Speeding ticket/3 demerit pts - how much insurance premium increase?

[royaljelly]

Hey Guys,

My wife was caught speeding (driving 73 in a 50 school zone). Ticket is for $111+ and 3 demerit points.

We really don't have the time to go all the way downtown or whever the courts are to fight the ticket, so just wondering how much will insurance co. typically raise your premiums? This is her first ever driving offence. I think she's paying about $1600 per year on insurance right now.

One other person mentioned that not all insurance co. check driving records each year, is that right? And if they do increase the premium, does it only stay on your record for 3-5 years?

BTW, I'm located in Toronto.

Thanks.

[madrukus]

i dont think you're gonna wanna just accept the ticket hoping that they dont check. hire one of those companies if you dont have the time to go yourself. i've had three tickets so far (145 in a 100, 70 in a 50, and 130 in a 100) STOPP got me off all of them. (no points no fine, NO INSURANCE RATE HIKE!) personally i dont think anyone should ever just pay a ticket, theres so much chance to get out of it.

[diabolical7]

i think u'll be better off to fight it... but probably i'd be looking at a 50-70% increase

[warpdrive]

1 ticket should not affect your premiums. Most insurance policies (except ones that are reduced for perfect driving records)

It's still worth it to fight it, because it stays on your record for 3 years typically.

[jerryhung]

Tickets stay for 3 years

My last speeding ticket May 2005 didn't increase my premimum at all (130 on 401)

Insurance companies don't always check annually, they do random checks, or when you have major changes (like moving, passing 25, etc..)

i dont think you're gonna wanna just accept the ticket hoping that they dont check. hire one of those companies if you dont have the time to go yourself. i've had three tickets so far (145 in a 100, 70 in a 50, and 130 in a 100) STOPP got me off all of them. (no points no fine, NO INSURANCE RATE HIKE!) personally i dont think anyone should ever just pay a ticket, theres so much chance to get out of it.

And how much did you pay to STOPP? I'm sure they don't work for free

[gilboman]

Tickets stay for 3 years

My last speeding ticket May 2005 didn't increase my premimum at all (130 on 401)

Insurance companies don't always check annually, they do random checks, or when you have major changes (like moving, passing 25, etc..)



And how much did you pay to STOPP? I'm sure they don't work for free

you should always fight it because if you don't...you used up your freebie and the next one will increase in a raise. thus you need to always fight your tickets. i'm not sure about STOPP..but typically a ticket fighting place charges around 300 to fight a ticket which is peanuts compared to rise in premiums if you get a second one.

[TrevorK]

Since you don't say where you're located; in Alberta 1 minor ticket will not cause an increase in insurance.

[madrukus]

And how much did you pay to STOPP? I'm sure they don't work for free

it was around $300 and change i think. was a good move for me cuz they re-evaluated my coverage at the end of that year (4 months later)

[sshe11]

I really think you should fight the ticket ...

[nsr250]

Even a minor ticket will increase your insurance by at least 5%. If you do go to those ticket fighting cases MOST of the time they just get your ticket reduced to a minor and consider it a win. But you're insurance will still raise.

[Shaner]

Even a minor ticket will increase your insurance by at least 5%. If you do go to those ticket fighting cases MOST of the time they just get your ticket reduced to a minor and consider it a win. But you're insurance will still raise.

For most people, one ticket will not cause your premiums to increase. I have one speeding ticket from almost 2 years ago, my insurance company knows about and they didn't raise my rates. They told me I get one freebie, as do most people.

[nsr250]

For most people, one ticket will not cause your premiums to increase. I have one speeding ticket from almost 2 years ago, my insurance company knows about and they didn't raise my rates. They told me I get one freebie, as do most people.

It all depends what company you're with too. My insurance company were jerks , I got my first minor ticket and they auctomatically surcharged 5%. I switched to another company now though.

[ProfessorChaos]

just fight it...

and this teaches a lesson not to speed in a school zone...

let me tell you from personal experience....a friend of mine was hit by a speeding car while crossing the street on his bike(in front of the school in the school zone area)....the driver acted as if it wasn't his fault....even though my friend basically flew over the car on impact and landed behind the car on his face...police report said the driver was going about 85 in the 40 school zone....all i visited my friend a few days after the incident....it wasn't pretty...a broken leg and black bruises everywhere with 5 knocked out teeth....it could have been much worse

[royaljelly]

Thanks for all the replies thus far...

I've also heard that any combination of 2 offences within one "household" will also raise your entire family's premiums (eg. 2 speeding tickets, 2 car accidents, etc). Thus, if my wife gets one and I get one later on, then are we both affected? Is this true with some insurance co.?

If so, I better well fight it then.

[Sampras5211]

To The Op. Here Is Your Answer. Why Not Call Your Insurance Broker Re: Premium Increase And Ask The Question. Problem Solved>