A speeding ticket in Massachusetts can sting more than just your wallet on the day it’s issued. A speeding ticket can lead to a surprising jump in your auto insurance. In this article, Cheap Insurance explores how speeding tickets affect your car insurance in Massachusetts, along with ways to avoid them and lessen the blow if you do get one.
Key Takeaways:
- Speeding tickets in Massachusetts are reported to your insurance carrier and can lead to higher auto insurance.
- The severity of the speeding violation is a major factor – exceeding the limit by a larger margin or committing violations like reckless driving will cause a steeper increase on your car insurance.
- Points assessed on your license due to speeding tickets also impact the cost of vehicle – more points generally mean higher insurance rates.
- Consider fighting the ticket in court or taking a defensive driving course to lessen the blow to your automobile insurance.
- The best way to avoid these consequences? Practice safe driving habits and obey the speed limit!
Does a Speeding Ticket Raise Your Car Insurance in Massachusetts?
Yes, a speeding ticket in Massachusetts will almost certainly raise your car insurance. Massachusetts uses a system called the Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP) which rewards safe drivers with discounts and penalizes those with violations. A speeding ticket is considered a “surchargeable event” under SDIP, meaning it will be reported to your insurance carrier and used to determine your risk level.
How Much More Will Car Insurance Cost with a Speeding Ticket?
The exact increase in auto insurance will depend on several factors, including:
- The severity of the speeding violation: Speeding tickets are typically tiered based on how much you exceeded the speed limit. A minor speeding ticket (less than 10 mph over) will likely result in a smaller increase than a more serious violation (20 mph or more over).
- Driving record: If you have a clean driving record, a single speeding ticket may not cause a dramatic increase. However, if you have previous violations on your record, the affect will be more significant.
- Your insurance carrier: Different car insurance carriers have varying rating factors. Some may weigh speeding tickets more heavily than others.
Does Every Speeding Ticket Affect Insurance the Same Way in Massachusetts?
Not all speeding tickets are treated equally. Here’s a dive into how different factors can influence auto insurance in Massachusetts:
Severity of the Offense: Exceeding the speed limit by a larger margin will generally result in a higher surcharge for auto insurance. This makes sense from an insurance carrier’s perspective. A driver clocked at 20 mph over the limit is statistically more likely to be involved in an accident compared to someone going just 5 mph over. This increased risk translates to higher costs for the insurer.
Type of Speeding Violation: Certain speeding violations carry a heavier weight than simple speeding. Examples include:
- Reckless Driving: This violation typically involves exceeding the speed limit by a significant margin or driving in a way that shows disregard for the safety of others. A reckless driving conviction can come with a license suspension, an SR22 filing and will likely result in a substantial increase in your automobile insurance.
- Speeding in a School Zone: School zones have lower speed limits for a reason: to protect children. Speeding in a school zone is a serious offense and will likely be viewed harshly by your car insurance carrier.
- Construction Zone Speeding: Construction zones present unique hazards for workers and drivers. Speeding in a construction zone can result in a higher fine and a more significant impact on your vehicle insurance compared to a regular speeding ticket.
Points Assessed: Speeding tickets in Massachusetts typically come with points added to your license. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) assigns points based on the severity of the violation. Here’s a breakdown:
- Speeding less than 10 mph over the limit: 2 points
- Speeding 10-19 mph over the limit: 4 points
- Speeding 20 mph or more over the limit: 6 points
Ways to Avoid Speeding Tickets In Massachusetts?
The best way to avoid the insurance hikes associated with speeding tickets is simply not to speed. Here are some tips to help you keep your foot off the gas pedal:
Know the speed limit: Be aware of the posted speed limit on the roads you travel. Speed limits can change frequently, so pay attention to signage.
Use cruise control: Cruise control can be a helpful tool for maintaining a steady speed, especially on long highway stretches.
Allow extra travel time: Rushing to get somewhere is a major contributor to speeding. Plan your trips ahead of time and factor in potential delays to avoid feeling pressured to exceed the speed limit.
Be aware of speed traps: There are many resources available online and through mobile apps that can alert you to known speed trap zones.
Focus on the road: Distracted driving can easily lead to speeding. Avoid using your phone, eating, or engaging in other activities while driving that can take your eyes off the road.
Mitigating the Damage:
While avoiding a speeding ticket is the best course of action, there are a few things you can do to lessen the blow to your auto insurance:
- Fight the ticket: If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can contest it in court. Consulting with a traffic attorney can increase your chances of getting the ticket dismissed or reduced.
- Defensive driving course: Some insurance carriers offer discounts to drivers who complete defensive driving courses. Completing a course after receiving a speeding ticket may help in getting affordable car insurance.
Speeding tickets are a hassle, and they can have a significant affect on your car insurance rates in Massachusetts. By following the tips mentioned above, you can minimize your chances of getting a speeding ticket and keep your cheap car insurance. Remember, driving safely is not just about avoiding tickets; it’s about protecting yourself and others on the road.
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