Sometimes, time is of the essence and you find yourself speeding through the roads. Whether you got caught in a rush or simply misjudged the speed limit, a speeding ticket in Georgia can put a damper on your day. Beyond the initial frustration, Georgia drivers face a bigger concern: the potential impact on their car insurance. Will your insurance company find out about the ticket? How much more might you end up paying? CheapInsurance.com  goes into valuable insights and explores ways to minimize the damage.

Key Takeaways:

  • It can take between two and four months for your insurance company to be officially notified of a speeding ticket in Georgia.
  • The effect on your car insurance rates depends on several factors, including the severity of the speeding violation and your driving history. However, you can expect an average increase of around 21%.
  • Speeding tickets remain on your driving record for three years from the date of the offense. It’s important to note that some insurers might consider your driving history for a longer period when calculating your auto insurance quotes.
  • There are ways to potentially minimize the impact of a speeding ticket on your Georgia car insurance. These include: Fighting the ticket in court (if applicable), Completing a state-approved defensive driving course, Shopping around for a new car insurance quotes and maintaining a clean driving record going forward.

Will My Insurance Company Find Out About My Speeding Ticket Right Away?

  • Georgia does use the point system for traffic violations. Points accumulated over time results in a suspended drivers license. However, this doesn’t mean your car insurance company is left in the dark. Car insurance companies in Georgia have access to your driving record, which includes information about traffic violations like speeding tickets.
  • Georgia’s car insurance companies have access to your driving history, including any speeding tickets. The exact timing varies, but it typically takes 30 to 60 days for the ticket to be reported to the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles (GA DMV) after you’ve paid the fine or completed driving school. From there, it can take another 30 to 45 days for your insurance company to receive the update.
  • In total, it could take anywhere from 2 to 4 months for your automobile insurance company to officially know about your speeding ticket. However, there’s a possibility they might find out sooner through other methods, such as regularly checking public records.

How Much More Might I Pay for Car Insurance After a Speeding Ticket in Georgia?

The financial sting of a speeding ticket can be further amplified by a potential car insurance price hike. Unfortunately, there’s no general answer to how much more you might pay. Several factors influence the effects on your vehicle insurance rates, including:

Severity of the Speeding Violation: Generally, the faster you were going over the speed limit, the more your insurance rates might increase.

  • Your Driving History: A clean driving record with no prior violations will likely result in a smaller increase compared to someone with a history of tickets.
  • Age and Gender: Statistically, younger drivers and males tend to pay higher automobile insurance rates overall, so a speeding ticket might have a less significant impact on their existing premiums.
  • Your Insurance Company: Different automobile insurance companies have varying risk assessment models, so the increase might differ depending on your provider.

 

Here’s a ballpark estimate: Studies suggest that a speeding ticket in Georgia can lead to an average increase of 21% in your auto insurance. This translates to an average annual increase of around $555. However, it’s important to remember this is just an average, and your individual increase could be higher depending on the factors mentioned above.

speeding ticket in Georgia
Image Credit: Pexels

Georgia Speed Trap? Don’t Get Stuck with Higher Car Insurance 

While speeding tickets can happen anywhere, some drivers worry about designated “speed traps” where law enforcement might be more likely to pull over motorists. While the term “speed trap” doesn’t have a legal definition in Georgia, certain areas might be known for having a higher concentration of speeding citations.

Being aware of potential speed enforcement zones is a good practice, but the key takeaway is to always obey the speed limit regardless of location. Speeding, even outside a perceived “speed trap,” can still lead to getting a speeding citation.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Haunt My Georgia Driving Record?

The good news is that speeding tickets in Georgia don’t stay on your driving record forever. They typically remain on your record for two years  from the date of the offense.

Here’s the crucial point: This doesn’t necessarily mean your car insurance company will only consider the ticket for two years when calculating your rates. Some insurance companies might look back further at your driving history, potentially impacting your rates for a longer period of time. 

Can I Minimize the Impact of a Speeding Ticket on My Georgia Auto Insurance Quote?

Fight the Ticket in Court: Depending on the circumstances of your ticket, you might have the option to contest it in court. This could involve arguing the validity of the stop, the accuracy of the speeding measurement, or seeking a plea bargain for a lesser offense. It’s important to consult with a traffic attorney to understand your options and the likelihood of success.

Complete a Defensive Driving Course: Many Georgia courts offer the option to attend a state-approved defensive driving course in exchange for dismissing the ticket. Completing the course can not only remove the violation from your driving record but might also qualify you for cheaper car insurance from your provider for demonstrating a commitment to safe driving.

Shop Around for Car Insurance Quotes: If your current insurance company raises your insurance rates significantly after a speeding ticket, it might be time to shop around for cheap car insurance quotes. Different insurance companies have varying risk assessment models, and you might find affordable car insurance with another company that weighs your speeding ticket less heavily.

Maintain a Clean Driving Record Going Forward: The best way to minimize the long-term impact of a speeding ticket is to avoid getting any more violations. By maintaining a clean driving record for several years after the ticket, it will eventually have less influence and allow you to find inexpensive car insurance quotes.

Additional Tips:

  • Pay Your Ticket on Time: While paying the ticket might seem counterintuitive, failing to do so could result in additional fines, late fees, or even a suspended license. This can have a more significant negative impact on being able to get cheap car insurance in Georgia.
  • Maintain Good Coverage: Having full coverage auto insurance on your vehicle demonstrates to your insurance company that you’re a responsible driver willing to invest in protecting your car. While it won’t directly offset the impact of a speeding ticket, it can be a positive factor when you get auto insurance quotes.

 

A speeding ticket in Georgia can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to break the bank due to auto insurance. By understanding the factors influencing rate increases and taking proactive steps to get affordable auto insurance, you can minimize the financial impact and get back on the road with peace of mind.