TL;DR: Speeding in Illinois can lead to significant increases in car insurance premiums – often 20–25% higher for a first speeding ticket. Tickets stay on your record for up to five years, and the surcharge can last for 3–5 years. While standard auto insurance typically covers accidents caused by speeding, extreme speeding may jeopardize a claim.
If you need help finding affordable coverage after a speeding ticket, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060.
How Much Does a Speeding Ticket Increase Your Insurance in Illinois?
A single speeding ticket in Illinois can increase your auto insurance premium by about 20–30% on average. For example, the average cost for full coverage insurance in Illinois is $2,135 annually, but after one speeding ticket, this increases to about $2,671 (a 25% increase). Minimum-liability policies also see a similar rise, from $610 to $769 on average.
Table: Average Annual Illinois Car Insurance Premiums Before and After a Speeding Ticket
| Coverage Type | Clean Record (avg/yr) | After 1 Speeding Ticket (avg/yr) |
| Full Coverage | $2,135 | $2,671 (+25%) |
| Minimum Coverage | $610 | $769 (+26%) |
Why Do Rates Go Up After a Speeding Ticket?
Insurers raise rates because a speeding violation suggests higher risk. Statistically, drivers with speeding violations are more likely to be involved in accidents. The increase can last 3–5 years, as insurance companies tend to review your driving history for at least this long.
- Minor vs. Major Speeding: If you were only slightly over the speed limit, some insurers might not raise your rate by much. However, significant speeding (e.g., 20+ mph over the limit) will more likely result in a larger premium increase.
- Aggravated Speeding Offenses: In Illinois, speeding 26+ mph over the limit is a Class B misdemeanor, and 35+ mph over the limit is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries hefty fines and jail time. These offenses can significantly increase your premium, and some insurers may categorize you as a high-risk driver.
It’s also important to note that speeding tickets can revoke “safe driver” or “accident-free” discounts, making your insurance more expensive. However, some insurers offer “ticket forgiveness” programs, which may allow your first speeding ticket to go unnoticed if you have a clean record.
How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Illinois?
In Illinois, a speeding ticket typically remains on your driving record for up to 5 years. However, most insurers only look at the last 3 years when assessing premiums for minor violations like a basic speeding ticket.
Situations That Extend the Impact of a Ticket:
- Multiple or Severe Offenses: If your speeding was extreme or you accumulated multiple violations, it may be treated as reckless driving, which stays on your record longer and has a bigger insurance impact.
- Court Supervision: If you receive court supervision for a minor speeding ticket, it may keep the violation off your record, preventing any increase in your insurance rates. Successfully completing traffic school can help remove the ticket’s impact.
In general, expect your premium to remain elevated for 3 years after a speeding ticket. After that, if you maintain a clean record, many insurers will gradually lower your rate.
What Happens If You Get Multiple Speeding Tickets in Illinois?
Multiple speeding tickets within a short time can have serious consequences:
- License Suspension: Illinois uses a points system for moving violations. If an adult driver accumulates 3 traffic convictions within 12 months, their license will be suspended. For drivers under 21, 2 violations within 24 months can lead to suspension.
- SR-22 Requirement: If your license is suspended due to multiple speeding tickets, you may be required to file an SR-22 certificate to reinstate your license. This is a form filed by your insurer to prove you have the required liability insurance.
- Skyrocketing Insurance Rates: Multiple tickets will cause your rates to increase significantly. Insurers may even refuse to renew your policy. For example, a driver with a clean record may pay $1,500/year, but after two speeding tickets, premiums can jump to $2,500–3,000/year or more.
Reckless Driving Classification:
If your speeding is extreme (e.g., 100+ mph, street racing, etc.), Illinois law may classify it as reckless driving, which can result in a criminal record and extremely high insurance premiums. Insurers will treat such behavior as a serious violation and could classify you as a high-risk driver.
Do Speed Camera Tickets Affect Insurance in Illinois?
No, speed camera tickets do not affect your insurance rates in Illinois. These tickets, which are issued by automated speed enforcement cameras, are treated as civil fines rather than moving violations. They do not add points to your driving record and are not visible to insurers.
However, you should still pay speed camera tickets, as failing to do so can result in additional penalties, such as vehicle registration holds or increased fines. But from an insurance standpoint, camera tickets will not impact your premiums.
Will My Insurance Cover an Accident if I Was Speeding?
Yes, your auto insurance will typically cover an accident caused by speeding, as long as you have a valid policy. Speeding is considered negligence, not an intentional act, so your policy will still cover the damages.
Important Considerations:
- Extreme Misconduct: If you were engaging in reckless driving (e.g., street racing or extreme speeding), the insurer may investigate the claim more closely. In rare cases, if the speeding is considered criminal conduct, the insurer may deny the claim.
- Comparative Fault: If you were speeding and caused an accident, Illinois’ comparative negligence rule may apply. This means you could be assigned partial fault, which would reduce the amount you can claim from the other driver’s insurance. However, your own insurance will still cover the portion of damages you are responsible for.
After an accident, expect your rates to go up, especially if it was a speeding-related at-fault incident. You may also face non-renewal from your insurer, or a significant premium increase at renewal.
How Can I Lower My Car Insurance After a Speeding Ticket in Illinois?
If your premiums have gone up due to a speeding ticket, here are a few ways to mitigate the impact:
- Maintain a Clean Record: Avoid further violations to ensure your rates decrease after a few years.
- Consider Traffic School: Completing a defensive driving course might help reduce points on your record and earn you an insurance discount.
- Ask About Discounts: Some insurers offer discounts for bundling policies, good student discounts, or military discounts, which can offset the premium increase.
- Enroll in a Telematics Program: Usage-based insurance programs can monitor your driving and offer discounts for safe driving habits.
- Shop Around: If your insurer is increasing rates significantly, it might be time to shop for a new one. Insure on the Spot helps Illinois drivers find better coverage and rates, even with a speeding ticket on the record.
- Adjust Your Coverage: As a last resort, reducing your coverage (e.g., dropping comprehensive coverage or raising deductibles) can lower your premiums. Just ensure you don’t underinsure yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much does a speeding ticket raise insurance in Illinois?
A: About 20–25% on average for one ticket in Illinois. This translates to an increase of approximately $500+ per year on a typical full coverage policy.
Q: How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record in Illinois?
A: A speeding ticket remains on your Illinois driving record for up to 5 years. However, most insurers only penalize you for 3 years after a minor offense.
Q: Do speed camera tickets affect insurance in Illinois?
A: No. Speed camera tickets do not affect your insurance rates, as they are considered civil fines and do not go on your driving record.
Q: Will insurance cover an accident if I was speeding?
A: Yes, your insurance will generally cover accidents caused by speeding, provided the speeding wasn’t part of a criminal act (e.g., street racing).
Q: How many speeding tickets before your license is suspended in Illinois?
A: For adult drivers, 3 moving violations within 12 months will result in a license suspension. For drivers under 21, 2 violations within 24 months are enough for suspension.
Get a Quote Today
For more information or to get a quote, contact Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060. We’ll help you navigate your insurance options, even after a speeding ticket!