How a Speeding Ticket Impacts Your Insurance in Connecticut

Connecticut car insurance premiums increase by an average of 20 percent after a driver gets a speeding ticket. However, your exact increase could fall above or below that, and prices will differ based on your demographics, ZIP code, and the rest of your driving history. Compare Connecticut rates from multiple companies to see which can give you the lowest auto insurance quote after you’ve been caught speeding.

Now that you have a speeding violation on your record, insurance companies will view you as a high-risk driver, justifying higher rates. But there are ways to lower the cost of auto insurance even after getting a speeding ticket.

1. Buy minimum coverage. The cheapest option is getting the minimum coverage required only, which in Connecticut is as follows:
   • Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000
   • Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000
   • Property damage liability per accident: $25,000
   • Uninsured/underinsured motorist per person: $25,000
   • Uninsured/underinsured motorist per accident: $50,000¹
     But keep in mind that minimum coverage will not cover your property damages or medical payments from accidents you cause. For that, you’d need full coverage, which includes medical payments, comprehensive, and collision coverage.
2. Ask for discounts. Even with a speeding ticket on your record, you can qualify for discounts that can help lower your premium. Talk to your provider and make sure all discounts you’re eligible for are being applied. For example, you might be able to save if your car has certain safety features, you’re a young driver with good grades, or you’re a low mileage driver.
3. Take a senior accident prevention course. Per Connecticut law, senior drivers age 60 and older can take accident prevention courses to receive insurance discounts of at least 5 percent for at least two years.² Make sure you complete the course within one year of applying for the discount.
4. Increasing your deductible. Another way to lower your premiums after a ticket to raise your deductible. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium — though it’s important you’re able to afford the new deductible out of pocket in the event you need to file a claim.
5. Using a telematics program. These programs track your driving habits, such as: braking, what time of day you are driving, and your speed. Safer habits not only lowers your chance of getting a speeding ticket, but also may qualify you for a discount.

If you aren’t happy with your current insurance provider, comparing quotes is easy and free, and it won’t affect your credit score.

Speeding is a traffic infraction in Connecticut, meaning it’s punishable by fines only. See below for the fines by speed, but keep in mind that these don’t include fines for trucks on state highways.³

If you’re driving on a multiple-lane, limited-access highway, you can get fined based on your actual speed as opposed to how many miles per hour over the limit you were going.

For speeding teen drivers age 16 to 17 who drive 20 miles per hour or more over the limit, the police will seize their license or permit for 48 hours and could even impound their vehicle.⁴

Once you receive a speeding ticket, you must respond to it by the answer date listed on the citation. If you don’t, the DMV will suspend your license, and you’ll owe an additional $60 on top of your fines. Plus, the prosecutor will charge you with“failure to pay or plead” and will issue a warrant for your arrest. Below are your response options.

Pay the Ticket

For most people, paying for the ticket is the easiest route. You can do so in one of two ways:

• Online: https://www.jud2.ct.gov/CIBEpay/EnterTicket
• Mail: Pay by check or money order, which should include your ticket number and be made payable to “Clerk of Superior Court.” Send it, along with your ticket, to the following address:
  • Centralized Infractions Bureau
  • P.O. Box 5044
  • Hartford, Connecticut 06102-5044

Paying the ticket means you’re pleading no contest, which means you’re neither admitting nor denying the charges. Legally, however, it’s similar to a guilty plea.

Speeding isn’t the only traffic violation that can lead to higher insurance rates in Connecticut. Here is just a sample of other violations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Code:

• Driving without insurance
• Driving without a license
• Negligent homicide
• Traveling unreasonably fast
• Slow speed
• Reckless driving
• Failing to stop when signaled by a police officer
• Operating while intoxicated
• Passing⁵

On average, a speeding ticket in Connecticut will increase your insurance by 20 percent. If you do get a ticket, State Farm, USAA (if you qualify), and GEICO offer some of the best auto insurance in Connecticut. To lower your rates, consider adjusting your deductible, inquiring about discounts, or signing up for a telematics program.