When you get a speeding ticket in North Carolina, a lot of different systems kick in. And while you’re probably rightly focused on the legal side of things, there’s another important aspect that you need to think about: insurance. My team at Eric Skager Law can explain both sides and what you need to do about them. Set up a free consultation today.
What Do I Have to Tell My Insurance Company About My Speeding Ticket?
If you get a speeding ticket, you don’t have to tell your insurance company right away. They’re not necessarily concerned about you confessing—they’re more worried about your driving record and how that impacts your premiums.
And the only way that happens is if the speeding ticket goes on your driving record, which is exactly what happens if you just pay the ticket. At that point, North Carolina’s Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) kicks in. The SDIP provides your insurance company with guidelines on how much they can raise your premiums after a speeding ticket. Generally, that results in a:
- 40% increase for lower-level violations.
- 55% increase if it’s a moderate speeding ticket.
- 90% increase for speeding tickets where you’re clocked going over 75 mph with a speed limit of less than 70 mph or over 80 mph when the speed limit is 70 mph.
So yes, you don’t have to tell your insurance company about your speeding ticket. But that doesn’t mean they’re not going to find out about it. And remember, insurance is only one side of the coin. There’s other things to worry about.
What Else Happens When You Get a Speeding Ticket
Obviously, getting stopped and tickets for speeding is only the starting point for you. Once the cop gives you the ticket and you drive away, you have a decision to make about what to do. Here’s what happens usually:
- You pay the ticket. The quickest path is to simply pay the ticket and move on. A lot of people do exactly that because it feels like the least stressful option. But once that payment is made, the court generally treats it as a guilty plea. In other words, you’re not just paying money—you’re accepting the speeding conviction. And with that, you’re looking at:
- Adding points to your license
- Increasing your insurance premiums
- Paying higher fines and potential jail time if you were clocked going way more than the speed limit
So again, this is why a speeding ticket often turns into more than a one-time bill even if you just pay it and move on.
- Going to traffic court. Of course, you also have the option of going to court instead of immediately paying the ticket. This might be a better option if you think the ticket was unfair, or you just want the chance to avoid the full impact of a conviction. Going to court keeps the case open long enough to ask for a reduction, challenge the allegations, or look for a less damaging result.
All of this might not sound important in theory, but when insurance premiums go up or potential legal punishments are involved, it quickly becomes clear why you might need further guidance.
Getting Legal Help After a Speeding Ticket in North Carolina
Virtually everybody is familiar with getting a speeding ticket in North Carolina. It can happen pretty easily, no matter how familiar you are with the area. But any speeding ticket brings up certain questions and by the time insurance rates climb, points are added to your license, or you get your license suspended, legal help can make a real difference.
That’s where my team at Eric Skager Law can step in and guide you by:
- Reviewing whether the speeding ticket can be reduced
- Finding issues with radar, pacing, or officer documentation
- Negotiating for a lesser violation or better outcome for you
- Working to avoid unnecessary damage to your insurance premiums
- Helping to protect your license from avoidable points
Every situation is different, and what works for you is going to come down to the details. But overall, the more information you have about how the entire process works can make things much easier. And remember, you don’t have to make a decision right away. Reach out to set up a free consultation after your speeding ticket and let’s talk through your options.