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In 2018, speeding tickets were directly responsible for 193 of the 28,863 crashes reported in Delaware. Not all speeding results in an accident, but there are other consequences besides property damage. A Delaware speeding ticket will cost you fines and penalties, as well as possible license suspension. Another risk is rising auto insurance premiums, with the average cost of auto insurance rising 19% in Delaware, according to Bankrate’s 2021 study of annual listed premiums.
How much does a Delaware speeding ticket cost?
The fine associated with a Delaware speeding ticket varies depending on whether you exceed the speed limit and whether it is your first violation. However, additional ticket fees and court costs can push the total cost of the ticket well above the original fine.
The additional charges can more than triple the amount of the fine for speeding in Delaware.
How Much Does a Speeding Ticket Increase Your Auto Insurance in Delaware?
Fines aren’t the only problem a driver faces with a speeding ticket. Unfortunately, auto insurance premiums can increase with a ticket on your record. The table below uses data from Quadrant Information Services to illustrate the difference a speeding ticket can make on auto premiums.
| Age | Average annual premium for full coverage before speeding tickets | Average annual premium for full coverage after a speeding ticket | % to augment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 year old man | $ 1,723 | $ 2,109 | 22% |
| 40 year old woman | $ 1,828 | $ 2,123 | 16% |
In general, older drivers pay less in premiums because insurance companies see them as less risky. However, a speeding ticket can result in an increase regardless of age or gender, although the severity of the increase may be different.
How to Reduce Your Auto Insurance After Speeding in Delaware
An increase after speeding in Delaware can be expected, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay too much for the premiums. Fortunately, there are several methods to help control fare costs, and maybe even reduce them, even after speeding.
Get quotes from other auto insurance companies
Getting quotes from multiple carriers is one way to find ways to pay less. By getting quotes, you not only see how much an operator would charge, but you might also find that you prefer coverage options with a new insurer. The graph below shows how much the rates vary from one auto insurance company to another, even when the criteria are the same.
| Auto insurance company | Average annual premium for full coverage before a speeding ticket | Average annual premium for full coverage after a speeding ticket | % to augment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $ 2,614 | $ 2,984 | 14% |
| Geico | $ 1,354 | $ 1,864 | 38% |
| Progressive | $ 1,820 | $ 2,342 | 29% |
| Sentinel | $ 4,675 | $ 5,489 | 17% |
| Travelers | $ 1,072 | $ 1,387 | 29% |
* Premiums are the average annual premiums for full coverage for people 40 years of age
Tariffs are certainly a crucial factor when finding a new carrier, but there are other considerations. Finding out about the insurance company’s reputation for customer service, financial strength ratings, and ease of use online or with an app are other important things you may want to include.
View available discounts
Whether you choose a new carrier or stick with your current one, be sure to check out all of the discounts available for your policy. You may be eligible for new vehicles since your last renewal, for example if you bought a new vehicle or took a defensive driving course. Discounts are an easy way to save and can have a big impact on your overall costs.
Increase your deductibles
If you have optional collision insurance and full coverage on your policy, now is the time to review your deductibles. If you increase your deductibles, it means you pay more out of pocket expenses in the event of vehicle damage. However, by taking this risk, you will pay less in premiums.
Other considerations for speeding tickets
In addition to fines and court costs, Delaware uses a points system to assign points for violations. After having accumulated a certain number of points in 12 months, you risk the suspension of your license. For example, if you accumulate 14 points in one year, the result is a four-month license suspension. A speeding ticket ranges from two to five points. If your license is suspended, you pay an additional reinstatement fee of $ 50.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best auto insurance company for drivers with speeding tickets?
Finding the best auto insurance company when you have a speeding ticket on your record is always possible. One of the most effective methods is to compare many carriers with each other and get multiple quotes. You’ll find the one that offers you the best rates, as well as the coverage options you want.
Should I notify my insurer if I receive a speeding ticket in Delaware?
It is not necessary to notify your carrier if you receive a speeding ticket. Most carriers perform driving record reviews during the policy renewal period. Your next renewal is usually when you see the ticket impacting your auto insurance premiums.
Why have my insurance premiums increased after receiving a speeding ticket?
Premium increases are inevitable because insurance companies use risk to determine how much to charge. A driver with a speeding ticket on his record is considered a higher risk driver. The higher the risk for the insurer, the more expensive the premiums will generally be.
Methodology
Bankrate uses Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2021 rates for all zip codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, DC Rates shown are based on 40 year old male and female drivers with a clean driving record , good credit and the following comprehensive coverage limits:
- $ 100,000 liability for bodily injury per person
- $ 300,000 in civil liability for bodily injury per accident
- Civil liability for property damage of $ 50,000 per accident
- $ 100,000 in bodily injury caused by an uninsured motorist per person
- $ 300,000 in uninsured bodily injury per accident to a motorist
- $ 500 collision deductible
- Global deductible of $ 500
To determine the minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets the requirements of each state. Our basic profile drivers own a 2019 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and cover 12,000 miles a year.
Incident: The rates were calculated by evaluating our basic profile with the following incidents applied: clean criminal record (basic) and single speeding ticket.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparison purposes.
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