Missouri Speeding Ticket Costs: What Happens to Your Insurance?

A Missouri speeding ticket hits your wallet harder than it does. It also hits your automobile insurance. Many drivers don’t know how much a single ticket will affect. This is what you need to know. Call an experienced speeding ticket lawyer in Kansas City Today.

How Much Will a Speeding Ticket Cost You in Missouri?

The lowest speeding ticket in Missouri costs about $80 to $250. That’s the fine alone. Other charges may rack up fast.

• Court Fees: $30 to $70, depending on the county.
• Surcharge Charges: Up to $30.
• Total Price: About $150 to $350 on average.

The higher you were going, the more you paid. If you were speeding in a school zone or work zone, it was doubled. If you don’t pay or fail to appear in court, you can get a warrant or license suspended. Drivers can also be required to appear in court. That adds up to travel, lost work hours, and lawyer costs.

How a Speeding Ticket Affects Insurance Rates

A speeding ticket puts points on your driving record. Missouri has a point system:

• 2 points for a city speeding ticket
• 3 points for a state speeding ticket

The more points, the higher the risk to insurers. That means higher premiums. Points stay on your Missouri record for 3 years.

How Much Can Your Insurance Increase?

After one ticket, your rates may rise by 15% to 30%. It depends on:

• How fast you were going
• Your past driving record
• Your insurance company

Some companies dismiss the first offense. Others jack your rate right away. If you were previously clean, the rate jump is still significant. Should you get a second citation within a year, the jump will be much higher.

How Long Will It Affect You?

A speeding ticket stays on your Missouri driver’s record for 3 years. But it can affect your insurance for up to 5 years. Insurers check your record when you renew or switch policies. One ticket can cost you hundreds more in the long term. You could even lose discounts. Some drivers lose “safe driver” and “accident-free” discounts following a ticket.

Can You Keep a Ticket Off Your Record?

Yes, occasionally. You may request Supervision or take a Defensive Driving Course.

• Supervision: You pay the fine and stay ticket-free for a set time. The ticket won’t show up on your record.
• Driving Course: A few courts offer this alternative to reduce or remove points.

These options differ based on your driving history and where you got the ticket. You will usually need to ask them before pleading guilty. Having an attorney can help you with researching these options and may lead to better outcomes.

Tips to Lower Your Insurance After a Ticket

1. Ask for Discounts: Safe driver, low mileage, good student, and bundling discounts can help.
2. Shop Around: Some insurers treat tickets differently. Compare quotes.
3. Increase Deductibles: A higher deductible can lower monthly payments.
4. Drive Safe: More tickets mean more hikes. Stay clean for 3-5 years.
5. Consider Usage-Based Insurance: These plans track your driving. Safe habits can save money.

Also consider purchasing car and home insurance from the same insurer. Multi-policy discount and loyalty can help reduce the sting.

What Happens If I Ignore the Ticket?

It’s not worth it to ignore a speeding ticket. It can lead to:

• A warrant for your arrest
• Increased fines
• License suspension
• Points assessed against you on your record

All of these can raise your insurance even more.

You may also have difficulty renewing your license. Unpaid tickets can stop renewals and registrations. Don’t go through that trouble.

Other Hidden Costs

Aside from insurance hikes and penalties, unbudgeted costs may ensue:

• Towing or impound fees if you get pulled over again
• Driver license restoration fees if suspended
• Lost time to court or DMV
• Attorney fees if you fight the ticket

Even an innocent ticket can snowball if not dealt with.

Unique Format: Speeding Ticket Snapshot

Impact on Young Drivers

Young drivers under the age of 25 already pay more in insurance. Getting a ticket can jump their rates by 40% or more. Most insurance companies view young drivers as being high-risk. Even one violation is enough to see their premium rate hike. Some will even cancel the policy or not renew it. Parents with teens on their policy can even see an increase in their rate.

Fleet and Commercial Drivers

If you drive as part of your job, a ticket can ruin your job. Many employers check driving records. Too many points could result in you being fired. To truckers and delivery drivers, one ticket could cost more than money. It could end a career. If you have a CDL (commercial driver’s license), there are stricter rules. Tickets in a personal vehicle still count.

FAQs

1. Can I get a speeding ticket removed from my Missouri record?

Yes, but not always. You might qualify for a driver’s course or court supervision. It depends on the court and your driving history.

2. Do I immediately receive a rate increase following a ticket?

Not always. Some companies won’t charge you more until renewal time. Others raise rates once they receive your new record.

3. Will my Missouri insurance be affected by an out-of-state ticket?

Yes. Driving records tend to be statewide. Your rates will still go up if your insurance company hears about the ticket.

4. How many points before losing my license?

In Missouri:

• 8 points within 18 months = 30-day suspension (first violation)
• 12 points within 12 months = 1-year revocation

5. Will an attorney assist with a speeding ticket?

More times than not, yes. A lawyer might be able to get the charge dropped or reduced. This can keep your record clean and cut insurance costs.

Final Thoughts

It’s more than the fine to get a Missouri speeding ticket. It puts points on your license and raises your insurance. You may pay more money for years. That one speeding ticket will haunt you for years. If you get a ticket, don’t try to ignore it. Look at your choices. Consult a local license back lawyer in Kansas City. Ask if supervision or classes are an option. Drive carefully. Prevent future tickets. Keep your money and peace of mind.