How a speeding ticket impacts your insurance in South Carolina
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In 2019, the leading cause of vehicle crashes in South Carolina was speeding. Not only does speeding impact the number of crashes and potential injuries, but it impacts your wallet if you receive a speeding ticket. In South Carolina, a speeding ticket increases auto insurance premiums by an average of 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 South Carolina?
The amount of the speeding ticket cost in South Carolina depends on the county the ticket is in and how fast you were speeding over the legal limit. For example, the fine for speeding less than 10 mph over the limit is a minimum of $15 and a maximum of $25. From there, the fines increase to as high as $200, with possible jail time included.
How much does a speeding ticket increase your car insurance in South Carolina?
A speeding ticket in South Carolina likely results in fines and increased points on a license, and increases in insurance premiums. The table below highlights the differences in rates for males and females using quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services.
| Age | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-year-old male | $1,507 | $1,809 | 20% |
| 40-year-old female | $1,517 | $1,778 | 17% |
How to lower your car insurance after a speeding ticket in South Carolina
Premiums almost always increase after a speeding ticket in South Carolina. However, there are still plenty of ways to save on your car insurance cost. There is no reason to overpay on car insurance in South Carolina, even if you have a ticket on your record.
Get quotes from other car insurance companies
Shopping around and comparing quotes from several providers is a useful tactic to find the least expensive rates and best coverage for your specific driving needs. Premiums vary from one carrier to another, sometimes by hundreds of dollars.
| Car insurance company | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $1,379 | $1,885 | 37% |
| American Independent | $4,292 | $4,871 | 13% |
| Auto-Owners | $1,342 | $2,034 | 52% |
| Farmers | $2,781 | $3,797 | 37% |
| Geico | $1,203 | $1,358 | 13% |
| Nationwide | $1,326 | $1,429 | 8% |
| Progressive | $1,404 | $1,817 | 29% |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $1,391 | $1,517 | 9% |
| Travelers | $1,141 | $1,334 | 17% |
| USAA | $1,447 | $1,817 | 26% |
*Premiums are average annual full coverage premiums for 40-year-olds
While comparing rates is certainly important, other factors are important to consider. Customer service reviews and ratings and financial strength ratings from credit agencies are examples of other considerations. Searching for the best car insurance companies is an excellent place to start your research.
Take advantage of discounts
When comparison shopping, another tactic is to confirm the discounts offered by the carrier. Taking advantage of as many discounts as possible is a great way to save on premiums. Most carriers offer discounts such as multi-vehicle, multi-policy, good student and a variety of others based on age, vehicle and safety features.
Raise your deductibles
If you currently have comprehensive and collision coverage on your vehicle, then raising the deductible is another way to lower premiums. The higher your deductible, the lower the premiums. However, it is a good idea to make sure you have the money in savings if you do need to cover the higher cost of the deductible.
Other speeding ticket considerations
If you break the traffic laws, South Carolina uses a point system and assigns a point value to a violation, depending on the severity. Speeding less than 10 mph over the limit results in a two-point penalty. A 10-25 mph overage is a four-point penalty, and anything higher is worth six points. Once you have 12 points on your record, your license will be suspended.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car insurance company for drivers with speeding tickets?
To find the best car insurance company while having a speeding ticket on record, the best strategy is to compare quotes from multiple insurers. You will see which carrier provides the most competitive rates and the best coverage options. Quotes are based on a variety of personal factors, including driving history, vehicle, miles driven, age and many others, but it also means your quote can vary from one carrier to another.
How much does a speeding ticket cost in South Carolina?
Depending on how fast over the speed limit you were driving, a ticket could range from $15 to as high as $200 or more in South Carolina for speeding. This also does not include the cost increase in auto insurance premiums.
Why did my insurance increase after getting a speeding ticket in South Carolina?
Auto insurers assign risk to drivers and base premiums off this assessment. A driver with a speeding ticket on their record is seen as riskier than someone who does not have a ticket.
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), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket, single DUI conviction and lapse in coverage.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
SR-22 in South Carolina
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