Speeding Ticket in Texas? Find Out When It Affects Your Insurance

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

• Unlike some states that use a point system for traffic violations, Texas doesn’t assign points to your driving record for speeding tickets. However, this doesn’t mean your car insurance company is left in the dark. Car insurance companies in Texas have access to your driving record, which includes information about traffic violations like speeding tickets.
• The exact timeframe for when your insurance company receives this information can vary. It typically takes 30 to 60 days for the ticket to be reported to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV)  after you’ve paid the fine or attended driving school, if that option is offered. Once reported to the TxDMV, it can take another 30 to 45 days for your insurance company to receive the update.
• In essence, it could take anywhere from 2 to 4 months for your insurance company to be officially notified of your speeding ticket. However, there’s always a chance your auto insurance company might find out sooner through other means, such as routine monitoring of public records.

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

The financial sting of a speeding ticket can be further amplified by a potential car insurance price hike. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much more you might pay. Several factors influence the impact on your 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.
• Your 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: While point systems aren’t used, studies suggest that a speeding ticket in Texas can lead to an average increase of 13% 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 or lower depending on the factors mentioned above.

Texas 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 Texas, 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 Texas Driving Record?

The good news is that speeding tickets in Texas don’t stay on your driving record forever. They typically remain on your record for three 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 three years when calculating your rates. Some insurance companies might look back further at your driving history, potentially impacting your rates for a longer period.

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

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 Texas 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 rates significantly after a speeding ticket, it might be time to shop around for a new provider.  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 auto insurance.

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 Texas.
• 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 Texas 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.