How Much Will a Speeding Ticket Cost Illinois Car Insurance?

Does a speeding ticket automatically raise car insurance in Illinois?

Not necessarily. However, it’s highly likely. Insurance carriers view speeding tickets as indicators of risky driving behavior, which translates to a higher chance of accidents. This can lead them to increase the price of auto insurance to reflect the perceived increased risk.

Here’s a closer look at why speeding tickets raise insurance rates.

• Accident Rates and Severity. Studies have shown a clear correlation between speeding and accidents. Drivers exceeding the speed limit are more likely to be involved in crashes, and these crashes tend to be more severe due to the increased force of the car at higher speeds. This translates to costlier claims for insurance carriers.
• Driving Behavior Patterns. A speeding ticket is often viewed as a window into a driver’s overall behavior behind the wheel. Insurance carriers might consider it a sign of aggressive or reckless driving, even if the specific violation wasn’t egregious. This can lead them to believe you pose a higher overall risk.

How much can a speeding ticket increase car insurance in Illinois?

The increase in car insurance rates after a speeding ticket in Illinois varies depending on several factors. Estimates suggest an average increase of 35%. This can range from a slight bump to a substantial increase depending on the severity of the violation and your driving history.

What factors determine the severity of the auto insurance rate increase after a speeding ticket in Illinois?

Several factors influence how much auto insurance rises after a speeding ticket in Illinois.

Severity of the Speeding Violation. The faster a driver is cited for exceeding the speed limit, the more vehicle insurance will increase. A minor speeding ticket (e.g., going 5 mph over) may have a minimum compared to a major violation.
Driving Record. A clean driving record with no prior violations can help mitigate the increase from a speeding ticket. Conversely, a history of moving violations will likely result in a steeper price for automobile insurance.
Age. Younger drivers, especially teenagers, tend to see a more significant increase in vehicle insurance after a speeding ticket compared to older drivers with established driving histories.

Are there ways to minimize the increase in car insurance after a speeding ticket in Illinois?

While you can’t erase a speeding ticket from your record, there are ways to minimize the cost on your car insurance.

Traffic School. This is an excellent option in many Illinois counties. Completing a state-approved traffic violator course often allows you to get the speeding ticket dismissed from your driving record. This keeps your record clean, which help you with affordable car insurance. However, there are a few things to consider:

Eligibility. Not all speeding tickets qualify for dismissal with traffic school attendance. Check with the local court to see if your specific violation is eligible.
Cost-Effectiveness. Weigh the cost of traffic school against the decrease in your insurance rate. In many cases, traffic school is a worthwhile investment.
One-Time Opportunity. Most states only allow drivers to take traffic school once to dismiss a ticket within a certain timeframe.

Shop Around for Auto Insurance Quotes. Don’t automatically renew insurance with your current provider. After a speeding ticket, it’s wise to compare car insurance quotes from different auto insurance carriers. Some may be more forgiving of a single offense.

Maintain a Clean Driving Record. Avoiding further violations for several years after the speeding ticket demonstrates a commitment to safe driving and can eventually lead to insurance carriers to re-evaluate your risk profile which can lead to lower vehicle insurance. 

A speeding ticket in Illinois can be a costly mistake. While the initial fine may seem insignificant, the increase in car insurance can be substantial and linger for several years. However, by understanding how speeding tickets affect car insurance in Illinois and taking steps like attending traffic school, shopping around for auto insurance quotes, and maintaining a clean driving record, you can minimize the financial blow. Remember, safe driving is not just about avoiding tickets; it protects yourself and others on the road.