How a speeding ticket impacts your insurance in Wisconsin
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In 2020, Wisconsin recorded almost 16,000 speed-related crashes on its roadways. Speeding may not always result in a vehicle crash, but when it does there could be multiple serious consequences. A speeding ticket in Wisconsin could result in fines, penalties or license suspension. Drivers also see an average car insurance rate increase of 37%, 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 Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law takes speeding seriously. A speeding ticket in Wisconsin may be subject to both a charge for the speeding ticket itself plus a number of extra fees. The cost of a speeding ticket ranges from $200 to $800, depending on how far over the speed limit you were driving. Added fees might make the ticket even more expensive, with fees such as:
- $68 court support services fee
- $30 base deposit
- $25 court costs
- $21.50 justice information fee
- $13 crime lab and drug assessment fee
- $10 jail assessment fee
- $7.80 penalty assessment
The fees alone cost $175.30 for a speeding ticket, not including the actual cost of the citation.
How much does a speeding ticket increase your car insurance in Wisconsin?
Car insurance rates depend on a number of factors, but in general, Wisconsin car insurance companies increase premiums by 37% after a speeding ticket. Men see a higher average increase than women, likely because men are statistically more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors.
| Age | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-year-old male | $1,170 | $1,643 | 40% |
| 40-year-old female | $1,202 | $1,602 | 33% |
| Total average | $1,186 | $1,623 | 37% |
However, your premium also depends on a number of other factors. Your age, city, ZIP code, past driving history, the type of car you drive, and the coverage types and levels you choose could all impact how much you pay both before and after a speeding ticket.
How to lower your car insurance after a speeding ticket in Wisconsin
Getting a speeding ticket in Wisconsin often leads to increased premiums, but you may still be able to lower your rate. Drivers with less-than-perfect driving records have options, but a little extra research may be needed to find the lowest rates.
Get quotes from other car insurance companies
Each insurance carrier has its own way of calculating the risk level of drivers and determining the premium those drivers will pay. Because of this, rates can vary widely between carriers. The table below shows average insurance rates from various car insurance companies in Wisconsin both before and after a ticket.
| Car insurance company | Average annual full coverage premium before speeding ticket | Average annual full coverage premium after speeding ticket | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $1,594 | $1,855 | 16% |
| Erie | $922 | $995 | 8% |
| Geico | $1,031 | $1,114 | 8% |
| Progressive | $919 | $1,294 | 41% |
| State Farm | $785 | $946 | 21% |
*Premiums are average annual full coverage premiums for 40-year-olds
Getting quotes can be an easy way to compare companies so you can determine which one is offering the lowest rates. You may also want to compare other features, such as company reviews, coverage options and discounts, and financial strength ratings to gain a well-rounded understanding of each insurance provider.
Look for discounts
Almost all major carriers offer a few car insurance discounts. There are discounts related to bundling, the number of vehicles on the policy, loyalty, homeownership status and more. Taking a moment to review all the available discounts from either your current carrier or a carrier that you are considering switching to could be a good strategy to find additional savings
Consider the car you drive
Getting a different car may not be the most practical way to save money, but the make and model of your vehicle has a significant impact on your rates. Some vehicles are cheaper to insure due to having more safety features, cheaper parts or a lower likelihood of accidents. If your budget is particularly tight after a speeding ticket, a different car could help you free up some money.
Other speeding ticket considerations
Like many other states, Wisconsin uses a point system to track moving violations. If you accumulate 12 or more points in a 12-month time period, your license could be suspended for at least two months. It’s possible you could lose your license for up to a year, depending on the number of points you have accumulated. A speeding ticket is generally worth three to six points, depending on how far over the speed limit you were driving.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car insurance company for drivers with speeding tickets?
Shopping around is often the most efficient way to find the best car insurance company for your needs, even if you have a speeding ticket on your record. Getting multiple quotes can help you compare prices, coverage offerings, discounts, policy features and third-party reviews to find the carrier that is best for you.
How long will a speeding ticket stay on my record in Wisconsin?
You may always see a speeding ticket on your driving record, but it shouldn’t affect your insurance for more than a handful of years. Most insurance companies charge for tickets for three to five years, although the time period varies by carrier. Once the ticket is old enough, your rates may go down, assuming you were able to keep a clean driving record.
Why did my premiums increase after receiving a speeding ticket in Wisconsin?
Insurance companies base your premium on how risky you are calculated to be as a driver. A driver who has speeding tickets on their record may be classified as high-risk and viewed as more likely to get into an accident and file a claim in the future. Insurance companies tend to charge higher premiums for riskier drivers to make up for the increased likelihood of having to pay out a claim.
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.
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, North Carolina, Pennsylvania.
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