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A speeding ticket can raise your car insurance premium by an average of 36% — but the impact varies significantly depending on your insurer. Travelers, USAA, Progressive, and GEICO consistently offer the most competitive rates after a speeding violation, though the right choice depends on your state, driving history, and how fast you were going.

Speeding tickets can increase your car insurance premiums because insurers view traffic violations as a sign that you are a riskier driver. How much your premium rises depends on several factors, including your insurer, how fast you were driving and your overall driving record.

However, getting a speeding ticket doesn’t necessarily mean you’re locked into high insurance rates. Insurers assess violations differently, and switching to a more forgiving carrier — or taking a few proactive steps — can make a meaningful difference in what you pay. Here’s what you need to know to find the best rate after a ticket.

A speeding ticket isn’t the end of the world — but here’s what to expect

  • USAA, Travelers, and Progressive tend to penalize drivers the least after a violation
  • One ticket raises rates by about 35% on average — two or more pushes that closer to 63%
  • You have options: shopping around, taking a defensive driving course, and looking for discounts can all make a real dent in your premium

Which companies offer the cheapest car insurance after a speeding ticket?

Not all insurers treat a speeding ticket the same way. Some raise rates aggressively after even a minor violation; others are significantly more forgiving. Among the major carriers we analyzed, USAA and Travelers offer the lowest average rates after a speeding ticket — though USAA is only available to military members, veterans, and their immediate families.

Here’s how the major carriers compare:

CompanyAverage annual premium (no tickets)Average annual premium (1–10 MPH over)Average annual premium (11–29 MPH over)
Allstate$3,159$4,012$4,031
Amica$2,769$3,271$4,460
Farmers$3,207$4,332$4,280
GEICO$2,159$2,905$3,682
Nationwide$2,524$3,726$3,745
Progressive$2,569$3,419$3,442
State Farm$2,875$3,298$3,531
Travelers$1,962$2,329$2,853
USAA*$1,628$1,962$1,955
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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USAA vs. everyone else

USAA consistently offers the lowest rates for drivers with speeding tickets — sometimes hundreds of dollars cheaper than the next best option. If you or an immediate family member have served in the military, it’s worth checking USAA first before comparing other carriers.

How much does a speeding ticket raise rates by insurer?

The percentage increase after a speeding ticket varies widely by carrier. Some insurers, like State Farm and USAA, raise rates modestly after one ticket. Others, like GEICO and Amica, can see increases of 60% or more.

Company
Average annual premium
After 1 ticketAfter 2 ticketsPercent increase after one speeding ticketPercent increase after 2 speeding tickets
Allstate$3,159$4,031$4,55128%44%
Amica$2,769$4,460$5,04361%82%
Farmers$3,207$4,280$5,18133%62%
GEICO$2,159$3,682$3,90371%81%
Nationwide$2,524$3,745$4,64148%84%
Progressive$2,569$3,442$4,05834%58%
State Farm$2,875$3,531$4,05923%41%
Travelers$1,962$2,853$3,13945%60%
USAA*$1,628$1,955$2,33920%44%
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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How much does a speeding ticket increase car insurance rates?

On average, a single speeding ticket raises car insurance premiums by 36%. A second ticket pushes that average increase to 63%. But the actual impact on your rate depends on several factors beyond just the violation itself.

Insurers weigh:

  • How fast you were going. A ticket for 5 MPH over carries far less weight than one for 30 MPH over
  • Your overall driving record. A clean history before the ticket works in your favor
  • Your age and experience. Younger drivers typically see steeper increases
  • Your insurer’s rating system. Every company has a different formula for how violations affect premiums
  • Your state. Rate increases after a ticket vary dramatically by location

Expert Tip

“Every insurance company has a different rating system and matrix for violations, and each type of violation can cause varying rate increases. Drivers who fall into a less desirable tier due to credit score or other factors may see their rates increase more after a ticket than those in a preferred tier.” — Charlotte Burr, agency co-owner, AZ InsuranceTeam

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How much does a speeding ticket raise rates by state?

Where you live has a significant impact on how much a speeding ticket affects your premium. Michigan drivers face the steepest penalty, with an average increase of 61% after one ticket. California and North Carolina follow closely, at 56% and 54% respectively. Vermont drivers see the smallest impact, with an average increase of just 15%.

Here’s how rates change after a speeding ticket by state for a full coverage policy (100/300/100 with $500 deductibles):

StateAverage annual premiumAfter 1 ticketAfter 2 ticketsPercent increase after one speeding ticketPercent increase after two speeding tickets
Alaska$2,167$3,011$3,07739%42%
Alabama$2,116$3,054$3,44744%63%
Arkansas$2,942$4,070$4,67538%59%
Arizona$2,420$3,526$3,84646%59%
California$3,444$5,371$7,73556%125%
Colorado$3,181$3,797$4,46019%40%
Connecticut$2,742$3,679$4,33034%58%
Washington, D.C.$3,465$4,633$4,88434%41%
Delaware$3,157$4,595$4,77446%51%
Florida$3,916$5,054N/A29%N/A
Georgia$2,503$3,535$3,87641%55%
Hawaii$1,757$2,146$2,29622%31%
Iowa$2,460$3,395$3,76338%53%
Idaho$1,901$2,385$2,63826%39%
Illinois$1,938$2,886$3,27649%69%
Indiana$1,894$2,869$3,14251%66%
Kansas$2,496$3,037$3,59522%44%
Kentucky$2,624$3,604$3,81037%45%
Louisiana$3,999$5,654$6,64141%66%
Massachusetts$2,429$3,188$3,74931%54%
Maryland$1,999$2,706$3,02435%51%
Maine$1,808$2,348$2,67530%48%
Michigan$3,964$6,364$8,52161%115%
Minnesota$2,591$3,636$3,97440%53%
Missouri$2,151$2,797$3,23230%50%
Mississippi$2,397$3,174$3,58832%50%
Montana$2,476$2,991$3,27221%32%
North Carolina$2,638$4,073$4,82454%83%
North Dakota$2,439$3,087$4,13927%70%
Nebraska$2,095$2,489$2,73119%30%
New Hampshire$1,689$2,383$2,52141%49%
New Jersey$3,122$4,575$4,88546%56%
New Mexico$2,577$3,600$4,11240%60%
Nevada$3,963$5,556$5,66140%43%
New York$2,596$3,265N/A26%N/A
Ohio$1,783$2,429$2,74536%54%
Oklahoma$2,993$4,207$4,58841%53%
Oregon$2,048$2,838$3,20439%56%
Pennsylvania$2,327$2,882$3,32524%43%
Rhode Island$2,878$4,248$4,62348%61%
South Carolina$2,417$3,070$3,38327%40%
South Dakota$2,575$3,144$3,65422%42%
Tennessee$2,235$3,303$3,53148%58%
Texas$3,106$4,483$4,90844%58%
Utah$2,356$3,077$3,24331%38%
Virginia$1,835$2,510$2,97837%62%
Vermont$1,660$1,901$2,00615%21%
Washington$2,389$3,402$3,71942%56%
Wisconsin$2,343$3,436$3,67247%57%
West Virginia$2,415$3,242$3,73034%54%
Wyoming$2,061$2,815$2,91937%42%
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Living in Michigan or California?

Drivers in these states face some of the steepest rate increases after a speeding ticket — 61% and 56% respectively after just one violation. If you’re in a high-penalty state, shopping around and comparing quotes across multiple carriers is especially important.

How to lower your car insurance after a speeding ticket

Drivers can lower insurance costs after a speeding ticket by comparing insurers, raising deductibles and taking advantage of discounts. While a speeding ticket will most likely boost your insurance costs, there are a few things you can do to keep your premium affordable. Here are a few tips:

  • Fight the ticket. Consult a traffic attorney before simply paying the fine. In many states, an attorney can have a moving violation reduced to a non-moving incident or dismissed entirely, which can prevent points from ever appearing on your record. Keeping points off your license is one of the most effective ways to protect your rate
  • Shop around. Insurers assess violations differently, and rates after a ticket can vary by hundreds of dollars between carriers. Don’t assume your current insurer offers the best rate — compare quotes before your next renewal
  • Take a defensive driving course. Many insurers offer discounts for completing an approved course, and some states allow it to reduce points on your driving record. Check with your insurer and state DMV to see what’s available
  • Raise your deductible. Increasing your deductible can reduce your monthly premium. Just make sure the amount you choose is still affordable if you need to file a claim
  • Look for discounts. Bundling policies, enrolling in autopay, or maintaining a claims-free record may qualify you for savings that help offset the rate increase

What experts recommend

“If you receive a speeding ticket, consult an attorney. In most states, a traffic ticket attorney can have a moving violation reduced to a non-moving incident. Keeping points off your driving record is key to maintaining lower rates,” says John Espenschied with Insurance Brokers Group.

What discounts are available for drivers with tickets?

Even with a violation on your record, you may still qualify for discounts that can help offset higher premiums, such as defensive driving course discounts, safe driver discounts and bundling policies. These savings can help offset higher premiums after a violation. 

Here’s what to look for:

Discount typeWhat it means
Defensive driving courseCompleting an approved course may qualify you for a discount and reduce points
Safe driver discountDrivers with no recent claims may still qualify even with a ticket
Pay in fullPaying your annual premium upfront can reduce your overall rate
Autopay discountSetting up automatic payments may earn a small but consistent discount
Bundling discountCombining home and auto policies under one insurer typically lowers both premiums
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This is the step most drivers skip — and it costs them

After a ticket, most drivers just accept their renewal rate without shopping around. But insurers assess violations differently, and the gap between the most and least forgiving carrier can be hundreds of dollars a year. Take fifteen minutes to compare quotes — you might be surprised how much you can save just by switching.

How long does a speeding ticket affect your insurance rates?

Most minor speeding violations stay on your DMV record for about three years, though more serious offenses can remain for five or longer. Insurance companies typically look back three to five years when calculating your premium, so the impact of a single ticket is usually temporary — as long as you keep a clean record in the meantime.

Once the ticket drops off your record, you may be able to renegotiate your rate or switch to a carrier that no longer views you as high-risk.

Violation typeTypical time on DMV recordTypical time affecting insurance
Minor speeding (1–10 MPH over)3 years3 years
Moderate speeding (11–29 MPH over)3–5 years3–5 years
Major speeding (30+ MPH over)5+ years5+ years
Reckless driving5–7 years5–7 years
DUI/DWI5–10 years5–10 years
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A speeding ticket doesn’t have to cost you long-term

A speeding ticket will almost certainly raise your insurance premium in the short term — but how much and for how long is largely within your control. Choosing the right insurer, taking advantage of available discounts, and keeping a clean record going forward are the most reliable ways to minimize the damage and get your rate back down.

If you haven’t compared quotes since receiving a ticket, now is a good time. The difference between the most and least forgiving insurer can be hundreds of dollars a year — and that gap only grows with a second violation.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a speeding ticket stay on my insurance record?

Most minor speeding tickets stay on your DMV record for about three years. Insurance companies typically look back three to five years when calculating your premium, so a single ticket’s impact is usually temporary. More serious violations, like reckless driving or a DUI, can stay on your record significantly longer.

Is my DMV record the same as my insurance record?

No — they’re maintained separately and serve different purposes. Your DMV record tracks your driving history including violations, accidents, and license status. Your insurance record, maintained by your insurer, covers your policy history, claims, and premiums. There can be overlap — such as shared violation data — but they aren’t the same document.

What is the best insurance company for drivers with a speeding ticket?

USAA offers the lowest average rates after a speeding ticket but is only available to military members, veterans, and their families. For drivers who don’t qualify for USAA, Travelers and Progressive consistently offer competitive rates after a violation. The best option for your specific situation will depend on your state, driving history, and how recently the ticket occurred.

Will one speeding ticket make me a high-risk driver?

A single minor speeding ticket typically won’t classify you as a high-risk driver, though it will likely raise your premium. Drivers are generally considered high-risk after multiple violations, a DUI, or a serious at-fault accident. That said, some insurers are stricter than others — which is why comparing quotes after any violation is worth the effort.

Can I remove a speeding ticket from my record?

In some states, completing a defensive driving course can reduce or remove points associated with a speeding ticket. A traffic attorney may also be able to have the violation reduced or dismissed before it’s recorded. Once a ticket is on your record, the most reliable option is time — most minor violations fall off after three years.

Methodology 

Insure.com, in the fall of 2025, commissioned car insurance rate data from Quadrant Data Services for drivers with and without speeding tickets. Rates are based on a driver age 40 with good credit driving a 2023 Honda Accord LX with a full coverage policy (100/300/100 liability limits and $500 deductibles.)

The overall score is based on the annual Insure.com best car insurance companies ranking, which is calculated based on a survey of insurance customers, NAIC complaint ratios, AM Best scores and average rates. See the full methodology on the best car insurance companies page.

The score for drivers with speeding tickets uses the overall score along with the same third-party ratings and rates for drivers with a single at-fault accident. Factors were weighted as follows:

  • Survey: 40%
  • Annual premium: 20%
  • AM Best: 25%
  • NAIC: 15%
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Shivani Gite
Contributing Writer

 
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Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions.

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