South Carolina Speeding Ticket: When Does It Hit Insurance?

How Quickly Will a Speeding Ticket Show Up on My Driving Record in South Carolina?

The good news is you won’t see an immediate jump in your car insurance rates after getting a speeding ticket.  There’s a processing period before the ticket gets reported to your insurance company.

Here’s a breakdown of the timeline:

After Receiving the Ticket: Upon receiving a speeding ticket, you have a designated time frame (typically 30 days) to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Court Appearance: If you plead not guilty, a court date will be set. The outcome of the court case will then be reported to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).
SCDMV Reporting: Once the SCDMV receives the final disposition of your ticket (guilty plea, court decision, etc.), it typically takes 30-60 days for them to update your driving record.

In South Carolina, speeding tickets remain on your driving record for five years from the conviction date. This means your insurance company can consider it when calculating your premiums for that entire period.

Does a Speeding Ticket Always Affect My Car Insurance in South Carolina?

Not all speeding tickets automatically translate to higher car insurance rates in South Carolina. The severity of the offense and your overall driving history play a significant role.

Here are some factors that influence how a speeding ticket might affect your insurance:

• Severity of the Speeding Violation: Speeding by a few miles per hour over the limit might have a lesser impact compared to exceeding the limit by a significant margin.
• Driving Record: A clean driving record with no prior violations can help mitigate the impact of a single speeding ticket. Conversely, multiple speeding tickets or other moving violations on your record will likely lead to a more significant increase in your rates.

Can I Avoid My Speeding Ticket Affecting My Traffic Insurance Rates? 

There’s no guaranteed way to completely avoid the impact of a speeding ticket on your insurance. However, here are some options to consider:

Fight the Ticket in Court: If you believe the ticket was issued in error, contesting it in court could result in a dismissal, which wouldn’t impact your driving record or auto insurance.
Defensive Driving Courses: Some states, including South Carolina in certain situations, allow drivers to take defensive driving courses to potentially reduce points associated with a speeding ticket. This might not always translate to a lower car insurance rate, but it’s worth checking with your insurance company.

What Should I Do After Getting a Speeding Ticket in South Carolina? 

Here are some steps to take after receiving a speeding ticket in South Carolina:

• Review the Ticket: Carefully examine the details of the ticket, including the date, location, and alleged violation. Ensure the information is accurate.
• Decide How to Respond: Consider pleading guilty, not guilty, or no contest based on the specific situation. If unsure, consulting with an attorney might be helpful.
• Explore Traffic School Option: Depending on the severity of the speeding ticket and your driving record, you might be eligible to take a defensive driving course approved by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). Completing the course could potentially lead to a point reduction on your license, which some insurance companies might consider when calculating your rates. However, always confirm this possibility with your insurance provider before enrolling in a course.
• Contact Your Insurance Company: While you’re not obligated to inform your insurance company about a speeding ticket immediately, it might be wise to do so proactively, especially if you’re nearing your renewal period. This allows them to update your records and provide you with an accurate estimate of any potential premium increase.

Driving safely should always be your top priority. Speeding not only increases the risk of accidents but can also lead to financial repercussions through fines and potentially higher insurance premiums.  By following the speed limit and practicing safe driving habits, you can keep yourself, your passengers, and others on the road safe while minimizing the impact on your car insurance costs.