car discount: If you’re insuring multiple vehicles under the same policy.
- Good student discount: For young drivers who maintain good grades in school.
It’s worth noting that while a speeding ticket in Rhode Island might initially raise your premium, exploring these discounts could be a valuable step in mitigating the impact.
Frequently asked questions
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The best car insurance company following a speeding ticket varies from person to person since car insurance is highly personalized. While drivers with speeding tickets frequently prioritize insurance providers that offer affordable rates, others might have different priorities. For instance, a driver might look for a company that has local agents, robust digital tools or extensive discounts. Taking time to consider what you’re looking for in an insurance provider can help you find the best car insurance company for you.
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It might feel as though your insurance premium will remain high forever, but keep in mind that a speeding ticket typically only stays on your record for a few years. This means that any insurance company you have or request quotes from can see the violation and might charge you more for coverage. However, once the violation falls off of your driving record, you may see your insurance premium go down if all other factors stay equal. At that point, you might want to compare quotes from several carriers in order to see which companies offer the most competitive rates for you.
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The national average for a full coverage car insurance policy as of April 2024 sits around $2,314 annually, while Rhode Island car insurance costs tend to hover closer to $2,875 a year for the same coverage. However, it’s worth noting that these figures can vary based on specific locations within the state, as different ZIP codes might influence your rate. In terms of minimum coverage, the average policy cost in the United States is approximately $644, in Rhode Island, it’s around $862.
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Technically, no — you’re not obligated to inform your insurance company immediately after receiving a speeding ticket. Insurers typically don’t require you to report such changes during an active policy term. However, it’s almost certain they’ll discover it independently. While your current policy’s premium remains fixed for its duration, be it six or 12 months, the speeding ticket could influence your rate upon renewal.
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There’s no single car insurance company writing the cheapest car insurance for everyone. Instead, the cheapest car insurance for you following a speeding ticket depends on your personal factors. Insurance providers in Rhode Island look at your location, vehicle, age, gender and more to determine rates, so you might want to shop around for the provider writing the cheapest policy for your situation. Don’t forget that rates often change at renewal time, so it’s a good idea to compare quotes when your policy is up for renewal.
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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) and 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.