I got a ticket for 85 in a 65 in my modified WRX. I paid the fine and moved on. Six months later, my renewal arrived: my premium jumped from $1,800 to $3,200. The combination of a “High Performance Vehicle” classification and a “Moving Violation” triggered a massive risk multiplier in the algorithm.
Key Takeaways
- The Multiplier Effect: A ticket in a Camry raises rates by 20%. A ticket in a “Sports/Performance” car raises rates by 50-80%.
- “High Risk” Tier: One serious speeding ticket can bump you out of the “Preferred” tier and into the “High Risk” (Non-Standard) tier.
- Telematics Trap: If you use a “Safe Driver” dongle (Snapshot, DriveSafe) to save money, and you speed, you are handing them the evidence to hike your rate.
- Defensive Driving: Taking a course is the only way to mitigate the damage.
The “Why” (The Trap): Actuarial Risk Profiling
Insurers group drivers.
Group A: Minivan, Speeding Ticket. (Mom in a rush).
Group B: Modified Turbo Car, Speeding Ticket. (Street Racer).
Group B is statistically 10x more likely to have a total loss claim. The algorithm punishes you accordingly.
[IMAGE: Chart showing “Premium Increase %” for a Speeding Ticket: Camry (22%) vs. Mustang GT (65%)]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked agents about the impact of a ticket.
1. State Farm
- Impact: They look at “Accident Free” discounts. The ticket removes the “Safe Driver” discount (often 20-30%), effectively raising the rate significantly.
2. Progressive
- Impact: They surcharge for the violation for 3 years (36 months).
3. Traffic Lawyer
- Advice: “Never pay the ticket immediately. Hire a lawyer to plead it down to ‘Non-Moving’ (like a parking violation). It costs $300 but saves $3,000 in insurance premiums.”
Comparison Table
| Violation | Rate Hike (Standard Car) | Rate Hike (Modified Car) | Duration |
| Speeding <15 over | 10-15% | 20-30% | 3 Years |
| Speeding >20 over | 20-30% | 50-80% | 3-5 Years |
| Reckless Driving | 50% | Drop/Cancel | 5-7 Years |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Fight Every Ticket: Even if you are guilty. You are fighting the points, not the fine. Pleading to “Improper Equipment” (non-moving) saves your insurance.
- Check Your Tier: If your renewal doubles, shop around. Another carrier might not weigh the ticket as heavily.
- Drop Telematics: If you drive a fast car, unplug the tracker. The discount isn’t worth the data mining risk.
- Take a Class: Many states allow you to wipe points by taking an online defensive driving class. Do it.
FAQ Section
Does a warning affect insurance?
No. Only convictions/paid tickets appear on your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record).
How often do they check?
Usually every renewal (6 months or 1 year). If you get a ticket today, the rate hike hits at the next renewal.
Does a “Modified Exhaust” ticket count?
Usually a non-moving violation. No insurance impact. But “Exhibition of Speed”? Massive impact.