Speeding Tickets in Wisconsin: When They Impact Your Insurance

When Does My Insurance Find Out That I Got a Speeding Ticket?

Insurance companies in Wisconsin typically obtain information about your driving record through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV reports convictions and certain violations, including speeding tickets, to a database accessible by insurance companies. This reporting usually happens electronically within a few weeks after your court date or when you pay the ticket.

There’s no requirement for you to directly inform your auto insurance company about a speeding ticket. However, it’s generally considered good practice to notify them, especially if you plan to contest the ticket or take steps to mitigate its impact.

How Do Speeding Tickets Affect Car Insurance Premiums in Wisconsin?

Speeding tickets in Wisconsin can lead to higher car insurance rates, but it’s not an automatic guarantee. Unlike some states, Wisconsin doesn’t have a point system for traffic violations. Instead, insurance companies consider the specific details of the offense and your overall driving history when running a car insurance quote.

A single speeding ticket might not cause a dramatic increase, but it can raise a red flag for future violations that could have a bigger impact on your insurance rates.

The severity of the speeding ticket plays a major role. Generally, exceeding the speed limit by a small margin will have less impact than reckless driving. Additionally, a clean driving record will make a speeding ticket less of a concern for insurance companies. Conversely, a history of violations will likely result in a steeper increase.

Here’s a general idea of the potential impact based on information from auto insurance research websites:

• A minor speeding ticket (1-10 mph over) might increase your rates by 7-11%.
• A more serious speeding ticket (exceeding the speed limit by 20 mph or more) could lead to a 25-35% increase. According to Bankrate.

What is the Process for Reporting a Speeding Ticket to Your Auto Insurance Provider in Wisconsin?

There’s no formal process for reporting a speeding ticket to your car insurance company in Wisconsin. However, as mentioned earlier, it’s a good idea to notify them, especially if:

You plan to contest the ticket: If you believe the ticket was issued in error, informing your insurance company allows them to stay updated on the situation.
You’re taking a defensive driving course: Completing a defensive driving course approved by the court can sometimes lead to a point reduction on your driving record, which could positively impact your auto insurance rates. Informing your insurance company about the course completion might allow them to consider keeping you with affordable insurance.

Here’s how to notify your car insurance company:

• Call your insurance agent or customer service representative.
• Provide them with the details of the speeding ticket, including the date, location, and violation.

Can You Contest a Speeding Ticket to Minimize its Impact on Car Insurance in Wisconsin?

Yes, contesting a speeding ticket in Wisconsin can be a way to potentially minimize its impact on your auto insurance in Wisconsin. If you believe the ticket was issued in error or have grounds to contest it (e.g., faulty or uncalibrated equipment used by a police officer), consulting with a traffic attorney is recommended.  They can advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation.

Here’s why contesting a ticket might be beneficial:

If you win the case: The ticket will not be reported to the DMV and won’t affect your driving record or auto insurance rates.
Even if you lose: Negotiating with the prosecutor might lead to a lesser charge, which could lessen the impact on your automobile insurance.

 How Long Do Speeding Tickets Stay on Your Driving Record in Wisconsin?

First three years: The ticket will be actively reported on your driving record and will have the most significant impact on your automobile insurance rates.
Years four and five: The ticket might still be considered by some insurance companies, though your insurance rates may be less affected.

Are There Strategies to Offset the Impact of a Speeding Ticket on Vehicle Insurance in Wisconsin?

Even if you get a speeding ticket, there are ways to potentially inexpensive car insurance:

• Maintain a clean driving record going forward: This is the most important strategy. Avoiding further violations demonstrates to insurance companies that you’re a responsible driver and reduces the risk of losing your low car insurance rate.
• Take a defensive driving course: Wisconsin courts often offer approved defensive driving courses. Completing such a course can sometimes lead to a point reduction on your driving record (though not guaranteed), which could lead to lower car insurance rates.
• Shop around for affordable car insurance quotes in Wisconsin: If you received a speeding ticket and your current insurance company raises your rates significantly, it might be time to shop around for a new provider. Different companies weigh factors like speeding tickets differently, so you might find inexpensive auto insurance In Wisconsin.

What Happens if You Accumulate Multiple Speeding Tickets in Wisconsin

Accumulating multiple speeding tickets in Wisconsin will significantly increase your risk of facing higher car insurance premiums. Here’s why:

• More points on your record: While Wisconsin doesn’t have a formal point system, insurance companies consider the number of violations when assessing your auto insurance quote. Multiple speeding tickets will raise a red flag and suggest a pattern of risky driving behavior. This can lead to an SR22 filing.
• Potential driver’s license suspension: Accumulating enough points (which can vary depending on the severity of the violations) could lead to a driver’s license suspension. This will undoubtedly have a significant negative impact on your automobile insurance rates in Wisconsin.

A speeding ticket in Wisconsin can affect your auto insurance, but the severity of the impact depends on various factors. Understanding how insurance companies assess violations and focusing on improving your overall driving record can help you minimize the long-term consequences. Remember, driving safely is always the best course of action, keeping you and others on the road safe.