Car insurance after a ticket or accident: how much it rises and how to pay less
A ticket or an accident usually raises your car insurance at your next renewal, but how much depends a lot on the insurer. One analysis found average increases of about 34% after a speeding ticket and 53% after an at-fault accident (Insurance.com). Comparing insurers is the best way to soften the hit.
How much rates usually go up
Average increases for a sample driver (Insurance.com):
| Violation | Average increase |
|---|---|
| Speeding 11–29 mph over | about 34% |
| Speeding 30+ mph over | about 39% |
| At-fault accident (over $2,000 damage) | about 53% |
| Reckless driving | about 82% |
| First DUI | about 90% |
These are averages for one sample driver profile. Your increase depends on your state, record and insurer. The increase usually shows up when your policy renews, not right away (Insurance.com).
How long it affects your price
Insurers typically raise premiums for at least three years after an at-fault accident, depending on how serious it was and your state's rules (Insurify, citing Triple-I). A not-at-fault accident can raise rates too, but usually by less (Insurify).
Ways to pay less
- Compare several insurers. Increases vary a lot by company, so get four or five quotes (Insurify).
- Ask about a defensive driving course. It may earn a discount that offsets part of the increase (Insurify).
- Consider a higher deductible, if you could afford it after a claim (Insurify).
- Look into accident forgiveness for the future. Some insurers offer it, but it usually has to be on your policy before an accident (Insurify).
- Ask about every discount, such as paid-in-full, bundling or safe-driving apps (Texas Department of Insurance).
If a serious violation led to a license suspension, you may also need an SR-22.
Common questions
Will one speeding ticket raise my insurance?
Often yes, at your next renewal. One analysis found an average increase of about 34% for speeding 11–29 mph over the limit (Insurance.com), though some insurers charge much less.
Does an accident that wasn't my fault raise my rate?
It can, but the increase is usually smaller than for an at-fault accident (Insurify).
Should I switch insurers after a ticket?
It's worth comparing. Because insurers weigh tickets and accidents differently, another company may charge you less.
Sources
Official:
Insurance publications:
- Insurance.com: how much car insurance goes up after an accident or ticket
- Insurify: how much car insurance goes up after an accident
General information only, not insurance, legal, or financial advice. Rules and prices vary by state and insurer; check your official notice.