South Carolina speeding ticket insurance calculator: Estimate your new rates

South Carolina drivers know that getting a traffic ticket can raise their auto insurance premiums. Still, many are surprised by how much a speeding violation can boost those costs. Along with paying fines, drivers face increased insurance rates for several years after receiving a speeding ticket.

The tool at the top of the page will help you estimate your rate increase after a ticket.

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

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, South Carolina motorists with no violations pay $2,009, while those with a speeding ticket pay $2,553.

See rates by company for a speeding ticket below.

CompanyAverage annual premium for clean recordAverage annual premium after a ticket
Auto-Owners$1,475$2,064
State Farm$2,106$2,265
Progressive$1,816$2,441
Travelers$1,949$2,754
Allstate$2,336$3,031
USAA$1,451$1,788

How much does insurance increase after multiple tickets in South Carolina?

A single speeding ticket can increase your auto insurance premiums, but repeated offenses can push those costs up even more. If you rack up multiple speeding tickets within a short time, insurers may label you a high-risk driver, which could force you to purchase more expensive 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
Auto-Owners$1,475$2,064$2,605
Progressive$1,816$2,442$2,820
Travelers$1,949$2,754$2,908
GEICO$2,054N/A*$2,981
Allstate$2,336$3,030$3,340
USAA$1,451$1,788$2,114

Note: * Rate data is not available

How age affects car insurance after a speeding ticket in South Carolina

Younger drivers face much higher auto insurance premiums than older drivers because they have less experience on the road. A speeding ticket signals to insurers that these drivers not only lack experience but also engage in risky behavior. Although insurance costs for new drivers are already high, a speeding violation can raise those rates even further.

This table lists how a speeding ticket impacts auto insurance premiums across different age groups.

AgeAnnual premium with a clean recordAnnual premium after a speeding ticket
Teens$5,861$7,316
Young Adults$2,390$3,135
Adults$2,009$2,707
Seniors$1,878$2,620

How much does a speeding ticket raise insurance in South Carolina cities?

Your location in South Carolina 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 South Carolina. A speeding ticket can raise these rates substantially.

CityAnnual premium with a clean recordAnnual premium after a ticket
Westminster$1,739$2,266
Seneca$1,744$2,274
Hardeeville$1,920$2,488
York$1,920$2,501
Anderson$1,931$2,520
Spartanburg$1,945$2,534
Manning$2,012$2,602
Johnsonville$2,055$2,660
Myrtle Beach$2,042$2,662
Eastover$2,065$2,667

South Carolina speeding ticket options after you are found guilty

After being found guilty of speeding in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina?

Speeding violations generally remain on your South Carolina driving record for two 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 South Carolina?

You can obtain your driving record from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. You may be able to review your driving history online or request a copy in person or by mail.

You will need to provide personal details, including your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and possibly your Social Security number. You may also have to pay a fee to receive a copy of your driving record.

How to reduce car insurance cost after a speeding ticket in South Carolina

  1. Start by strengthening your driving habits. Because most traffic violations stop impacting your insurance premiums within three to five years, you can reduce your rates by avoiding future speeding tickets. Stay alert on the road and follow posted speed limits to prevent additional tickets.
  2. You may also want to take a defensive driving course. Some states let you use these classes to remove points from your driver's license, and many insurance companies provide discounts for completing one.
  3. Ask about any other discounts you might qualify for and combine them to increase your savings. Even if you don't yet meet the requirements for a safe-driving discount, you can still reduce your costs through multi-policy savings, vehicle safety feature discounts, and other available offers.
  4. Talk with your insurance provider to see if it can waive the rate increase for your first offense. While repeated speeding violations will raise your premiums, some companies may offer leniency for a first ticket.
  5. Finally, compare quotes from different auto insurance companies. Each insurer in South Carolina sets its own rates based on factors such as your age, driving history, and credit score. Reviewing several options can help you find the best price for your situation.

"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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