Does a Speeding Ticket Increase Your Car Insurance in California?

You just got a speeding ticket in California. Now you're probably wondering:

Is my car insurance going to go up?

The answer is: it can.

A speeding conviction can affect your driving record and potentially your car insurance premium. But how much your rate may change depends on several factors, including the violation, your driving history, your insurance company, and other rating factors.

The important thing to know is that one speeding ticket doesn't mean you're stuck paying the same higher rate everywhere.

Different insurance companies may offer different rates for drivers with tickets—which is why comparing auto insurance quotes can be especially important after a traffic violation.

At eWay Insurance, we help California drivers compare auto insurance options from multiple insurance carriers, including drivers with speeding tickets, accidents, previous insurance lapses, and other difficult driving records.

Already Have a Speeding Ticket? Compare Your Rate.

Don't automatically assume your current insurance company is your best option.

Get a car insurance quote online with eWay Insurance, call us at (323) 749-5400, or visit one of our Los Angeles-area offices.

You can shop from home or speak directly with a licensed insurance agent.

Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Car Insurance in California?

It can.

In California, a conviction for a moving traffic violation can be placed on your DMV driving record. A typical speeding conviction can result in a point on your driving record.

Insurance companies may consider your driving record when determining your auto insurance premium.

That means a speeding ticket could result in a higher insurance premium, depending on your individual circumstances and the insurance company's approved rating rules.

However, there isn't one universal amount that every California insurance company adds after a speeding ticket.

This is one reason shopping around after a ticket can be so important.

How Much Does Insurance Go Up After a Speeding Ticket in California?

There isn't one percentage or dollar amount that applies to every California driver.

The impact of a speeding ticket on your car insurance can depend on factors such as:

• Your previous driving record
• The type of violation
• How many tickets or accidents you have
• Your insurance company
• Your vehicle
• Your coverage
• Your annual mileage
• Other applicable rating factors

A driver with one ticket and an otherwise clean driving record may have a very different insurance situation than someone with several violations or accidents.

And because insurance companies can price drivers differently, the company that was competitive for you before your ticket may not necessarily remain the best option afterward.

Did Your Insurance Go Up After a Ticket?

Before accepting a higher renewal premium, compare your options.

Shop for a quote online with eWay Insurance or call (323) 749-5400 and let one of our agents help you compare available rates.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Driving Record in California?

According to the California DMV, traffic convictions generally remain on a driver's record for 36 months or longer, depending on the type of conviction.

The DMV also states that most traffic convictions other than certain more serious two-point violations are reported for three years from the violation date.

That doesn't mean every ticket affects every insurance policy in exactly the same way for the entire period.

Your actual insurance premium depends on the insurance carrier, the type of violation, your overall driving history, and other applicable factors.

Is a Speeding Ticket One Point in California?

Many common speeding convictions are one-point violations in California.

The California DMV lists speeding under Vehicle Code §22348(a), for example, as a one-point conviction.

More serious traffic violations can carry additional consequences, so the exact violation on your citation matters.

If you're unsure what's appearing on your driving record, you can request your driver record directly from the California DMV.

Can Traffic School Keep a Speeding Ticket From Affecting Your Insurance?

In some situations, traffic school may help.

According to the California DMV, if you receive an eligible one-point traffic violation, a judge may allow you to attend traffic violator school so the citation is not reported to your insurance company, although it remains on your driving record.

The DMV states that this option can generally be used once within an 18-month period, subject to eligibility.

Not every violation or driver qualifies, so you should verify your eligibility with the court handling your citation.

If you're eligible for traffic school, completing it properly could be particularly important from an insurance standpoint.

Will One Speeding Ticket Make You Lose Your California Good Driver Discount?

Not necessarily.

California has special rules regarding Good Driver eligibility.

According to the California Department of Insurance, a qualifying Good Driver generally must have been licensed for at least three consecutive years and have no more than one point on their driving record, along with meeting the other eligibility requirements.

California law requires insurers to offer qualifying Good Drivers rates that are at least 20% lower than the rates the same insurer would otherwise charge a comparable non-Good Driver.

So, depending on your complete driving record and circumstances, one point does not automatically mean you lose California Good Driver status.

Multiple violations, accidents, or other circumstances can change the situation.

What If You Already Had a Ticket or Accident?

This is where comparison shopping becomes even more important.

If you already had a point on your driving record and receive another ticket, your insurance situation may be different from that of a driver receiving their first violation.

But don't assume that means affordable car insurance is impossible.

Insurance companies don't necessarily offer the same price to every driver.

At eWay Insurance, we work with drivers with many different types of driving records, including customers with:

• Speeding tickets
• Multiple traffic violations
• Accidents
• Insurance lapses
• Suspended licenses
• SR-22 requirements
• No previous insurance
• Clean driving records

Instead of assuming you're stuck with a high premium, compare your options.

Can I Switch Car Insurance Companies After Getting a Speeding Ticket?

Yes, you can shop for another insurance company even if you have a speeding ticket on your driving record.

And if your current premium increased significantly, comparing quotes may be worth considering.

However, make sure you accurately answer questions about your driving history when applying for insurance. Insurance companies may obtain reports used to verify the information provided on your application.

Most importantly, don't cancel your current policy until you know when your replacement coverage will become effective. You want to avoid creating an unintended lapse in insurance coverage.

How Can I Find Cheaper Car Insurance After a Speeding Ticket?

Start by comparing multiple insurance companies.

A ticket may affect your premium, but that doesn't mean every insurance company will offer you the exact same rate.

When comparing quotes, consider more than just the monthly payment. Review:

• Liability limits
• Comprehensive and collision coverage
• Deductibles
• Available discounts
• Optional coverages
• Down payment and payment options
• Total policy premium

The cheapest quote isn't necessarily the best policy if it leaves you without coverage you actually need.

The goal is to find the right combination of price, coverage, and service for your situation.

Why Shop for Car Insurance With eWay Insurance?

Getting a speeding ticket is frustrating enough. Shopping for insurance afterward shouldn't have to be.

At eWay Insurance, California drivers have options.

Option 1: Shop for Car Insurance Online

Don't have time to call or visit an office?

Start your quote online.

eWay Insurance allows customers to compare available auto insurance options online, making it easier to shop for coverage from your phone or computer.

If an eligible policy is available for online purchase, you may be able to complete the process online without having to visit an insurance office.

Option 2: Call an eWay Insurance Agent

Prefer having someone help you?

Call (323) 749-5400 and speak with one of our licensed insurance agents.

We can help you compare available insurance options and explain your coverage choices.

Option 3: Visit an eWay Insurance Office

Prefer doing things face-to-face?

Visit one of our Los Angeles-area eWay Insurance offices and let our team help you shop for coverage in person.

Online. By phone. In person. You choose how you want to get insured.

Don't Let One Speeding Ticket Stop You From Shopping Around

A speeding ticket can affect your car insurance in California, but it doesn't mean you should simply accept whatever price you're offered at your next renewal.

Your driving record is only part of the picture, and rates can vary among insurance companies.

If your premium increased after a speeding ticket—or you're simply wondering whether you're paying too much—compare your options before you renew.

Get a California Car Insurance Quote Today

Whether you have a clean driving record, one speeding ticket, multiple tickets, an accident, or a more complicated driving history, eWay Insurance can help you explore available options.

Ready to See What You Could Pay?

Get a quote online with eWay Insurance and compare available options from home.

Prefer to talk to someone?

Call eWay Insurance at (323) 749-5400.

Prefer face-to-face service?

Visit one of our Los Angeles-area offices.

Online. Phone. In person. eWay makes it easier to shop for California car insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Speeding Tickets and Car Insurance in California

Does one speeding ticket raise your insurance in California?

It can. A speeding conviction may affect your driving record and insurance premium. The actual impact depends on the violation, your driving history, insurance carrier, and other rating factors.

How many points is a speeding ticket in California?

Many common speeding convictions are one-point violations. More serious violations may have different consequences, so check the specific violation on your citation.

How long does a speeding ticket affect your driving record in California?

The California DMV states that traffic convictions generally remain on a driving record for 36 months or longer depending on the conviction. Most traffic convictions other than certain two-point violations are reported for three years.

Can traffic school prevent a speeding ticket from affecting my insurance?

For an eligible one-point violation, a court may allow you to attend traffic violator school so the citation isn't reported to your insurance company. Eligibility rules apply.

Can I still get affordable car insurance with a speeding ticket?

Potentially. Rates vary depending on the driver and insurance carrier. Comparing quotes from multiple companies can help you determine what options are available.

Can I change insurance companies after getting a speeding ticket?

Yes. Having a speeding ticket doesn't prevent you from shopping for another auto insurance company. Make sure any new coverage is effective before canceling your existing policy.

Can I get car insurance online if I have a ticket?

Available options depend on your driving history and the insurance carrier's eligibility requirements. eWay Insurance allows customers to start comparing auto insurance options online, and eligible customers may be able to purchase coverage online.

Should I compare insurance rates after getting a speeding ticket?

It can be a good idea, especially if your current premium increased. Comparing carriers allows you to see whether another available policy offers a better combination of price and coverage.

Insurance rates, eligibility, discounts, underwriting requirements, and online purchasing availability vary by insurance company and individual circumstances. This article provides general information and is not legal advice.