How a speeding ticket affects your insurance in Massachusetts
Avoiding speeding is a great way to save money on auto insurance in Massachusetts. According to a 2023 Bankrate study, the average cost of auto insurance in Massachusetts before a speeding ticket is $1,262. After a speeding ticket, the average price is $1,668, an increase of 32 percent. This is because speeding can increase your risk of getting into an accident, and insurance companies increase your premium in response to the increased risk. To avoid unnecessary increases in your car insurance, it is important to understand how a speeding ticket can affect your car insurance rates in Massachusetts.
How much is a speeding ticket in Massachusetts?
How much does a speeding ticket cost in Massachusetts? Although there are some general guidelines in Massachusetts law, the exact price of your ticket will depend on the circumstances.
Massachusetts charges $50 plus $10 for each mile exceeding the speed limit, plus an additional $50 flat fee. If you are cited for going 50 mph (mph) in a 35 mph zone, you will likely have to pay a $200 fine plus a $50 flat fee for the $250.
Furthermore, Massachusetts employs the Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP), which is a points-based system that measures good and bad driving habits. However, insurance companies are not required to use the system. A speeding ticket in Massachusetts can be considered a minor traffic violation and will usually add two points to your SDIP record. However, the exact number of points may depend on your speed. A higher rate of speed can be considered more dangerous and therefore a different rating.
How much does a speeding ticket add to your car insurance in Massachusetts?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding killed 31,785 people in the first nine months of 2022. While speeding is only one factor in traffic fatalities, it also makes roads less safe by increasing the likelihood of accidents. Because speeding is considered dangerous behaviour, auto insurance companies usually raise your premiums accordingly if you have one or more speeding tickets in Massachusetts.
Average annual full coverage premium
Price before speeding ticket price increase after speeding ticket % increase
$1,262 $1,668 32%
According to Bankrate Research, the average cost of auto insurance in Massachusetts increases by 32 percent after a speeding ticket. This is higher than the national average increase of 21 percent. However, the increase you see may be more or less depending on the severity of your speeding ticket and other personal factors, as well as your previous driving record.
How to Reduce Your Car Insurance After Getting a Speeding Ticket
Although you will likely see your premiums go up after getting a speeding ticket, you can lower your bill. Knowing what methods to use to get affordable insurance can help you better prepare for the financial loss of a referral.
Get quotes from other auto insurance companies.
Shopping for and getting quotes from the top Massachusetts auto insurance companies can help you find the lowest rates. Most providers charge extra for speeding tickets, but some don't charge as exorbitantly as others. The table below shows the average cost of car insurance before and after a speeding ticket from some of the major auto insurance companies in Massachusetts.
Average annual full coverage premium
Insurance company Before speeding ticket After speeding ticket Increase %
Amica $1,392 $1,662 19%
Geico $1,080 $1,211 12%
Progressive $2,003 $2,657 33%
State Farm $608 $698 15%
Travelers $2,042 $2,677 31%
*Premiums are the average annual full coverage premiums for those 40+.
When shopping for auto insurance, you'll want to pay close attention to customer satisfaction scores (such as from J.D. Power), financial strength ratings (such as AM Best) and online customer reviews. They can help you determine if the company meets your needs.
Increase your discount rate
If you have full coverage, you will have a comprehensive deductible and a collision deductible. This auto insurance deductible is the amount you would pay out of pocket if you made a claim for damage to your car. If you're willing to pay the bulk of the claim, you can increase one or both of your liabilities, which usually lowers your premium. Just make sure you can afford the discount level you choose.
Take advantage of the discount
Most providers offer a variety of auto insurance discounts. You can save by doing away with paperwork, paying outright, or adding some safety features to your car. One of the biggest discounts is the pooling discount, which saves you money when you insure two different types of policies with one company. The most common package is home and auto, but you can also save if you bundle auto and renters insurance or add other product lines such as life or pet insurance.
Check out IT software
Many auto insurance companies are now launching telematics programs to give drivers more influence over their auto insurance policies. This type of software collects and analyzes driving habits such as speeding and braking, as well as when the driver is on the road and how many miles they drive during each trip. The safer the driver, the lower his rates are likely to be. On the other hand, the driver's insurance rates can also increase if he is driving recklessly.
Consider your car
The make and model of your car affects how much you pay for car insurance. Some cars are more expensive to repair or replace or are more accident prone and therefore more expensive to insure. While getting a different car may not be the most practical way to lower your insurance premiums, it can be an option if you are already shopping for a different car.
Other considerations for speeding
Massachusetts doesn't take speed seriously. If you get three or more speeding tickets within a 12-month period, your license can be suspended. In Massachusetts, speeding tickets can have consequences. No matter how many speeding tickets you receive or how often, you will face a fine and may need to appear in court.
0 Comments