By

Tito Bucheli

Updated

April 22, 2024

Edited By

Fausto Bucheli Jr
Image Credit: Pixabay

Getting a speeding ticket can be a frustrating experience. Besides the immediate fine, you might worry about how it will affect your car insurance rates in Florida. This article will address your concerns, explaining the timeline for a speeding ticket appearing on your record, when your insurance company will find out and impacting your car insurance.

Key Takeaways:

  • A speeding ticket in Florida can take 30-90 days to appear on your driving record.
  • The severity of the speeding violation determines the number of points added to your license and the potential impact on your car insurance rates.
  • A single minor speeding ticket might not significantly increase your auto insurance rates in Florida, but it depends on your driving history and auto insurance company.
  • Consider defensive driving courses, negotiating the ticket (consult an attorney), or shopping around for car insurance quotes in Florida after three years to potentially minimize the impact.
  • Maintain a safe driving record, good credit history, and compare auto insurance quotes to keep your insurance rates low.

How Long Does it Take for a Speeding Ticket to Show Up on My Driving Record in Florida?

The timeframe for a speeding ticket to appear on your Florida driving record can vary slightly, but it generally takes between 30 and 90 days. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

  1. Court Appearance: After receiving a speeding ticket, you’ll have options to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Regardless of your choice, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) will be notified.
  2. Ticket Processing: The court will forward the ticket information to the FLHSMV. Processing and updating your driving record typically takes 30-60 days.
  3. Record Availability: Once processed, your driving record will reflect the violation. You can access your record online through the FLHSMV website or by mail upon request.

Factors Affecting Timeline

  • Court Backlog: Busy courts could experience delays in processing tickets.
  • Payment: Paying the fine early might not expedite the update on your record.

Does a Speeding Ticket Automatically Increase My Car Insurance Rates in Florida?

Not necessarily. While a speeding ticket will eventually appear on your driving record, it doesn’t automatically translate to a higher insurance premium.  Florida insurance companies consider various factors when setting automobile insurance rates, and a single speeding ticket, especially a minor one, might not have a significant impact. Insurance companies find out about your ticket when they run your record for when quoting you for car insurance.  This can happen when you get a new auto insurance quote or at your renewal date.

However, the severity of the speeding violation plays a crucial role. Here’s a breakdown of potential consequences:

Speeding 15 mph or Less: This violation adds 3 points to your license and might not significantly impact your automobile insurance rate, depending on your insurance company and driving history.
Speeding 16 mph or More: This violation adds 4 points and is more likely to trigger an insurance rate increase.

How Much Can a Speeding Ticket Raise My Car Insurance in Florida?

The exact increase in your car insurance premium due to a speeding ticket is difficult to predict. It depends on:

  • Severity of the Speeding Violation: A higher number of points associated with the ticket will likely lead to a greater increase.
  • Your Driving History: Clean driving records with no prior violations are less likely to see a significant jump in vehicle insurance rates compared to drivers with multiple infractions.
  • Your Insurance Company: Different companies have varying risk assessment models, and some may be more lenient towards minor speeding violations.

Are There Ways to Prevent a Speeding Ticket from Affecting My Automobile Insurance Rates?

While you can’t erase a speeding ticket from your record, there are ways to potentially minimize its impact on your current affordable car insurance:

Defensive Driving Courses: Many insurance companies offer auto insurance discounts to drivers who complete approved defensive driving courses. These courses can refresh your driving knowledge and demonstrate your commitment to safe driving habits.
Negotiate the Ticket: Depending on the circumstances, you might be able to negotiate with the court to reduce the severity of the violation. This could mean pleading no contest to a lesser charge with fewer points associated with it. However, consult with a traffic attorney before pursuing this option.
Shop Around for Inexpensive Car Insurance Quotes: After a certain period (typically three years), the points associated with the speeding ticket will no longer be a major factor for most car insurance companies. If your current insurance provider significantly increases your rates due to the ticket, consider shopping around for cheap car insurance quotes from other companies that might offer better rates based on your updated driving record.

What Other Factors Affect My Auto Insurance Rates in Florida Besides Speeding Tickets? 

  • Your Age and Driving Experience: Younger drivers (typically under 25) and those with less experience generally pay higher premiums due to statistically higher accident risks.
  • Your Driving Record: A history of accidents, at fault accidents in particular, will significantly increase your insurance rates.
  • Your Location: Car insurance rates are based on population density, accident rates, and theft rates in your area. Drivers in urban areas with higher traffic congestion and crime typically pay more.
  • Your Vehicle: The make, model, year, safety features, and repair costs of your car all influence vehicle insurance quotes. Generally, sports cars, high-performance vehicles, and vehicles with high theft rates will be more expensive to insure.
  • Your Coverage Selection: The type and amount of coverage you choose will directly impact your premium. Opting for higher liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage will increase your rate compared to just minimum coverage. It will benefit your finances to compare the most affordable car insurance in Florida.
  • Your Credit History: In Florida, car insurance companies are allowed to consider your credit score when calculating your rates. Studies have shown a correlation between good credit history and responsible driving habits, so a higher credit score can lead to lower car insurance costs.
 

Getting a speeding ticket can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to mean a dramatic increase in your car insurance cost in Florida. By understanding the timeline for the ticket appearing on your record, when and how your auto insurance will rate you the potential consequences, and ways to mitigate them, you can make informed decisions. Remember, maintaining a clean driving record and comparing cheap car insurance quotes from different insurance companies are the best ways to ensure you get the best possible inexpensive car insurance.