What Happens to Insurance If You Get a Speeding Ticket in Ohio?

Does a Speeding Ticket in Ohio Automatically Raise Car Insurance?

Not necessarily. While a speeding ticket is a black mark on your driving record, it doesn’t automatically trigger an increase in your vehicle insurance. Insurance carriers consider a variety of factors when determining an auto insurance quote, including your driving history, age, location, and the type of car you drive.

However, a speeding ticket is a strong indicator of increased risk to insurance carriers. They see drivers who speed as more likely to be involved in accidents, which causes higher costs for them. So, while it’s not a guaranteed consequence, a speeding ticket in Ohio makes it highly likely your insurance rates will go up.

Do All Speeding Tickets in Ohio Affect Car Insurance Equally?

Not all speeding tickets carry the same weight with insurance carriers. The severity of the speeding violation plays a significant role in how much your car insurance might increase. Here’s a breakdown:

Minor Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit by a small margin (typically under 10 mph) will have a minimal impact on car insurance rates in Ohio, or even none at all, especially for a first-time offense.
Moderate Speeding: Going 11-20 mph over the limit is more likely to trigger higher auto insurance, though the exact amount will vary depending on your driving record.
Excessive Speeding: Speeding significantly above the limit (20 mph or more) or reckless driving will lead to a substantial increase on automobile insurance. This could even result in non-renewal of your policy and an SR22 filing.

• Number of Offenses: Multiple speeding tickets within a short period will have a much more impact than a single incident.
• Type of Speeding Ticket: Speeding in a school zone or construction zone carries a higher penalty and will likely result in a steeper rate increase for car insurance.

Can a Speeding Ticket Lead to a Car Insurance Policy Cancellation in Ohio?

In most cases, a single speeding ticket won’t lead to your automobile insurance cancellation. However, there are some exceptions:

• Multiple Offenses: A history of repeated speeding violations within a short time frame can be seen as a pattern of risky driving behavior, which could prompt your insurer to non-renew your auto insurance.
• Extreme Speeding: If your speeding ticket involves reckless driving or exceeding the limit by a very significant margin, it could be considered grounds for cancellation.
• Existing Violations: If you already have other violations on your record (accidents, DUIs), a speeding ticket might be the last straw for your insurer, leading to a cancellation.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Record in Ohio?

In Ohio, speeding tickets stay on your driving record for two years. This means it will be visible to insurance carriers during that period and could affect rates for car insurance in Ohio.

The good news is that after two years, the speeding ticket will be removed from your public record and no longer be considered by insurers when calculating auto insurance quotes.

In Ohio, defensive driving courses can help reduce points associated with a speeding ticket. Completing such a course might demonstrate a commitment to safe driving and lead to the opportunity for cheap car insurance.

Taking Action After a Speeding Ticket in Ohio

• Fight the Ticket: If you believe the speeding ticket was issued in error, consider contesting it in court. This can be a complex process, so consulting with a traffic attorney might be wise. Winning your case will prevent the ticket from going on your record and help you maintain affordable vehicle insurance.
• Maintain a Clean Driving Record: The best way to keep your car insurance low is to avoid getting any more speeding tickets or moving violations. Practice safe driving habits and be mindful of the speed limit.
• Bundle Your Insurance: If you have other insurance policies, such as home insurance or renters insurance, bundling them with your car insurance can often lead to affordable car insurance in Ohio.

Getting a speeding ticket in Ohio can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to break the bank when it comes to car insurance. By understanding how speeding tickets impact auto insurance, taking proactive steps, and maintaining a safe driving record, you can minimize the financial consequences and keep you having affordable car insurance.