How a speeding ticket impacts your insurance in West Virginia
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A study examining vehicle crashes from 2013 to 2017 found West Virginia was one of the top states for the number of speeding-related fatalities. While speeding can have a devastating impact on the lives of drivers, it can also impact your wallet. A speeding ticket in West Virginia may not only result in fines and penalties, but increased auto insurance premiums are another effect. Bankrate’s 2021 study of quoted annual premiums found the average cost of car insurance increased by 17% as a result of a ticket.
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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 West Virginia?
The cost of a speeding ticket in West Virginia will vary depending on the location of the violation. Fines are typically around $100 per violation but increase depending on the amount over the limit and how many speeding violations have occurred within a set timeframe.
The location where the incident occurred can have more severe penalties. For example, speeding 15mph over the speed limit in a school zone could result in up to a $500 fine and up to six months in jail.
How much does a speeding ticket increase your car insurance in West Virginia?
Whether you are a male or female driver, a speeding ticket in West Virginia will impact the amount you pay in premiums. Although the baseline for premiums may vary depending on the age and gender of the driver, the increase from a ticket is similar. The chart below uses data from Quadrant Information Services to illustrate the average increase in premiums based on one speeding ticket.
| Age | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-year-old male | $1,614 | $1,885 | 17% |
| 40-year-old female | $1,582 | $1,843 | 16% |
Generally speaking, female drivers tend to pay less in premiums compared to male drivers. And younger drivers usually have even higher premiums. This is all based on the amount of risk an insurance company associates with each person. However, when it comes to speeding tickets, the amount of increase is fairly equal.
How to lower your car insurance after a speeding ticket in West Virginia
An increase in premiums due to a speeding ticket in West Virginia may seem unavoidable, but there are still strategies available to help lower car insurance costs. If you are willing to put in effort, you may be rewarded with much lower premiums.
Get quotes from other car insurance companies
Obtaining quotes from several car insurance companies is a resourceful way to see which carrier offers the lowest rates, with the best coverage options. The chart below is a great example of how much the rates can differ from one carrier to the next. Even if you have a speeding ticket on your record, you may find more affordable options by comparing multiple carriers.
| Car insurance company | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,302 | $2,681 | 16% |
| Erie | $1,229 | $1,314 | 7% |
| Geico | $1,421 | $1,680 | 18% |
| Progressive | $1,545 | $1,979 | 28% |
| State Farm | $1,453 | $1,688 | 16% |
*Premiums are average annual full coverage premiums for 40-year-olds
Rates are certainly a top consideration for most, but other factors are worth considering too. Reviewing a carrier’s financial strength ratings and customer satisfaction reviews gives you a better look into a company’s performance. Checking out the digital assets, such as the online portal and mobile app, are also worth exploring.
Enroll in a defensive driving course
A defensive driving course not only offers beneficial driving and safety tips but may help you save on car insurance premiums. Many carriers offer a discount if you enroll and complete a defensive driving course. The only caveat is, make sure it is a course approved by the insurer before enrolling, so you can get the highest amount of savings.
Modify your existing coverage
All drivers in West Virginia are required to carry car insurance. Beyond this, you can adjust your coverage to fit both your budget and driving needs. Reviewing your policy with a licensed agent can help determine what coverage you need and what coverage you may not want to consider carrying on your policy.
Other speeding ticket considerations
In addition to speeding ticket fines, West Virginia uses a point system to track moving violations on a driver’s record. Points remain on a record for two years after the date of conviction, and enough points accumulated can result in a suspended driver’s license.
Speeding is worth three to six points per violation. A driver with 12 points will have their license suspended for 30 days, and the penalty increases with an increase in points. To have your license reinstated, you must pay a license reinstatement fee. You can get points reduced by attending an approved, in-person defensive driving course at your own expense.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car insurance company for drivers with speeding tickets?
To find the best car insurance company with a speeding ticket on your record, it pays to shop around. Comparing multiple quotes and companies is a smart strategy. This helps you find the one which fits your budget and gives you the options you need.
How long do points stay on my driving record in West Virginia?
Points stay on a driver’s record for two years in West Virginia. If you accumulate too many points, you face license suspension. According to the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, enrolling in an in-person defensive driving course approved by the state can remove three points.
What is the average cost of insurance in West Virginia?
The average cost of insurance is $458 per year for minimum coverage. A full coverage policy averages $1,499 annually, below the national average of $1,674 per year.
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.
Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 18-60 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
