Does a Speeding Ticket Hike Up Car Insurance in Utah?

How Much Can a Speeding Ticket Raise Car Insurance in Utah?

The short answer is, it depends. Several factors influence the increase in car insurance after a speeding ticket in Utah. Here’s a breakdown of some key elements:

• Severity of the Speeding Ticket: Generally, the faster you were going over the speed limit, the higher the potential increase. Speeding tickets are often categorized by the number of miles per hour (mph) you exceeded the limit. A minor speeding ticket (e.g., 10 mph over) might result in a smaller increase compared to a more serious violation (e.g., 20 mph or more over).
• Driving History: A clean driving record with no prior violations will likely experience a lesser increase compared to someone with a history of moving violations. Insurance carriers view drivers with a clean record as less risky and offer safe drivers cheap auto insurance.
• Insurance Company: Each insurance company has its own criteria for determining rates for automobile insurance. Some might be more lenient with first time offenders, while others might impose stricter penalties. It’s always wise to check with your car insurance carrier to understand their policy regarding speeding tickets.

Does the Speeding Severity Affect the Cost of Auto Insurance?

The severity of a speeding ticket plays a significant role in how much the insurance might go up. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Minor Speeding Ticket (e.g., 1-10 mph over): This might result in a more moderate increase, ranging from 5-15%.
• Moderate Speeding Ticket (e.g., 11-20 mph over): This could lead to a more substantial increase, possibly falling between 15-25%.
• Serious Speeding Ticket (e.g., 20+ mph over): Expect a significant increase on car insurance, exceeding 25% or even reaching the 40% mark depending on the insurer and driving history.

Does Driving History Make a Difference in Rate Increases? 

Yes, driving history significantly impacts the potential increase in automobile insurance after a speeding ticket. Here’s why:

• Clean Driving Record: If you have a clean driving record with no prior violations, insurance companies might be more lenient with the rate increase for a first-time speeding ticket.
• Prior Violations: Unfortunately, a history of speeding tickets or other moving violations paints a picture of a riskier driver. This can lead to a more substantial increase on your vehicle insurance.

How Long Will a Speeding Ticket Affect Car Insurance Rates?

A speeding ticket can raise the cost for car insurance and typically lingers for a period of 3-5 years in Utah. This time frame reflects the duration it stays on a driving record, influencing how insurance companies assess a risk profile.

Utah Speeding Ticket Laws: How Many Points Does a Speeding Ticket Cost?

Understanding Utah’s speeding ticket laws can provide valuable context for understanding what tickets do to car insurance:

• Speeding Ticket Point System: Utah utilizes a point system for traffic violations. The number of points assigned to a speeding ticket depends on the severity of the offense.
• Point Breakdown: Here’s a general breakdown of points associated with speeding tickets in Utah:
  • 1-10 mph over the speed limit: Typically 0 points.
  • 11-20 mph over the speed limit: 35 points
  • 21 mph or more over the speed limit: 75 points

Point Thresholds and Consequences: Accumulating a specific number of points within a certain timeframe (usually 3 years) can lead to license suspension. In Utah:

• Drivers over 21 years old: Exceeding 200 points can result in a 3-month to 1-year license suspension.
• Drivers under 21 years old: More than 70 points within 3 years could lead to a 1-month to 1-year suspension.

Tips to Minimize the Impact of a Speeding Ticket on Car Insurance in Utah

While a speeding ticket can lead to higher cost for auto insurance, there are steps you can take to help control it:

• Shop Around for Inexpensive Car Insurance Quotes: Get  car insurance quotes from other companies to see if you can find a better price after receiving a speeding ticket.
• Consider Accident Forgiveness: Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness coverage, which can help prevent rates from increasing after a first-time speeding ticket.
• Complete Defensive Driving Courses: Utah allows drivers to attend approved defensive driving courses to remove points from their driving record. Fewer points often translate to cheaper car insurance. 
• Maintain a Clean Driving Record Going Forward: Avoiding future speeding tickets and other moving violations over the next 3-5 years can significantly improve the chance of your vehicle insurance returning to pre-ticket levels.

In conclusion, while a speeding ticket can be a hassle and lead to more expensive auto insurance in Utah, it doesn’t have to be a permanent burden. By understanding how speeding tickets impact rates and the role of driving history you can take proactive steps to minimize the financial blow. Remember, maintaining a clean driving record going forward and exploring options like shopping around for cheap car insurance quotes or completing defensive driving courses can significantly improve a situation. Drive safe and make informed choices to keep the cost of car insurance under control!