How a speeding ticket impacts your insurance in Wisconsin
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Speeding might not result in an accident, but getting a speeding ticket can have serious consequences. Drivers who speed can receive fines and penalties or have their license suspended. Insurance companies can also raise premiums because drivers who speed are riskier to insure. While the average annual rate for full coverage in Wisconsin is $1,292, that figure rises to $1,509 following a speeding ticket, according to our analysis using Quadrant Information Services.
How much is a speeding ticket in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law discourages people from speeding by charging a fine for the ticket itself, plus extra fees. The state notes that a speeding ticket typically costs between $200 to $800, depending on the speed the driver was going. To give you an idea of the costs, here’s how much you would pay if you were ticketed for going 11 to 15 mph over the limit:
- $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 could cost $175.30 for a speeding ticket, not including the actual cost of the citation. Note that the actual speeding ticket cost in Wisconsin varies based on the specifics of the ticket.
How much does a speeding ticket increase your car insurance in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin car insurance companies typically raise premiums by 25% after a speeding ticket. Although the average cost of car insurance is pretty similar between men and women, rates for men are slightly higher because men are statistically more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors.
State | 2023 cents/kWh | 2022 cents/kWh | 2021 cents/kWh | 2020 cents/kWh | 2019 cents/kWh |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | 14.61 | 14.39 | 12.96 | 12.57 | 12.53 |
Arkansas | 12.16 | 11.86 | 11.27 | 10.41 | 9.80 |
Delaware | 15.27 | 13.73 | 12.52 | 12.56 | 12.55 |
District of Columbia | 16.01 | 14.20 | 13.09 | 12.63 | 12.98 |
Florida | 15.27 | 13.92 | 11.90 | 11.27 | 11.70 |
Georgia | 13.81 | 14.02 | 12.51 | 12.02 | 11.76 |
Kentucky | 12.47 | 12.85 | 11.50 | 10.87 | 10.80 |
Louisiana | 11.65 | 12.69 | 11.02 | 9.67 | 9.80 |
Maryland | 16.10 | 14.51 | 13.12 | 13.01 | 13.12 |
Mississippi | 13.58 | 12.65 | 11.56 | 11.17 | 11.27 |
North Carolina | 12.93 | 12.08 | 11.32 | 11.38 | 11.42 |
Oklahoma | 11.99 | 12.57 | 11.00 | 10.12 | 10.21 |
South Carolina | 14.12 | 14.11 | 12.86 | 12.78 | 12.99 |
Tennessee | 12.32 | 12.37 | 11.07 | 10.76 | 10.87 |
Texas | 14.24 | 13.55 | 12.11 | 11.71 | 11.76 |
Virginia | 14.54 | 13.52 | 11.96 | 12.03 | 12.07 |
West Virginia | 13.98 | 13.25 | 12.15 | 11.80 | 11.25 |
U.S. | 15.92 | 15.12 | 13.66 | 13.15 | 13.01 |
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 increases 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
Insurance companies set their own premium rates by determining drivers’ risk levels. To do this, each provider has a unique algorithm to calculate risk, which is why rates can vary widely between carriers. The following table shows average insurance rates from various car insurance companies that offer insurance in Wisconsin before and after a ticket.
Allstate | $2,027 | $2,213 | 9% |
---|---|---|---|
Travelers | $928 | $1,221 | 32% |
Geico | $927 | $1,018 | 10% |
Progressive | $1,580 | $2,186 | 38% |
State Farm | $917 | $1,038 | 13% |
*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 research and 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
Just about every major insurance carrier offers car insurance discounts. Some popular discounts include bundling policies, multi-vehicle rewards, loyalty discounts, discounts for owning a home and more. Spend a few minutes to check your current or potential carrier for eligible discounts. You might find additional savings by qualifying for a new discount.
Find out if your insurance provider or potential carrier offers any of these popular discounts:
- Student discount: Earn a discount by maintaining good grades.
- Young driver discount: Drivers between 16 and 25 can earn a discount by completing a new driver program through their insurer.
- Defensive driving discount: Complete an approved defensive driving course to earn a discount.
- Low-mileage discount: Drivers who drive infrequently can save on their premiums.
- Safety feature discounts: Get a discount if your vehicle is equipped with safety features like anti-lock brakes, airbags and more.
- Anti-theft discounts: Earn a discount if your vehicle has an electronic recovery system, GPS tracking, alarms and more.
- Billing discounts: Some providers offer a discount for paying the premium in full, paying online, or signing up for automatic payments.
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.
Frequently asked questions
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There is not a single best car insurance company since car insurance premiums are highly individualized. However, comparing quotes from multiple providers is the best way to find affordable car insurance after a speeding ticket. You can see which provider offers the best price, coverage and discounts. Shopping around also allows you to read reviews and learn about each company’s reputation for customer service.
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You aren’t legally required to tell your provider, but the insurance provider will find out when it’s time to renew your policy. The company might even backdate the rate increase and charge you, even though you didn’t tell them after you got the ticket. If you plan on shopping for new car insurance, you must disclose any tickets when you request a quote or sign a new policy.
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According to Bankrate’s analysis of rate data from Quadrant Information Services, ratings from independent third-party reviewers like AM Best and J.D. Power, policy options and customer support options, Auto-Owners, Geico, USAA, Amica and State Farm are some of the cheapest car insurance companies.
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You may always see a speeding ticket on your driving record, but it shouldn’t affect your insurance for more than a few 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 during that time.
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Insurance companies tend to charge higher premiums for riskier drivers to make up for the increased likelihood of having to pay out a claim. If you get a speeding ticket, you may be classified as high-risk and viewed as more likely to get into an accident and file a claim in the future.
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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