Out-of-State Ticket: Will It Affect My Insurance?
I’m looking for clarification on how out-of-state tickets affect insurance rates and points, as I’d prefer not to ask my insurance company directly.
I’m currently insured with Geico in New Jersey but hold a New York State license since I was born and raised in New York.
Recently, while on a trip to Florida, I received a speeding ticket for going 6 miles over the speed limit. From my understanding, Florida tickets typically don’t add points to a New York State license, but there’s a possibility that the ticket could still be reported to my insurance company.
I consulted with a well-recommended attorney in Florida who mentioned they can help get the points waived, but Florida won’t allow them to have it classified as a non-moving violation. Essentially, it’s a speeding ticket with no points.
So, if I plead guilty to the speeding ticket, will my insurance still increase despite not having points added in Florida? Or is my only option to contest the ticket, which is significantly more expensive than the ticket itself?
Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
It sounds like you’re dealing with a bit of a tricky situation regarding your out-of-state speeding ticket. Here are a few points to consider:
Out-of-State Tickets and Points: You’re correct that New York does not add points for out-of-state violations, but the ticket itself can still be reported to your insurance company. Insurance companies often look at driving records, including any tickets or violations, when determining your rates.
Impact on Insurance: Even if Florida doesn’t apply points to your license, pleading guilty to the speeding ticket could still potentially result in an increase in your insurance premiums. Insurers can consider the ticket as evidence of risky driving behavior, which may lead to a rate increase.
Negotiating the Ticket: Since you’re considering working with an attorney, it’s worth discussing the possible outcomes with them. If they can negotiate to get the points waived (as you mentioned), it may still show up on your driving record, and how your insurance handles that can vary.
Fighting the Ticket vs. Paying It Off: If the cost of fighting the ticket is significantly higher than the ticket itself, you’ll need to weigh your options. If getting the ticket reduced to a non-moving violation is essential for avoiding insurance complications, it might be worth the extra cost.
Consulting Your Insurance Company: Although you prefer to avoid calling your insurance company, they can provide insight into how they handle out-of-state tickets. It might be helpful to ask them a few specific questions about how they view such violations, without disclosing any personal information.
Ultimately, it would be wise to weigh the potential long-term effects on your insurance against the immediate cost of the ticket and any legal fees. It’s a tough decision, but considering all your options is key!