How to Find Auto Insurance for High Risk Drivers

Insurance companies exist solely to mitigate risk. If you fall into one of the high-risk driver categories, it means you're a higher risk for a provider to insure than the average driver. As a result, they are less likely to want to insure you, and you pay more than the average driver.

It's true that finding insurance for a high-risk driver can be difficult, but it's also not as difficult as you might think. We'll go over everything you need to know about high-risk driver car insurance, from where to get it to how much it costs and how to save money on your monthly rates. Let's get this party started!

Who is Considered a High-risk Driver?

If you are classified as a high-risk driver, it means that insurers believe you are more likely to file or have a claim filed against you. A high-risk car insurance policy may be required for a variety of reasons. The following categories are taken into account by the majority of providers:

DUI convictions on driving records
Multiple tickets for speeding or other traffic violations
First time drivers
Young teen drivers
Insurance coverage lapse
Bad credit
Other serious traffic offences

If any of the above apply to you, an insurance company will be taking a risk by providing you with coverage. As a result, your insurance rates will almost always be higher, and you will have a smaller selection of insurance companies to choose from.

How Can I Find High-Risk Auto Insurance?

Many insurance companies provide coverage for high-risk drivers. Despite the fact that almost every state requires drivers to have car insurance, some providers may refuse to provide coverage entirely, depending on the severity of the driving infractions.

If you are denied coverage by a traditional carrier, you have two options. Regrettably, both tend to charge drivers higher rates than mainstream providers. These are the alternatives:

Nonstandard insurance companies: These companies provide coverage to drivers who are unable to obtain quotes from other carriers. While nontraditional auto insurers may not provide the same benefits as mainstream companies, they are more likely to provide coverage. Here are a few insurance companies that cater to high-risk drivers:
America's Assurance
Bristol West
Dairyland
Falcon
Gainsco
Hallmark
Infinity
Kemper
National General
Safe Auto
The General
State-sponsored automobile insurance plans: If your driving record is so bad that even non-standard carriers refuse to insure you, you do have another option. Most states have a high-risk pool for drivers who are unable to obtain car insurance because of their high-risk status. This government-sponsored market will provide you with the bare minimum of coverage, though it will be more expensive than anything available on the open market. However, if you find a policy with another company or if your assigned insurer offers you a regular policy, you can leave the pool early. More information about your state's high-risk auto insurance pool can be obtained from your state insurance department or from the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO) directory.

How Long Will I Need High-risk Insurance?

The good news is that you are only considered a high-risk driver for as long as your driving record prevents you from obtaining insurance on the traditional market. Certain offences, such as accidents and DUI convictions, may remain on your record and raise your premiums for a longer period of time. However, as you demonstrate that you are a safe and responsible driver, your rates will decrease over time. In fact, after a year or two, most high-risk drivers can begin paying lower rates.

How Much Does High-risk Insurance Cost?

You will pay more for car insurance overall if you are a high-risk driver. The amount of your premium increase will be determined by a number of factors, and the more of them that apply to you, the higher your rates will be. Younger drivers with a traffic infraction, for example, tend to pay the highest rates. However, the type and number of infractions on your record, as well as your credit score, are all good predictors of how much your premiums will rise. As an example:

DUI: It is not uncommon for your insurance rates to double if you have a DUI conviction on your driving record.
Multiple tickets for speeding or driving violations: Drivers who receive multiple tickets in a short period of time should not be surprised if their premiums rise by up to 35%.
Poor credit: Bad credit results in a premium hike to offset the risk. Some insurance companies charge up to 69 percent more for people with bad credit, especially those with less than 600.

Overall, if you have a high-risk auto insurance policy, you can expect to pay anywhere from 35% to 69% more than a non-high-risk driver. But there is some good news: there are numerous steps you can take to reduce your monthly premiums, which we will discuss below.

How to Lower Your High-Risk Car Insurance Rates

Are you a high-risk driver looking to reduce your car insurance costs? Your best bet is to concentrate on improving your driving record and developing safer driving habits in the future. Here are some steps you can take to avoid being classified as high-risk:

Take a defensive driving course: Many insurance companies will give policyholders a discount if they take a driver safety course. It can also help you get rid of "points" on your driving record, which can lower your monthly rate.
Wait for your violations to expire: As a high-risk driver, you must pay a higher premium until your policy renews, even if your violations are already out of date. Keep track of the dates of all your violations and when they are set to expire to avoid overpayment. Then, the day after your violation expires, you can simply switch to a preferred provider.
Improve your credit score: While this will not affect your driving record, it will increase the likelihood that insurance companies will offer you traditional coverage. In fact, you can expect to save 17 percent per month for every credit score bracket you move up.
Compare insurance quotes: Because not all insurance companies charge the same rates for high-risk drivers, this is the most effective way to reduce your premiums. When you gather several online quotes from various insurance providers, you will be able to select the best plan and ensure that you are paying the lowest possible rate.

Want to Save On Your Rates? Start With Free Insurance Quotes

Being a high-risk driver means your rates will rise for a while, but they should never be prohibitively expensive. We are here to assist you if you are looking for the best rates possible. You can choose an affordable auto insurance plan for high-risk drivers and get your coverage in a matter of minutes thanks to our instant online car insurance quotes. Get a quote today and join the thousands of other high-risk drivers who have reduced their monthly premiums!