Impact of Speeding Ticket in Minnesota Impacts Insurance
Speeding tickets in Minnesota are not just minor infractions; they come with financial and legal consequences that can significantly impact your driving record and auto insurance rates. According to a January 2024 report by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), speeding is the leading cause of traffic accidents in the state. Since 2015, more than 35,343 Minnesotans have been killed or injured in speed-related crashes, and the trend continues to rise, with over 15% of all accidents since 2020 attributed to speeding. Beyond the immediate fines, a speeding ticket can increase your car insurance premiums considerably.
How Much is a Speeding Ticket in Minnesota?
The cost of a speeding ticket in Minnesota varies by county, but typically starts at around $125 for exceeding the speed limit by up to 10 mph. This base fine includes a mandatory $75 surcharge imposed by Section 169.99 Subdivision 6 of the Minnesota Statutes. However, the cost doesn’t stop there—your car insurance premiums are likely to rise at your next renewal.
On average, Minnesota drivers with a single speeding ticket pay $2,711 per year for full coverage car insurance and $844 for minimum coverage. That equates to a 23% increase for full coverage and a 25% hike for minimum coverage compared to drivers with clean records.
Your specific rate increase depends on various factors, including your overall driving history and how fast you were going. In Minnesota, speeding ticket fines typically escalate based on speed:
| Mph Over Speed Limit | Typical Fine |
|---|---|
| 1 – 10 mph | $125 |
| 11 – 14 mph | $135 |
| 15 – 19 mph | $145 |
| 20 – 25 mph | $225 |
| 26 – 30 mph | $285 |
| 31+ mph | $385 |
Note: The fines above include a $75 surcharge. If your speeding results in an accident causing injury or death, the legal and financial penalties will be far more severe.
The Cheapest Car Insurance for Minnesota Drivers with a Speeding Ticket
If you’ve received a speeding ticket, finding affordable car insurance can be challenging. Based on April 2024 data from Quadrant Information Services, the following companies offer the lowest average rates for full coverage auto insurance after a speeding ticket in Minnesota:
| Company | Premium Before Ticket | Premium After Ticket | % Increase |
| Minnesota Farm Bureau | $1,329 | $1,473 | 11% |
| American Family | $1,281 | $1,497 | 17% |
| Allied | $1,634 | $1,834 | 12% |
| Auto-Owners | $1,744 | $1,910 | 10% |
| Encompass | $2,002 | $2,264 | 13% |
What to Do After a Speeding Ticket in Minnesota
If you’ve received a speeding ticket in Minnesota, you have two main options:
1. Contest Your Speeding Ticket
If you believe the ticket was issued unfairly, you can fight it in court. Contesting your ticket could result in a reduced fine, a payment plan, or even dismissal of the charge. For those who received tickets in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington County, you can contact the Minnesota Court Payment Center (CPC) within 30 days at:
- (651) 281-3219
- (800) 657-3611
For other counties, you’ll need to reach out to your local court or hire an attorney to assist with your case.
2. Pay Your Speeding Ticket
If contesting the ticket isn’t an option or seems impractical, you can pay it to resolve the matter quickly. The MN Court Payment Center offers several payment methods: online, by phone, by mail, or in person. If you cannot afford to pay in full, a payment plan is available, usually requiring $50 monthly installments until the fine is cleared.
Important: Paying the ticket is equivalent to pleading guilty, and the violation will be added to your driving record, impacting your insurance rates.
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Costs After a Speeding Ticket
A speeding ticket can increase your auto insurance premium by 23–25% in Minnesota. To reduce the financial burden, consider these strategies:
- Compare Insurance Rates: Not all insurers treat speeding tickets the same way. Some may increase your rates more than others, so shopping around can help you find better deals.
- Take a Defensive Driving Course: Some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete a state-approved defensive driving program.
- Improve Your Driving Record: Avoid additional violations to minimize long-term increases in your insurance costs.
- Ask About Discounts: Bundling home and auto insurance, maintaining a good credit score, or signing up for usage-based insurance programs can help reduce premiums.
A speeding ticket in Minnesota will remain on your driving record for at least five years, with more severe violations staying for up to ten years. However, as time passes, the impact on your insurance rates will generally decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best insurance company for Minnesota drivers with a speeding ticket?
There isn’t a single best provider, as rates vary based on personal factors. However, Minnesota Farm Bureau and Auto-Owners tend to offer some of the lowest rate increases after a speeding ticket.
How many points is a speeding ticket in Minnesota?
Minnesota does not use a point system for traffic violations. However, a speeding ticket will still appear on your driving record and influence your insurance rates.
Will a speeding ticket in Minnesota affect my insurance?
Yes. On average, drivers see a 23–25% increase in their insurance rates after a speeding ticket.
Do all speeding ticket in Minnesota go on your record?
Unless the ticket is dismissed, it will be added to your driving record once paid.
How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record in Minnesota?
A standard speeding ticket will remain on your record for five years, while serious offenses can stay for ten years or more.
Final Thoughts
While a speeding ticket in Minnesota can lead to significant fines and insurance hikes, understanding your options can help you manage the impact. Whether you choose to contest the ticket or pay it, shopping around for better insurance rates and maintaining a clean driving record will be key to minimizing long-term costs.
Want to know more about other insurances, Read our latest articles.
