Concerned about insurance increases after a ticket?
If you’ve recently received a speeding ticket or any traffic violation in Missouri, you might be wondering, “Will this affect my insurance?” For drivers in Springfield, Nixa, Ozark, Republic, and Branson, that’s a valid concern.
Insurance companies use your driving record to help calculate rates. A single ticket might not seem like much—but depending on the violation, it could lead to a rate increase, especially if you already have points on your license. Let’s answer the most common questions Missouri drivers have about how tickets affect their auto insurance.
Does a speeding ticket affect insurance in Missouri?
Yes—speeding tickets affect insurance in most cases. Insurance companies often raise rates after a speeding violation, especially if it’s classified as a moving violation. Even one ticket can cause a noticeable rate increase, depending on how far over the speed limit you were driving and your previous record.
The impact tends to be higher if:
- You were driving 15+ mph over the speed limit
- You already have other violations
- You’re under 25 or over 70 years old
- You’re insured with a company that penalizes tickets aggressively
How much will my insurance go up after a ticket?
The average increase in Missouri after a single speeding ticket is around 20–25%. However, the exact increase depends on your insurer and driving history.
A clean driving record might protect you from steep hikes, while multiple traffic tickets could make your premiums spike significantly. Some companies offer ticket forgiveness, but not all.
Does a first speeding ticket affect insurance?
It can—but not always. If this is your first speeding ticket, many insurers may not raise your rates significantly, especially if your record was clean before.
That said, some companies automatically raise rates for any moving violation, and others may do so at your next policy renewal. Always check with your car insurance company to see how they handle first offenses.
When will a speeding ticket show up on insurance?
Typically, a speeding ticket will appear on your driving record shortly after it’s processed by the court—often within a few weeks. Once it’s on your record, your insurance company may see it during:
- Your next renewal cycle
- An annual review of your driving record
- Any time you request new insurance quotes
Do unpaid or non-moving tickets affect insurance?
Unpaid parking tickets or expired plates are non-moving violations, so they usually don’t affect your insurance directly.
However, if unpaid, they can result in:
- Fines and penalties
- License suspension, which will affect insurance rates
- A negative mark that insurers might flag
If the non-moving ticket leads to a license issue, your insurance quotes could go up.
Does a citation go on your insurance record?
If the citation is for a moving violation, like speeding or running a red light, yes—it can appear on your record and influence your insurance rate.
Petty misdemeanors or impeding traffic can sometimes fall into a gray area. Whether they affect your auto insurance depends on:
- The classification of the offense
- Whether points are added to your license
- Your insurance company’s policies
How long does a ticket stay on record for insurance in Missouri?
In Missouri, most traffic violations stay on your driving record for three years. However, insurance companies often look back three to five years when setting rates.
That means:
- A speeding violation from 2 years ago can still impact what you pay today.
- Even after it’s no longer on your record, your insurer may continue factoring it in if you haven’t switched carriers or renewed since the violation.
Can hiring a lawyer help keep insurance costs down?
Yes, working with a traffic ticket lawyer can help you avoid the penalties that drive up insurance costs.
Here’s how:
- They may be able to get the charge reduced to a non-moving violation
- They could help you avoid points on your license
- They know how to negotiate with prosecutors to minimize the impact
Especially for drivers in Springfield, Nixa, Republic, or Branson, hiring a local traffic attorney with Missouri-specific experience can make a real difference.
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Your next move could protect your rates—and your record
If you’ve received a traffic ticket and are worried about your insurance rates, take a step back before you just pay the fine.
A single violation might seem small, but it can impact your insurance for years, especially if you already have other traffic violations on record. At MRD Lawyers, we help Missouri drivers fight tickets, reduce penalties, and protect their driving future.
👉 Schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you protect your license—and your wallet.
