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Wisconsin is known for its cheese, but a single speeding ticket can quickly poke more holes in your budget than a slice of Swiss, thanks to higher insurance rates. Fortunately, with a little effort, you may be able to smooth out your finances like a creamy brie by shopping for a new provider, taking advantage of discounts and committing to safe driving to offset the hike to your insurance premium after a speeding ticket in Wisconsin.
How much is a speeding ticket in Wisconsin?
Speeding is a traffic infraction that insurance providers take seriously. It signals a higher risk of future accidents, prompting providers to offset this assumed risk by charging higher premiums for the policyholder.
According to average rates in November 2024 provided by Quadrant Information Services, Wisconsin drivers who receive a speeding ticket may see their annual insurance premiums increase by 21 percent from $1,869 to $2,253 for full coverage and by 18 percent from $442 to $520 for minimum coverage.
According to the Department of Transportation, Wisconsin speeding ticket fines and rates typically range between $200 and $800, depending on the speed the driver was going and where the ticket was issued. Your license could also be suspended based on the number of demerit points assigned to your speeding ticket, which depends on severity and past violations.
The cheapest car insurance for Wisconsin drivers with a speeding ticket
When choosing a car insurance company after receiving a speeding ticket in Wisconsin, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you get the best rate and coverage. Different insurers weigh traffic violations differently, so shopping around can help you find a more affordable option. Additionally, consider the company’s customer service, claims process and available discounts to get the best overall value.
Below are the five cheapest car insurance companies for Wisconsin drivers with a speeding ticket, based on November 2024 rate data we analyzed from Quadrant Information Services:
| Company | Full coverage rate in WI before speeding ticket* | Full coverage rate in WI after speeding ticket* | % difference after speeding ticket |
| Geico | $1,179 | $1,332 | 13% |
| Travelers | $1,025 | $1,369 | 34% |
| USAA | $1,280 | $1,429 | 12% |
| Rural Mutual | $1,351 | $1,497 | 11% |
| Hastings Mutual | $1,107 | $1,519 | 37% |
| *Rates are avg. annual rates |
What to do after a speeding ticket in Wisconsin
Does insurance go up for a speeding ticket? Almost certainly, yes. But you may still be able to lower your rate. Drivers with less-than-perfect driving records have options, but a little extra research may be needed to find the lowest rates.
Get quotes from other car insurance companies
Insurance companies use unique algorithms to assess drivers’ risk levels and set premiums. This is why rates can vary widely between carriers, including after receiving a speeding ticket. For instance, the average cost of full coverage car insurance from Geico after a speeding ticket in Wisconsin is $1,332 per year, while the average rate from Hastings Mutual is $1,519. By comparing quotes from different insurers, you can hopefully find the best price for the coverage you need.
Look for discounts
Just about every major insurance carrier offers car insurance discounts. Some popular discounts include bundling policies, multi-vehicle rewards, loyalty discounts, discounts for owning a home and more. Spend a few minutes to check your current or potential carrier for eligible discounts. You might find additional savings by qualifying for a new discount.
Find out if your insurance provider or potential carrier offers any of these popular discounts:
- Student discount: Earn a discount by maintaining good grades.
- Young driver discount: Drivers between 16 and 25 can earn a discount by completing a new driver program through their insurer.
- Defensive driving discount: Complete an approved defensive driving course to earn a discount.
- Safe driving discount: Enroll in your provider’s telematics program to track and report your safe driving habits in exchange for a discount.
- Low-mileage discount: Drivers who drive infrequently can save on their premiums.
- Safety feature discounts: Get a discount if your vehicle is equipped with safety features like anti-lock brakes, airbags and more.
- Anti-theft discounts: Earn a discount if your vehicle has an electronic recovery system, GPS tracking, alarms and more.
- Billing discounts: Some providers offer a discount for paying the premium in full, paying online, or signing up for automatic payments.
Consider the car you drive
Getting a different car may not be the most practical way to save money, but the make and model of your vehicle has a significant impact on your rates. Some vehicles are cheaper to insure due to having more safety features, cheaper parts or a lower likelihood of accidents. If your budget is particularly tight after a speeding ticket, a different car could help you free up some money.
Frequently asked questions
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There is not a single best car insurance company since car insurance premiums are highly individualized. However, comparing quotes from multiple providers is the best way to find affordable car insurance after a speeding ticket. You can see which provider offers the best price, coverage and discounts. Shopping around also allows you to read reviews and learn about each company’s reputation for customer service.
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You aren’t legally required to tell your provider, but the insurance provider will find out when it’s time to renew your policy. The company might even backdate the rate increase and charge you, even though you didn’t tell them after you got the ticket. If you plan on shopping for new car insurance, you must disclose any tickets when you request a quote or sign a new policy.
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The cheapest car insurance company will vary by driver, especially if you have a speeding ticket on your record. While some insurers sharply increase rates for speeders, others are more lenient. That’s why it’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple companies after a speeding ticket in Wisconsin to avoid overpaying.
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A speeding ticket may always appear on your official record, but it shouldn’t affect your insurance for more than a few years. Most insurance companies charge for tickets for three to five years, although the time period varies by carrier and state. Once the ticket is old enough, your rates may go down, assuming you were able to keep a clean driving record during that time.
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Insurance companies tend to charge higher premiums for riskier drivers to make up for the increased likelihood of having to pay out a claim. If you get a speeding ticket, you may be classified as high-risk and viewed as more likely to get into an accident and file a claim in the future.
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze November 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base) and single speeding ticket.
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