California speeding ticket insurance calculator: Estimate your new rates

California drivers understand that traffic tickets cause auto insurance rates to increase. However, it might surprise you how much a speeding ticket increases rates. In addition to fines, drivers pay higher insurance rates for years after a speeding ticket.

Estimate how much you will pay for insurance after a speeding ticket with the calculator at the top of the page.

How much does your insurance go up after a speeding ticket in California?

If you keep a clean driving record, your first speeding citation typically won't increase your premiums by much. However, multiple speeding offenses can cause your rates to rise sharply. On average, California motorists with no violations pay $2,416, while those with a speeding ticket pay $3,575.

See rates by company for a speeding ticket below.

CompanyAverage annual premium for clean recordAverage annual premium after a ticket
Mercury Insurance$2,031$2,893
GEICO$1,919$2,994
CSAA Insurance (AAA)$2,600$3,299
Progressive$2,179$3,368
Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)$2,466$3,553
Travelers$2,460$3,700
Allstate$2,627$3,808
State Farm$2,701$4,071
Farmers$3,035$4,224
Nationwide$2,799$5,241
USAA$1,827$2,230

How much does insurance increase after multiple tickets in California?

While one speeding ticket increases car insurance rates, multiple tickets cause rates to skyrocket. Additionally, if an excessive number of speeding tickets occur within a short timeframe, you may be labeled a risky driver and need to acquire additional costly coverage.

Every auto insurance company handles traffic violations differently and applies its own pricing for speeding tickets. Some insurers refuse to issue a policy to drivers with multiple violations, which can make their rates appear lower than they would be if they actually provided coverage.

The table below lists the average car insurance premiums for drivers with two speeding tickets from major insurers.

CompanyAnnual premium with a clean recordAverage annual premium after a ticketAverage annual premium after multiple tickets
Progressive$2,179$3,368$3,600
Mercury Insurance$2,031$2,893$3,682
GEICO$1,919$2,994$4,596
Travelers$2,460$3,699$4,799
Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)$2,466$3,552$4,813
Farmers$3,035$4,224$5,558
CSAA Insurance (AAA)$2,600$3,298$6,038
State Farm$2,701$4,071$6,504
Allstate$2,627$3,807$6,769
Nationwide$2,799$5,240$7,026
USAA$1,827$2,229$3,876

How age affects car insurance after a speeding ticket in California

Younger drivers typically pay much higher car insurance rates than older drivers because they lack experience behind the wheel. A speeding ticket shows insurers that not only do they lack experience, but they're also driving recklessly. While insurance rates for inexperienced drivers are high, adding a speeding ticket significantly increases them.

This table shows how much a speeding ticket affects car insurance rates for various age groups.

AgeAnnual premium with a clean recordAnnual premium after a speeding ticket
Teens$6,252$8,854
Young Adults$2,943$4,851
Adults$2,416$3,968
Seniors$2,284$3,733

How much does a speeding ticket raise insurance in California cities?

Your location in California plays a significant role in determining your auto insurance premiums. For instance, drivers in major metropolitan areas often pay more due to heavier traffic and a higher risk of vehicle theft.

Since a speeding ticket raises your rates by a percentage, motorists who already pay higher city premiums will see a much larger increase after getting a ticket.

This table lists auto insurance premiums for different cities in California. A speeding ticket can raise these rates substantially.

CityAnnual premium with a clean recordAnnual premium after a ticket
Portola$2,058$3,032
San Diego$2,324$3,432
Temecula$2,356$3,465
Fresno$2,385$3,525
Sausalito$2,407$3,553
San Jose$2,406$3,558
Irvine$2,502$3,693
Hayward$2,546$3,771
Anaheim$2,572$3,812
Vallejo$2,608$3,867
Sacramento$2,665$3,947
Long Beach$2,681$3,981
San Francisco$2,777$4,108
Oakland$2,802$4,150
Los Angeles$3,149$4,706

California speeding ticket options after you are found guilty

After being found guilty of speeding in California, you have several options, including:

  • Pay the fine. If the court determines you are guilty, you may need to pay the fine immediately. However, many states will help you arrange a payment plan if you cannot pay all at once.
  • Appeal the decision. If you believe you were not speeding, you can contest the court's ruling. An appeal may lead to the case being dismissed or the fine being lowered.
  • Complete a defensive driving course. Many states remove points from your driving record when you finish an approved course, showing that you are taking steps to improve your driving habits.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record in California?

Speeding violations generally remain on your California driving record for three years. Remember that a speeding ticket may be classified as reckless driving if you were going excessively fast or have several prior offenses. In those situations, it may stay on your record for a longer period. It's also important to understand that the time a ticket impacts your insurance premiums often differs from how long it appears on your driving record.

How do you check if you have tickets on your record in California?

You can access your driving record through the California Department of Motor Vehicles. You may be able to see your driving history online or receive a copy in person or through the mail.

You will need personal information, such as name, date of birth, driver's license number, and possibly your social security number. You may also be required to pay a fee to obtain a copy of your driving record.

How to reduce car insurance cost after a speeding ticket in California

  1. Begin by improving your driving habits. Since most traffic violations stop affecting your insurance premiums within three to five years, you can lower your rates by avoiding additional speeding tickets. Stay attentive on the road and follow posted speed limits to prevent future violations.
  2. You may also consider completing a defensive driving course. Some states remove points from your license after completion of these classes, and many insurers offer discounts for finishing one.
  3. Inquire about any additional discounts you may be eligible for and combine them to maximize your savings. Even if you don't yet qualify for a safe-driving discount, you can still cut costs through multi-policy savings, discounts for vehicle safety features, and other available offers.
  4. Then, contact your insurance company to ask about the possibility of waiving the rate increase for your first violation. Although repeated speeding offenses will raise your premiums, some insurers may offer flexibility for a first ticket.
  5. Finally, compare quotes from multiple auto insurance providers. Each insurer in California sets its own pricing based on factors like your age, driving record, and credit history. Reviewing several options can help you secure the best rate for your needs.

"Even with a moving violation on your motor vehicle record, drivers can take advantage of other common discounts to reduce their insurance costs. This includes bundling auto and home or renters insurance with the same insurer, multi-vehicle (having more than one vehicle in the household on the same policy), paying your premium in full, paperless billing, and student and military discounts. Signing up for a usage-based telematics program could also help reduce your insurance costs if you maintain safe driving habits following the infraction," says Friedlander.

We partnered with Quadrant Information Services to field average car insurance rates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.

Unless otherwise indicated, averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

  • Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
  • Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
  • Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
  • 40-year-old driver
  • Honda Accord LX
  • Good credit
  • A clean driving record
  • 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Additional rate data is drawn based on:

  • Ages ranging from 16 to 75
  • One or two speeding tickets

Learn more about our data and methodology.

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