Do Speed Camera Tickets Affect Insurance Rates? The Straight Dope, From an Insider

So, you’ve been flashed by that ever-watchful electronic eye and now you’re sweating bullets, wondering: do speed camera tickets affect insurance rates? The short, sharp answer is: it depends, but more often than not, yes, they can. Buckle up, because the nuanced reality is far more interesting than a simple “yes” or “no.” Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how these automated enforcers can impact your wallet, and specifically, your insurance premiums.

The Camera’s Eye: Perception vs. Reality in the Insurance World

The key here lies in how your state and insurance company classify these tickets. Think of it like this: insurance companies are masters of risk assessment. They want to know how likely you are to cause an accident and cost them money. Moving violations, especially those that indicate risky driving behavior, are red flags.

Points, Points, Who’s Got the Points?

A core element is whether the speed camera ticket adds points to your driving record. In many jurisdictions, camera tickets are treated differently from tickets issued by a police officer during a traffic stop. Often, they are considered civil infractions rather than moving violations. This means no points are added to your license. No points generally means no direct impact on your insurance rates.

However, this isn’t a universal truth. Some states and municipalities are increasingly treating these tickets with more severity, assigning points, especially for higher speeds captured by the cameras. This can be the determining factor in whether your rates increase.

The Information Highway: How Insurers Find Out

Even if a ticket doesn’t initially appear on your record, insurance companies have ways of finding out. They periodically check your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). While some states restrict reporting of camera violations to insurers, others allow it, especially if the ticket leads to a court appearance or is part of a larger pattern of driving infractions.

Furthermore, if you’re involved in an accident and your driving history comes under scrutiny, a past camera ticket, even one that didn’t initially affect your rates, could be used to demonstrate a pattern of speeding, which can impact claims and future premiums.

The Long and Short of It: When to Worry, and When to Relax (A Little)

Here’s a breakdown of the common scenarios:

• No Points, No Problem (Usually): If the speed camera ticket doesn’t add points to your license in your jurisdiction, it’s less likely to directly impact your insurance rates. However, don’t assume you’re completely in the clear.
• Points Added, Premiums Likely Affected: If the ticket results in points being added to your driving record, expect an increase in your insurance premiums. The severity of the increase will depend on the number of points and your insurance company’s specific policies.
• Pattern Recognition: Even seemingly minor infractions, like a series of speed camera tickets over a short period, can raise red flags for insurers. They might see this as evidence of a consistent disregard for traffic laws and adjust your rates accordingly, even if no single ticket was individually impactful.
• Accident After the Fact: If you’re involved in an accident, your insurance company will investigate your driving history. A past camera ticket could be used as evidence of negligence or a pattern of unsafe driving, potentially affecting your claim and future rates.

Don’t Be a Sitting Duck: Proactive Steps You Can Take

Okay, you got the ticket. What now? Here are some proactive steps you can take to minimize the potential impact on your insurance premiums:

• Check Your State’s Laws: Understand how speed camera tickets are treated in your state. Are points assessed? Are they reported to insurance companies? Knowledge is power.
• Review Your Driving Record: Periodically check your MVR to ensure its accuracy. Any errors should be corrected promptly.
• Consider Defensive Driving: Completing a defensive driving course can sometimes mitigate the impact of a ticket, either by reducing points on your license or by demonstrating to your insurance company that you’re committed to safe driving practices.
• Shop Around for Insurance: If your rates do increase after a ticket, don’t be afraid to shop around for a better deal. Different insurance companies have different risk assessment models, and you might find a more favorable rate elsewhere.

FAQs: Demystifying Speed Camera Tickets and Insurance

Here are some frequently asked questions that further clarify the connection between speed camera tickets and insurance rates.

FAQ 1: Are Speed Camera Tickets Considered Moving Violations?

Not always. It depends on state and local laws. Some jurisdictions classify them as civil infractions, while others treat them as moving violations, especially for higher speeds.

FAQ 2: Will My Insurance Company Automatically Find Out About a Speed Camera Ticket?

Not necessarily. It depends on whether the ticket is reported to the state’s DMV and whether your insurance company checks your MVR regularly. Some states restrict reporting of camera violations.

FAQ 3: How Long Does a Speed Camera Ticket Stay on My Driving Record?

The length of time a ticket stays on your record varies by state. It can range from a few years to permanently.

FAQ 4: Can I Fight a Speed Camera Ticket?

Yes, you can usually contest a speed camera ticket, but the grounds for doing so are often limited. Common defenses include arguing that the camera malfunctioned, the vehicle wasn’t yours, or you weren’t driving at the time of the violation.

FAQ 5: If a Speed Camera Ticket Doesn’t Affect My Insurance Now, Can It Affect It Later?

Potentially. If you’re involved in an accident, your insurance company might review your driving history, including past camera tickets, as part of their investigation.

FAQ 6: Does a Speed Camera Ticket Affect My Credit Score?

Generally, no. Speed camera tickets are typically not reported to credit bureaus and do not directly impact your credit score.

FAQ 7: Can I Get a Discount on My Insurance After Taking a Defensive Driving Course?

Yes, many insurance companies offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course. Check with your insurer to see if they offer this benefit.

FAQ 8: What’s the Difference Between a Speed Camera Ticket and a Ticket From a Police Officer?

The key difference is that speed camera tickets are often treated as civil infractions, while tickets from police officers are typically moving violations. This distinction can affect whether points are added to your license and whether your insurance rates are impacted.

FAQ 9: Are Speed Camera Tickets Fair?

The fairness of speed camera tickets is a subject of ongoing debate. Some argue that they are a fair and effective way to deter speeding, while others contend that they are unfair and violate due process rights.

FAQ 10: Do Speed Camera Tickets Generate Revenue for the City?

Yes, speed camera tickets can generate significant revenue for municipalities. This revenue is often used to fund traffic safety programs and other city services.

FAQ 11: Can I Request That a Speed Camera Ticket Be Dismissed?

In some cases, you may be able to request that a speed camera ticket be dismissed, especially if you can demonstrate that the camera malfunctioned or that the ticket was issued in error.

FAQ 12: Will My Insurance Increase If I Am Caught Speeding in a Rental Car by a Camera?

Yes, generally the same rules apply whether you are driving your own car or a rental car. The determining factor is whether the violation is considered a moving violation and if points are added to your driving record. The rental company will forward the ticket to you, and you will be responsible for paying it and any potential increases in your insurance premiums.

The Bottom Line: Drive Safely and Stay Informed

Navigating the world of speed camera tickets and insurance rates can be tricky. The best approach is to drive safely, obey traffic laws, and stay informed about the regulations in your state. And remember, a little defensive driving can go a long way toward keeping your wallet happy and your insurance premiums down.