Reckless Driving and Auto Insurance Rates in 2024 (Premiums Explained)
Auto insurance rates can increase by 50% or more due to reckless driving behavior, with states like California seeing reckless driving insurance rates soar by more than double. Premiums vary by state, but reckless driving auto insurance rates can be as high as $225 per month in Florida.
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Heidi Mertlich
Licensed Insurance Agent
Heidi works with top-rated insurance carriers to bring her clients the highest quality protection at the most competitive prices. She founded NoPhysicalTermLife.com, specializing in life insurance that doesn’t require a medical exam. Heidi is a regular contributor to several insurance websites, including FinanceBuzz.com, Insurist.com, and Forbes. As a parent herself, she understands the need ...
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UPDATED: Sep 29, 2024
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Reckless driving auto insurance rates significantly increase after a violation, often by 50% or more. Reckless driving includes speeding excessively, racing, or endangering others on the road. Insurers view these behaviors as high-risk, leading to significant premium hikes.
Beyond increased rates, reckless driving violations come with penalties, such as fines up to $2,500, and long-lasting impacts on your driving record, sometimes staying for several years. This can make finding affordable insurance or maintaining coverage difficult, as some insurers may cancel policies due to increased risk. Additionally, reckless driving records may affect future employment opportunities.
Before learning more about reckless driving and auto insurance rates, feel free to enter your ZIP code above in our free tool to receive quotes on reckless driving auto insurance from insurers in your area. This guide breaks down how reckless driving impacts your insurance rates and explores ways to mitigate the financial burden.
- Reckless driving can increase auto insurance rates by 50% or more
- Violations may lead to fines up to $2,500 and long-lasting record impacts
- Defensive driving courses can help reduce insurance costs after violations
Consequences of a Reckless Driving Conviction
Unfortunately, your insurance rates are likely to increase. What is considered reckless driving? According to Virginia law, reckless driving is defined as:
Irrespective of the maximum speeds permitted by law, any person who drives a vehicle on any highway recklessly or at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person.
Sometimes, reckless driving can be something as simple as drowsy driving, not just driving drunk or driving 30 mph over the speed limit. So if you are in one of the occupations at the highest risk of drowsy driving or take medications that make you sleepy, make sure to familiarize yourself with the signs of drowsy driving. The last thing you want is a reckless driving ticket at the end of a long day of work.
How much is a reckless driving ticket? A reckless driving ticket could cost you anywhere from $300 to $2,500, but that’s not all. You’ll have your driving record to think about.
How long does reckless driving stay on record? It depends on where you live. In Florida, for example, it will be on your record for three to five years. However, in other states, a reckless driving citation may stay on your record for up to 11 years, and there is no standard method of expungement.
Read More: Drowsy Driving Fatal Crashes: 10 Occupations with the Highest Risk
The Long-Term Impact of a Reckless Driving Conviction on Insurance and Employment
Remember that you must also disclose a reckless driving charge on future job applications.
Then, you have to go through the hassle of shopping for new coverage and reinstating your license. Many states in the U.S. are concerned with decreasing driver speed, lowering the number of drunk drivers on the road, reducing reckless driving, and improving safety.
To that end, many of these states have created basic courses such as driver’s education, driver safety, and defensive driving classes for motorists to take advantage of. As a driver, you can find these courses online, you can take them in a classroom or get personal instruction behind the wheel with a driving instructor who will ride along with you.
Read More: Safe Driver Discount
Optimal Auto Insurance Choices for Reckless Drivers
If you have any moving violations on your driving record, you can be sure your rates will increase (we’ll discuss just how much later). However, not all insurance companies treat driving infractions the same way. For example, State Farm’s rate increases for speeding, at-fault accidents, and even DUI are significantly lower than companies like Geico.
The General is considered the best for minimum coverage, and State Farm is considered to have the best car insurance after a DUI.
Read more: Car Insurance After A DUI
However, being a reckless driver can make it difficult to even find auto insurance coverage. In some cases, if an insurance company determines that you are too high-risk, they may even refuse to sell you coverage. If you’re unable to find insurance coverage successfully, your state may have an assistance program for drivers looking to buy high-risk auto insurance coverage.
Where can you buy high-risk auto insurance? If your state has an assistance program in place, most licensed insurance agents should be able to point you in the right direction. You may also be able to find out more through your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Keep in mind this coverage will be more expensive than standard insurance because of the high-risk designation. However, you may still be able to save on high-risk insurance by taking a defensive driver course and doing your research before filing a collision claim. Get quotes for the cost of repairs before filing a claim. If you can afford to pay out-of-pocket, do so to avoid any further increases in your insurance rates.
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Legal Support Options for Reckless Driving Charges
If you’re having a tough time finding coverage, you may wish to seek legal counsel. With the help of an attorney, you can figure out exactly what your rights are and what fair rates are, given your specific situation.
A lawyer who is skilled in traffic law may be able to help you negotiate the charge down to a lesser offense, thus improving your record. Of course, most of what happens in the wake of a reckless driving charge depends heavily on state law. Your best bet is to deal locally to help resolve your particular situation.
Let’s move on to what will happen to your rates.
Read More: Top 10 Traffic Stop Reasons
Implications of a Careless Driving Charge
Reckless driving in Alabama can lead to fines of up to $500, and insurance premiums will rise, even if charges are reduced. Drivers can improve their record by completing a four-hour class (if they have no violations in five years) or an eight-hour defensive driving class after finishing the shorter one.
The eight-hour class can also help clear a recent reckless driving charge. Your state will have more information on careless driving and how it affects your driving record. You can also find out how accidents and traffic violations increase car insurance rates.
There is little doubt that with reckless driving, your insurance will increase. How much will your rates increase with a reckless driving violation? Let’s examine a table comparing auto insurance coverage for individuals with a clean driving record versus those with a record that includes a reckless driving citation.
Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates with a Clean Record vs. Reckless Driving Record
| States | Average Monthly Rates with a Clean Record | Average Monthly Rates with a Reckless Driving Violation |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $34 | $49 |
| California | $64 | $164 |
| New York | $93 | $153 |
| Texas | $105 | $145 |
| Florida | $126 | $225 |
As you can see, a reckless driving ticket can more than double your rates (ex. in California). Is there anything you can do to lower your rates after that reckless driving violation? Fear not, you can lower these rates.
State-Specific Programs to Reduce Insurance Points and Premiums
Many states offer programs to help drivers lower points on their licenses and reduce insurance premiums. In New York, the “Point and Insurance Reduction Program” allows insured motorists to take a certified accident prevention course, potentially removing up to four points from their license and saving up to 10% on auto insurance.
New Jersey offers a similar program where completing an approved defensive driving class can remove two points from a driver’s license. Additionally, having an at-fault accident on your record can significantly impact your insurance rates. Let’s compare the differences between a clean driving record and one with an at-fault accident.
Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates with a Clean Record vs. with an At-Fault Accident
| States | Average Monthly Rates with a Clean Record | Average Monthly Rates with an At-Fault Accident |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $34 | $52 |
| California | $64 | $101 |
| New York | $93 | $93 |
| Texas | $105 | $157 |
| Florida | $126 | $199 |
Interestingly enough, rates in New York remain stagnant even with an at-fault accident on record.
It’s important to note that not all citations increase insurance rates. If you’re cited for improper seat belt use or equipment failures (i.e., a broken headlight, tail light, etc.), for example, insurance companies won’t typically increase your rates as a result.
Now, let’s move on to how you can lower your rates.
Read More:
Lowering Auto Insurance After a Reckless Driving Charge
Charged with reckless driving? You can still lower your auto insurance premiums. Start by checking with your local DMV for classes that may improve your record or reduce the charge. Next, explore how a defensive driving course can help lower your insurance costs. If you have a reckless driving charge in Texas or a reckless operation offense in Ohio, know that these will classify you as a high-risk driver.
Careless driving citations, though less severe than reckless driving, still mark you as high-risk in states like New Jersey, Michigan, and Montana. Some insurers prefer low-risk drivers, while others are open to covering high-risk drivers. No matter what sort of company you buy your policy from, you need to be prepared to pay higher rates than you would with a clean record.
How much does insurance go up after a speeding ticket? It depends on the severity of the offense. Let’s look at a table comparing rates for a clean record and records with a DUI and a minor speeding ticket.
Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates for a Clean Driving Record vs. Records with a Speeding Ticket and a DUI
| States | Average Monthly Rates with a Clean Record | Average Monthly Rates with a Minor Speeding Ticket | Average Monthly Rates with a DUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $34 | $42 | $49 |
| California | $64 | $91 | $164 |
| New York | $93 | $107 | $153 |
| Texas | $105 | $123 | $145 |
| Florida | $126 | $159 | $225 |
As you can see, while a minor speeding ticket does raise your rates, it’s a DUI that drastically increases what you pay for insurance.
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Reckless Driving Impact on Auto Insurance Rates: Key Takeaways
Reckless driving is considered driving a vehicle with no regard for reasonable caution. Also, it includes driving at a speed or in a manner that endangers others. Examples include driving in the dark without your headlights or racing.
Reckless driving not only jeopardizes road safety but also leads to substantial insurance rate hikes. Understanding these consequences is crucial for maintaining affordable coverage.
Tracey L. Wells Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Reckless driving citations (and even careless and negligent driving citations) can mean tickets of up to $2,500, depending on where you live, and a dramatic increase in insurance rates. In fact, that rate increase can be by as much as 70 percent.
Don’t let reckless driving charges make your insurance policy unaffordable. Shop around for reckless driving auto insurance today by comparing cheap auto insurance companies.
Your credit score can also affect your risk determination. Lower credit scores can often increase your perceived risk for insurance companies because credit score is used to determine your overall responsibility as an individual. Higher credit scores are assumed to indicate responsible life choices, which insurance companies extrapolate to mean you’ll also be a responsible driver. The reverse is also true.
Now that you know about reckless driving and insurance rates, type your ZIP code into the tool on this page to find reasonable rates in your area. You’ll even be able to get auto insurance quotes for convicted drivers and affordable reckless driving auto insurance for those with drunk driving convictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will reckless driving insurance increase with four points?
Even just two points increase a driver’s insurance by anywhere from 20 to 100 percent, depending on your state of residence.
Are there factors besides driving that can make you a high-risk driver?
Yes. A few examples include your age and credit score. The younger you are (particularly under age 25), the higher risk you are in the eyes of insurance companies due to your lack of experience. Less time on the road means a higher chance of filing claims. Learn how your credit score affects your car insurance premiums.
How long does a wet reckless charge affect your insurance and stay on your record?
Does a wet recklessness affect insurance? Understanding the reckless driving effect on insurance is crucial for drivers facing this charge. A wet reckless charge will stay on your record for 10 years, and your insurer will treat it just like a DUI. Wet reckless insurance rates increase drastically, impacting drivers in Vermont, Washington State, and across the country.