Out-of-State Ticket – Will It Affect My Insurance?
I’m looking for some clarity on how out-of-state tickets impact insurance rates and points. I’d prefer not to ask my insurance company directly.
I have a New York State license but I’m currently insured in New Jersey with Geico. While on a trip to Florida, I received a speeding ticket for going just 6 miles over the limit.
From what I’ve found, Florida tickets typically don’t add points to a New York driver’s license, but the ticket could still be reported to my insurance provider.
I spoke with a reputable attorney in Florida who mentioned they could help get the points waived, but Florida won’t let them turn it into a non-moving violation. So, it would still count as a speeding ticket without points.
If I plead guilty to the speeding ticket with no points added, will my insurance still increase, or is my only option to contest the ticket, which costs significantly more than the fine itself?
Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
It’s great that you’ve done some research already! Here’s some insight into how out-of-state tickets can affect your insurance and driving record:
Points and License: You’re correct that Florida does not transfer points from out-of-state tickets to your New York license. So, the speeding ticket will not affect your NYS driving record in terms of points.
Insurance Impact: Even if the ticket doesn’t result in points on your license, your insurance company may still find out about the ticket through their underwriting process. Insurers often review your driving record and might consider any violations when assessing your risk.
Guilty Plea Consequences: If you plead guilty to the speeding ticket, even with no points imposed by Florida, it’s likely that Geico will be notified of the violation. This can potentially lead to an increase in your insurance premium, as insurers often look at driving history when determining rates.
Fighting the Ticket: Although fighting the ticket could cost more initially, if you manage to get it dismissed or reduced significantly, it could save you from future insurance premium increases.
Consulting with an Attorney: Since you’ve been referred to an attorney, it might be worth discussing the long-term implications of pleading guilty versus fighting the ticket. They can provide guidance based on your specific situation and regional laws.
Ultimately, weigh the costs against the potential rise in insurance premiums and consider what might be best for you in the long run. Good luck!