How a Speeding Ticket Impacts Your Insurance in California

You can expect the cost of car insurance in California to increase by about 37 percent with a speeding ticket on your record.

While any moving violation, including a minor traffic ticket, raises premiums, the annual cost of car insurance across all providers will significantly increase with a speeding ticket violation, as you’ll be a higher-risk driver in the eyes of insurance companies.

Clean record vs. speeding ticket: Annual car insurance costs

USAA, GEICO, and AAA (CSAA) have some of the cheapest rates in California after a speeding ticket.

*USAA is only available to military members, veterans, and their families.

1. Attend traffic school. If you attend traffic school, the state will remove a one-point violation from your record. You’ll get a notice from the court if you’re eligible to attend, and you can do this only once per 18-month period. See a list of the state-approved traffic schools in your area.
2. Ask your insurer about discounts. Common discounts that may still apply include: Multi-policy (bundle home/renters + auto), Good student (if applicable), Anti-theft device, Defensive driving (if your insurer offers it), and a Low-mileage discount.
3. Shop around for a new insurance quote. Different insurers rate violations differently, and some companies penalize minor speeding less severely than others. Compare quotes from at least three insurers to find a cheaper rate.
4. Adjust your coverage strategically. Increasing your deductible — for example, from $500  to $1,000) can lower premiums. Removing collision and comprehensive coverages on older vehicles that are fully paid off will also reduce cost. That said, make sure not to underinsure; it’s wise to maintain liability limits above the California minimum.

California sets maximum fines and lengths of license suspensions for driving 100 miles per hour (mph) or faster on highways.²

You may also get points on your record, which will remain there for 36 months or longer. While the speeding ticket is on your record, expect to pay a higher car insurance premium.

You have two options: Pay for the ticket or contest it. But whatever you do, don’t ignore it, as it could lead to harsher penalties.

Pay the Ticket

It’s easiest to pay the ticket online, whether you plead guilty or no contest. While either plea will result in a conviction that will go on your record, with a no contest plea, if someone sues you for speeding, they will have to prove that you were speeding. A guilty plea serves as proof in and of itself.

Contest the Ticket

Your other option is to ask for a trial before the due date on your court notice. In this trial, you’ll be able to bring in witnesses and present evidence to support your claim. The judge will set a fine if they find you guilty.

The trial can occur in one of two ways:

• Written declaration: With a written declaration, you won’t have to come into court physically. Instead, you can explain what occurred in a written statement and request a trial by written declaration.
• Court trial: You can also request a court trial, which can occur either in person or remotely over the phone or video. In a court trial, a lawyer can represent you.

Speeding isn’t the only violation to keep in mind while driving on California roads. Avoid other non-moving and moving violations, such as:

• Driving while using a handheld cell phone (learn more about fines for texting and driving in California)
• Not yielding to pedestrians, bicyclists, or other vehicles who have the right of way
• Not following traffic signals or signs properly
• Improper passing
• Driving under the influence, which will result in you having to carry a California SR-22 form
• Not pulling over for emergency or road work vehicles
• Evading law enforcement
• Reckless driving
• Driving without a license or registration
• Driving without insurance in California

A speeding ticket will raise your rates by an average of 25 percent in California, so it pays to slow down. USAA, GEICO, and AAA (CSAA) have the cheapest rates after a ticket. Attending traffic school, asking about discounts, shopping for a new insurer, and adjusting your coverages are all strategies to lower your premiums after a ticket.