How a Speeding Ticket Impacts Your Insurance in West Virginia

According to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, auto insurance in West Virginia costs an average of $915, which is lower than the national average of $1,047.¹ However, this rate increases with traffic violations, which means those caught speeding will pay more for auto insurance.

Take a look at the price differences in some average annual rates we found from West Virginia insurance providers.

Speeding tickets are never enjoyable, especially considering their long-term repercussions on insurance premiums. Fortunately, there are ways you can lower your premium after receiving a speeding ticket.

• Shop around for another auto insurer. Some providers in the industry specialize in offering high-risk auto insurance to all drivers, not just those with a perfect driving record. We encourage you to explore all of your options when it comes to finding a protective and affordable policy.
• Take a defensive driving course. Many auto insurance companies incentivize safe driving with discounts for those who complete defensive driving courses.
• Raise your deductible. Increasing the amount you pay out of pocket before your auto insurance kicks in, or your deductible, often helps reduce your yearly premium.
• Improve your credit. In West Virginia, drivers with good credit pay less for car insurance than those with poor credit. One simple way to improve your score is by paying your bills on time. To learn more about how credit score impacts your monthly premium, check out our page on credit scores and auto insurance.
• Get the minimum coverage. Buying only the state’s minimum mandatory insurance coverage will help you save money. Technically, the only auto insurance coverage you must have in West Virginia is:
  • $25,000 per person or $50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage
  • $25,000 of property damage liability coverage
  • $25,000 of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

West Virginia legislature outlines specific penalties for drivers who violate speed limits.² Review these penalties below:

It’s important to note that the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses a point system to determine the duration of license suspensions for each traffic violation.³ If you receive 12 or more points, you’ll face license suspension.

If you receive a speeding ticket while driving in West Virginia, here is what you should do:

1. Plead guilty and pay the fine. Pleading guilty to your speeding ticket is the easiest route since all you’ll need to do is pay the fine. In some cases, your license may be suspended depending on the severity of your ticket and your driving record. In the event of license suspension, you can take an approved defensive driving course to lower the number of points on your record.
2. Plead not guilty. You can choose to plead not guilty to your speeding ticket and request a contested hearing by marking the check box on your speeding ticket and mailing it to the court.

In addition to speeding, other traffic violations can cause your auto insurance rates to increase.

Moving Violations

• At-fault accidents: Insurance companies tend to raise your premium if you cause an accident due to increased driver risk.
• DUIs: Like in most U.S. states, driving under the influence in West Virginia results in severe consequences. In West Virginia, a DUI will stay on your driving record for 10 years, which will severely impact your auto insurance rate.

In West Virginia, as in most other U.S. states, auto insurance rates increase with speeding tickets, among other traffic violations. While the state’s average annual insurance cost is only $915 per year, a speeding violation can alter this rate. However, you shouldn’t have to pay for a speeding ticket your whole life. From defensive driving courses to raising your deductibles, multiple avenues exist to reduce the cost of your insurance potentially.