Q:Question While rushing to work trying to make an early morning meeting, I got my first ever speeding ticket. I guess I may have been pretty aggressive with the gas pedal, which is not usually my style, but I don’t think I was going as fast as the police officer did. Is there anything I can do to help decrease the impact of the ticket? Or will my insurance premiums go up now?

For these questions, we turned to J. Adrian Rodriguez, a Farmers Insurance^® agent in Floresville, Texas. Here’s what he had to say about what to do after receiving an auto violation.

A:Answer They should make greeting cards for this kind of thing: “Sorry You Got a Speeding Ticket.” Here are answers to some of the common questions I hear from customers who just got a ticket.

What if my auto rates go up because of a ticket?

If you do end up with points on your license from past traffic violations, your auto premiums may increase upon renewal.  Your driving record is a major factor insurers use to determine premium rates, and auto accidents, moving violations, and parking tickets can have an impact.

If your insurance rates are going to change, it won’t happen until the policy is renewed. If you are insured with Farmers, and have been a customer for at least six months, your first minor violation ticket may be forgiven and still have guaranteed renewal. Tickets only affect Farmers auto policy premiums for three years—so even if this were for a minor traffic violation, it wouldn’t likely result in higher premiums for life. Talk to your agent about how a ticket might impact your auto rates.

You may also be able to remove the points on your driving record by attending traffic school. Depending on your insurer, the class may result in discounts on your insurance.   If you admit guilt, however, the class probably will not remove the ticket or points.

What if I contest my ticket?

If you have evidence—such as pictures of a missing or unreadable sign or faded yellow lines in the road—you may be able to contest the ticket in court. If you succeed and no points are added to your license, the ticket should not affect your insurance premium.

Also keep in mind, this information is mostly for minor moving or parking violations. A ticket for something like driving under the influence (DUI), is a far different case.

The information contained in this page is provided for general informational purposes only. The information is provided by Farmers^® and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to this article or the information, products, services or related graphics, if any, contained in this article for any purpose. The information is not meant as professional or expert advice, and any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

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