Will a Speeding Ticket Raise My Insurance in Missouri?

Most drivers worry about the fine. The bigger cost of a Missouri speeding ticket is often what happens to your car insurance afterward. A speeding conviction is a moving violation, and insurers treat moving violations as a sign of higher risk. That can mean a higher premium at renewal, the loss of a good-driver discount, or both, often for several years.

Facing a ticket now? Talk to a speeding ticket attorney about keeping it off your record.

Why a speeding ticket can raise your insurance

Insurance companies check your motor vehicle record when you apply for a policy and, with many carriers, at renewal. When a speeding conviction shows up, the insurer may move you into a higher rating tier. The increase depends on your carrier, your driving history, how fast you were going and whether you have other violations. One minor ticket may cause a small bump or none at all; a second ticket, an excessive speeding conviction or a ticket in a school or work zone can lead to a much larger increase.

Points versus convictions

Missouri assesses points for speeding convictions: 3 points for a violation of state law and 2 points for a violation of a county or city ordinance. Points matter for your license, because 8 or more points in 18 months leads to a suspension. Insurers, however, usually look at the conviction itself, not only the point total. That is why the goal is not just fewer points but keeping the moving violation off your record.

Ways to protect your insurance rates

• Do not just pay the ticket. Paying a speeding ticket is a guilty plea. The conviction is reported and can be seen by your insurer.
• Ask about an amendment. Many Kansas City area prosecutors will consider amending a speeding ticket to a non-moving violation, such as a parking or equipment violation. A non-moving violation carries no points and is generally not treated by insurers like a moving violation.
• Driver improvement program. In some cases a Missouri court may allow a driver improvement program so that points are not assessed. This option is limited to once in 36 months and is not available to commercial driver’s license holders.
• Act before the court date. Options are usually best before you plead or miss a deadline.

What if someone else was driving my car?

A speeding ticket is issued to the driver, not the car, so it goes on the driver’s record. Your insurer may still learn about it if the driver is listed on your policy or lives in your household. Read our answer on what happens to your insurance if someone else drove your car and got a ticket.

Commercial drivers

For CDL holders, the stakes are higher. Federal rules do not allow a CDL holder’s traffic conviction to be masked or deferred, and serious speeding (15 mph or more over the limit) counts toward CDL disqualification. Employers and commercial insurers review these records closely. See commercial drivers and speeding tickets in Missouri.

Related questions

Learn more about getting out of a speeding ticket without hurting your insurance, and about no insurance tickets in Kansas City if you were also cited for not having proof of insurance.

Every case and every insurer is different, and no outcome can be guaranteed. To talk about keeping a speeding ticket off your record, call Speeding Ticket KC at 816-398-8772 for a free quote.