Reader’s Question:

I would like to know how will a speeding ticket I got in West Virginia affect my auto insurance?

Tim

Huntington, WV

How are you today Tim?

It is hard for me to give you a definite answer at this point since each of the insurance company and the different types of moving violations are all taken into account differently.

Your first speeding ticket or moving violation will not impact your insurance, if it does, will not be too much. In general, a speeding ticket only stays on your driver’s record for three years and you will have the chance to redeem yourself onwards and give it a clean record.

Auto insurance companies have different practices when it comes to how they pro-rate your insurance premiums for speeding tickets and moving violations. If ticket was received in the past, some companies will raise your rates but others will consider the severity of the violation when they raise your rates. It is also true that some insurance companies will just raise your rates on a per violation basis, regardless of the severity of the violation.

You will encounter problem when your own insurance lapses and need to apply for a new one in West Virginia. When you apply for auto insurance, you should fully disclose your driving history to the company if asked. Especially for new clients, auto insurance companies pull a driver’s record, but often will ask you before they do so if you have any speeding tickets, collisions or other moving violations. If you conceal any ticket, you will not get insurance with them–they will find your driving record and your insurance claim record, so it’s best to be up front and honest with them when you apply for insurance.