The Impact Of Speeding On Your Insurance
That speeding ticket could come with a higher financial cost than the ticket itself. Do not assume that you can just pay it off and be done with it. The reality is that paying it without help from an experienced attorney could cause your auto insurance to jump. These increased premiums can then cost you for years to come, long after you have forgotten about the ticket. Your insurance company does not forget, and your bank account won’t either.
Here at D’Alessandro & D’Alessandro, LLC, in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, we can help you work your way through the process. Our lawyers fight for your rights and we strive to help you reach the best possible financial outcome. As a local law firm that has been serving this area for decades, we understand what it takes and we know what an impact a single speeding ticket can have on your life. Let us use our 35 years of experience to help guide you through the process.
The Points System
New Jersey uses a points system. If you get 12 points or more, it leads to a license suspension.
The points are also used to determine total payments, which could exceed tickets. For instance, if you get a minimum of six points in just three years, that brings on a surcharge, which you need to pay every year for the next three years. So, getting to 12 points — it may happen faster than you think — could lead to tickets, surcharges, license suspension costs, increases to your insurance and much more.
Those points rack up quickly. Going anywhere from one to 14 miles per hour over the posted limit gives you two points on your license. Going 15 to 20 miles per hour over gives you four points. If you are going 30 miles per hour or more past that limit, you get five points all at once.
Points may also come with additional charges. If you injure someone in a car accident, that is eight points. If you get charged with aggressive driving, reckless driving or tailgating, you get five points.
Insurance Reporting
Do not assume these points are between you and the officer or you and the state. Your insurance company gets a report when you get a ticket. If they thought you were a low-risk driver before, that report could change their minds. They will still insure you, but it may cost more if they believe you routinely engage in high-risk driving.
Learning About Your Options
As you can see, you must take speeding tickets seriously and how it can affect your insurance. If you want to learn more about all of the options you have and the impact of speeding on your insurance, please call an attorney at 908-766-5400 or contact us online. We have flexible hours and we will be happy to set up an appointment to go over your case.