How a speeding ticket impacts your insurance in Tennessee
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Driving over the posted speed limit might result in a speeding ticket if you get caught. Tennessee drivers who get pulled over for speeding face a number of consequences, one of which is a more expensive car insurance rate. Tennessee drivers should understand how speeding tickets can affect their car insurance rates and what other penalties they might face.Bankrate’s insurance editorial team simplifies what you should understand below.
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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.
- The cost of a speeding ticket depends on the speed you were driving over the speed limit.
- After a speeding ticket, Tennessee drivers pay an average of 18 percent more for car insurance.
- You could lower your rate by shopping around, utilizing discounts and bundling your policies.
How much is a speeding ticket in Tennessee?
The average cost of a speeding ticket in Tennessee is anywhere between $40-$150. The faster a driver is going over the speed limit, the more expensive the ticket will be. Additionally, Tennessee uses a points system, so when drivers get pulled over for speeding, they could receive one to eight points on their motor vehicle record.
If a driver collects 12 or more points during one year, they could have their driver’s license suspended. For young drivers, the laws are more strict. Drivers under 18 years old who receive six or more points during a 12 months could have their driving privileges revoked.
How much does a speeding ticket increase your car insurance in Tennessee?
Getting a speeding ticket in Tennessee impacts car insurance rates. A driver’s age and gender may also have a direct impact on their rate, with male drivers paying slightly more than female drivers on average. This is because male drivers have been statistically proven to be riskier behind the wheel, leading to a higher likelihood of claims. However, in Tennessee, although there is a slight difference between male and female premiums after a speeding ticket conviction, both cases increased by 18 percent. In the table below, you can see the average rates before and after a speeding ticket in Tennessee for 40-year-old drivers:
| Average annual full coverage premium before speeding a ticket conviction | Average annual full coverage premium after a speeding ticket conviction | Premium increase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | $1,440 | $1,697 | $257 |
| Female | $1,418 | $1,668 | $250 |
| State average | $1,429 | $1,682 | $253 |
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Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2024 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, a single speeding ticket 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
Our base profile drivers own a 2021 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.
How to lower your car insurance after a speeding ticket in Tennessee
After a speeding ticket conviction, insurance companies will usually raise a driver’s rate to compensate for the increased risk. Multiple tickets may lead insurers to consider a driver to be high risk, which can lead to even higher rates. Fortunately, there are a number of things that drivers can do to help lower their premiums after a speeding ticket.
Get quotes from other car insurance companies
If you are unhappy with your car insurance premium after a speeding ticket, shop around for new quotes. One of the most effective ways to find a lower car insurance rate is obtaining quotes and potentially switching carriers. In the table below, you can see the average rates before and after a speeding ticket from various car insurance companies in Tennessee:
| Car insurance company | Average annual full coverage premium before a speeding ticket conviction | Average annual full coverage premium after a speeding ticket conviction | Premium increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $1,959 | $2,305 | $346 |
| Amco Insurance | $1,365 | $1,605 | $240 |
| Celina | $1,234 | $1,474 | $240 |
| Chubb | $2,071 | $2,371 | $300 |
| Encompass | $1,429 | $1,626 | $197 |
| Erie | $1,375 | $1,394 | $19 |
| Farmers | $1,220 | $1,498 | $278 |
| Grange | $1,071 | $1,611 | $540 |
| National Mutual Insurance | $1,788 | $1,986 | $198 |
| Nationwide | $1,453 | $1,696 | $243 |
| Progressive | $1,666 | $2,128 | $462 |
| SafeAuto | $2,327 | $2,883 | $556 |
| State Farm | $901 | $999 | $98 |
| Travelers | $1,166 | $1,530 | $364 |
| USAA | $1,188 | $1,427 | $239 |
*Premiums are average annual full coverage premiums for 40-year-olds
As you can see, the average rate increase after a speeding ticket varies between carriers. However, keep in mind that a cheaper company might not necessarily be the best provider for your coverage needs. When shopping for a new insurance company, make sure to look into things like customer reviews and coverage options.
Take advantage of discounts
Most car insurance companies offer discounts that can help drivers save money on their policy. Many auto insurers offer unique discounts, but some of the most common ones include savings for insuring a new vehicle, being a good student, paying your premium in full and enrolling in automatic payments.
Bundle your policies
Another popular way to get a lower car insurance premium is to bundle two or more policies, most commonly auto and home, renters, condo or life insurance. Purchasing two insurance policies from the same carrier can help you save money off of both policies.
Other speeding ticket considerations
In Tennessee, the major penalties associated with a speeding ticket are monetary fines and a higher car insurance premium. However, drivers who already have points on their record could face a potential license suspension if they receive another ticket.
Frequently asked questions
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There is no single insurance company that is always the best insurer for drivers with a speeding ticket on their record. Every policy is unique, based on specific information such as the driver’s age and gender, coverage needs, location and other factors. The best way to find the right insurer for your needs after a speeding ticket is to shop around, compare rates and see which provider has the best coverage and discounts based on your preferences.
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The average cost of car insurance in Tennessee is $1,429 per year for a full coverage policy and $371 per year for a minimum coverage policy. For comparison, the national average rate is $2,014 per year for full coverage and $622 per year for minimum coverage. Tennessee drivers could pay more or less than average based on factors like their driving record, credit score, and the make and model of their vehicle.
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Tennessee car insurance laws state that drivers must carry at least 25/50/15 liability insurance. A minimum coverage policy includes $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident and $15,000 for property damage coverage. Many insurance experts would recommend that you purchase more than minimum coverage if you can afford it to ensure that you are more financially covered in the event of a serious accident, since you will be liable for any costs over the amount of your coverage limits.
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