How a speeding ticket impacts your insurance in Washington, D.C.
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The Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) found that in 2017, 55% of all the vehicle crash fatalities in Washington, D.C., were caused by speeding — the second highest rate in the country. Although the District of Columbia may be small in population, the effects of speeding are no less important.
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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.
If caught, speeding can have severe consequences, including fines, penalties, license suspension and increased insurance premiums. A speeding ticket in Washington, D.C., increased the cost of car insurance by an average of 16%, according to Bankrate’s 2021 study of quoted annual premiums.
How much is a speeding ticket in Washington, D.C.?
If you get a speeding ticket in Washington, D.C., the ticket’s cost is based on how much over the speed limit you were caught speeding. D.C. uses the following tiers to determine the amount of the fine:
- $50 for speeds of 10 miles per hour (mph) or less over the limit
- $100 for speeds of 11 to 15 mph over the limit
- $150 for speeds of 16 to 20 mph over the limit
- $200 for speeds of 21 to 25 mph over the limit
- $400 or $500 for speeds of 25 mph over the limit, depending on if the driver is also charged with reckless driving
How much does a speeding ticket increase your car insurance in Washington, D.C.?
Whether you are male or female, getting a speeding ticket in Washington, D.C., means your premiums will increase. The table below shows how much of an increase is typically seen by both genders in the state.
| Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | % increase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | $1,821 | $2,167 | 19% |
| Female | $1,889 | $2,139 | 13% |
How to lower your car insurance after a speeding ticket in Washington, D.C.
A speeding ticket in Washington, D.C., means you can expect your insurance premiums to increase. However, there are numerous strategies you could use to get the lowest rates possible, with or without a speeding ticket on your record, including the following:
Get quotes from other car insurance companies
Comparing rates and coverage options from multiple carriers and possibly switching to another provider could be a smart financial decision, whether or not a speeding ticket is involved. You can often find lower rates or better coverage choices by conducting research and comparing providers side-by-side. The chart below highlights how different rates can be from one carrier to another, even with similar parameters.
| Car insurance company | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $3,732 | $4,514 | 21% |
| Geico | $1,420 | $1,632 | 15% |
| Nationwide | $1,985 | $2,282 | 15% |
| Progressive | $1,601 | $2,032 | 27% |
| State Farm | $1,994 | $2,081 | 4% |
| USAA | $876 | $1,112 | 27% |
*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 convenient digital assets 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, other areas in your policy may be worth updating. For instance, you could raise the deductibles if you carry comprehensive and collision coverage. Before doing so, it helps to ensure you have enough to pay the higher out-of-pocket cost in the event of a claim. Additionally, you may consider if you no longer need certain features, such as rideshare coverage or gap insurance.
Find available discounts
When comparison shopping between carriers or reviewing options with your current provider, be sure to check your eligibility for all discounts available. There may be discounts you are unaware of you qualify for or other ones you could explore. For example, you could take a carrier-approved defensive driving course and qualify for more savings once you complete the course.
Other speeding ticket considerations
Washington, D.C., operates on a points system. A speeding ticket violation is either four or five points for each incident, depending on the number over the speed limit. Once you accumulate 10 or more points, your license can be suspended for up to 90 days. It is also possible to face jail time and a reckless driving conviction, which poses steeper penalties and fines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car insurance company for drivers with speeding tickets?
Finding the best insurance company with a speeding ticket on your record requires a little more comparison shopping. Comparing features such as exact quotes, digital assets, coverage options and customer service ratings are a great way to compare carriers head to head. Not only could you find the best rates, but you could also find the carrier that best fits your needs.
Do I need to inform my carrier I have a speeding ticket?
You are not required to report a speeding ticket to your insurance carrier if it is not requested. However, the company will likely discover the ticket on its own. Insurance carriers conduct reviews of driving records during renewal periods. The ticket could show up at this time or at other review points during the policy’s term.
Can I get points removed from my record?
If you get a speeding ticket in Washington, D.C., it is possible to have the points removed. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Washington, D.C., allows drivers to participate in a defensive driving class for possible removal. You do have to get the course approved prior to enrollment and you must specifically request to have your points removed once you complete the course.
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 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 2019 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.
Incident: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base) and single speeding ticket.
