How a speeding ticket impacts your insurance in Washington, D.C.
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Drivers in the District of Columbia pay an annual average of $2,072 for full coverage and $607 for minimum coverage car insurance. However, Bankrate’s research discovered that after just one speeding ticket in Washington, D.C., average rates rose to $2,352 and $696, respectively. Being convicted of speeding can also result in fines and other penalties. Understanding the relationship between speeding tickets and car insurance rates may encourage you to drive more carefully — or budget accordingly.
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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 Washington, D.C.?
The cost of Washington, D.C. speeding tickets is based on how many miles per hour (mph) you were going over the limit and where you were driving:
- 10 mph or less over the limit: $50
- 11 to 15 mph over the limit: $100
- 16 to 20 mph over the limit: $150
- 21 to 25 mph over the limit: $200
- Over 25 mph over the limit on controlled access roadways: $400
- Over 25 mph over the limit on non-controlled access roadways: $500
- Unreasonable speed in a school zone: $100
- Unreasonable speed near a playground, recreational facility, pool, athletic field or senior center: $100
How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record in Washington, D.C.?
A speeding ticket stays on your driving record in Washington, D.C. permanently. Luckily, insurance carriers only factor a speeding conviction into your rate for three years. That means you could see your premium decrease with time, so long as you do not receive additional infractions and avoid filing claims.
How much does a speeding ticket increase your car insurance in Washington, D.C.?
Getting a speeding ticket in Washington, D.C. will likely increase your rates but how much will depend on several factors. The average premium increase for D.C. speeding tickets is 14 percent. Note that this uptick in insurance costs does not account for the fines outlined above.
The table below shows average rate increases by gender. Broadly speaking, males face higher average rates than females as they are statistically shown to exhibit riskier driving behaviors and file more claims. Similarly, young drivers — especially teens — are considered much riskier to insure than older, more experienced drivers.
| Age | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | Percent increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-year-old male | $2,086 | $2,367 | 13% |
| 40-year-old female | $2,057 | $2,337 | 14% |
| Total average | $2,072 | $2,352 | 14% |
How to lower your car insurance after a speeding ticket in Washington, D.C.
Although getting a speeding ticket in Washington, D.C. will likely lead to higher premiums, there are still ways to potentially lower your rate. Several approaches may help, from shopping around with other carriers to asking about discounts to adjusting your coverage.
Get quotes from other car insurance companies
An expert-recommended method for finding lower rates is to request free quotes from several car insurance companies. Suppose you have several speeding tickets or other infractions on your record in the last few years. In that case, it may be wise to approach insurers that specialize in coverage for high-risk drivers, as well. Either way, be sure to specify the same coverage types and limits with each company so you can compare rates apples to apples.
The chart below highlights how much premiums can vary from insurer to insurer before and after a speeding ticket.
| Car insurance company | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | Percent increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,236 | $1,760 | 42% |
| Erie | $1,261 | $1,325 | 5% |
| USAA | $1,318 | $1,541 | 17% |
| Geico | $1,331 | $1,523 | 14% |
| Nationwide | $2,062 | $2,241 | 9% |
*Premiums are average annual full coverage premiums for 40-year-olds
Premiums are one of the most important aspects of coverage, but there are other features to review, too. Checking out a carrier’s financial strength ratings, customer service marks and digital tools will give you greater insight into choosing the right company.
Modify your coverage
Another tactic to reduce your premiums is to modify your coverage choices. While almost all states require at least minimum liability coverage, you may be able to drop or reduce other coverage types that no longer serve you like rideshare coverage or gap insurance. It can be helpful to speak with a licensed insurance agent, who can walk you through your options.
You could also potentially raise your deductibles if you carry comprehensive and collision coverage. But before doing so, you’ll want to make sure you can easily afford higher out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim.
Ask about discounts
When shopping around with new carriers or reviewing options with your current provider, be sure to ask about car insurance discounts you might qualify for. Many insurers offer several. The list below includes some of the more commonly available discounts, but discounts vary widely between insurers:
- Bundling car and home policies: Many insurers will offer a discount to policyholders who purchase both a car and a home or renters insurance policy.
- Defensive driving courses: It’s relatively common for insurers to offer discounts to policyholders who have completed a defensive driving course in the last few years.
- Telematics programs: Some insurers offer telematics programs or usage-based insurance, which monitors your driving habits. If you drive safely or rarely, you might benefit from lower rates.
- Multi-car policies: Insuring more than one vehicle with the same provider might earn you a discount.
Frequently asked questions
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Finding the best car insurance company can be tricky, with or without a speeding ticket. Auto insurance is highly personalized, so the best company for one person might not be the best for someone else. Experts recommend getting quotes from several companies, reading reviews and asking about discount opportunities. When comparing rates, note that it’s vital to specify the same coverage types and limits or the comparisons will be less valid. If you have more than one speeding ticket on your record in the last few years, you may want to look into insurers specializing in coverage for high-risk drivers.
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No law requires you to inform your auto insurance company when you receive a speeding ticket; however, they will likely find out. When your policy is up for renewal, your insurer will often check your driving record again, and your rate will typically increase if you’ve been convicted of speeding. The same goes for applying for coverage with a new insurer. Your driving record will be factored into your new quote.
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There isn’t one car insurance company that is cheapest for everyone. That’s because car insurance rates are based on several factors personal to you. To find the carrier that can offer you the most affordable rate, experts recommend getting quotes from several providers for the same coverage types and limits.
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Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 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 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 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.
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, Montana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania.
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