Real Cost Of Speeding Tickets Can Tack On Hundreds To Insurance
Jul 6, 2021, 1:59 PM
SALT LAKE CITY — Speeding tickets in Utah can cost you anywhere from $120 to well over $400 — not to mention the cost of endangering lives on the roads.
But the monthly cost can really go up once you factor in your insurance.
“The insurance companies need to know how risky you are,” said Nicole Beck with The Zebra, a site that breaks down insurance costs and how to shop around. “The investment they’re protecting, your vehicle, how likely that they’re going to have to pay out a claim. So those things are separate and of course legal fees if you go to jail, all of that, it can really add up.”
Beck said the initial cost of the ticket isn’t even close to the amount you could have to fork over every month for three years, depending on the type of ticket you get.
You might think a DUI is the most expensive ticket that can hit your insurance in Utah, but it’s actually leaving the scene of a crash — so basically any hit-and-run crashes.
Racing and reckless driving also get you the same penalty, which could raise your rates by $778 a year.
At-fault crashes tack on an extra $600.
Then you get to alcohol and drug-related impaired driving penalties in the $500 range.
And then speeding 21-25 mph over the posted limit will raise your rates by almost 30%.
Even car seat and seatbelt violations can add on over $100 to your policy.
The bottom line, drive safely because it protects you, your family and everyone else on the roads. But know that if you don’t, you’ll be paying for it for a long time.
