How to Get Cheap Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers | 2023 Guide

If you have a history of accidents, tickets, or DUIs, you may find it hard to get affordable car insurance. That’s because insurance companies consider you a high-risk driver, meaning you are more likely to file claims and cost them money. But don’t worry, there are still ways to get cheap car insurance for high-risk drivers. In this article, we will explain what a high-risk driver is, how much car insurance costs for high-risk drivers, how to lower your car insurance rates as a high-risk driver, and which are the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about car insurance for high-risk drivers.

What Is a High-Risk Driver?

A high-risk driver is someone who poses a higher than average risk of causing or being involved in an accident. Insurance companies use various factors to determine your risk level, such as your age, gender, credit score, driving record, vehicle type, location, and coverage options. Some of the common reasons why you may be considered a high-risk driver are:

• You have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI).
• You have multiple speeding tickets or other traffic violations on your record.
• You have been involved in one or more at-fault accidents.
• You have a poor credit score or no credit history.
• You are a young or inexperienced driver (under 25 years old).
• You drive a high-performance or expensive vehicle.
• You live in an area with high crime or traffic density.

Being a high-risk driver can make it harder for you to find car insurance coverage or qualify for discounts. It can also result in higher premiums, surcharges, fees, or deductibles.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for High-Risk Drivers?

The cost of car insurance for high-risk drivers varies depending on your personal situation and the insurance company you choose. However, according to ValuePenguin1, the average annual cost of car insurance for high-risk drivers in 2023 is $3,361, which is 71% higher than the national average of $1,964. Here are some examples of how different factors can affect your car insurance rates as a high-risk driver:

• A DUI conviction can increase your car insurance rates by 79%, or $1,559 per year on average.
• A speeding ticket can increase your car insurance rates by 25%, or $491 per year on average.
• An at-fault accident can increase your car insurance rates by 42%, or $828 per year on average.
• A poor credit score can increase your car insurance rates by 77%, or $1,513 per year on average.
• A young driver (18 years old) can pay 229% more than a middle-aged driver (40 years old), or $4,406 more per year on average.

These are just estimates based on national averages and may not reflect your actual rates. To get an accurate quote, you should compare multiple offers from different insurers.

How to Lower Your Car Insurance Rates as a High-Risk Driver

Although being a high-risk driver can make it challenging to get cheap car insurance, there are some steps you can take to lower your rates and improve your driving record. Here are some tips and strategies to save money on car insurance as a high-risk driver:

• Shop around and compare quotes from different insurers. Some companies may specialize in covering high-risk drivers and offer lower rates than others. You can use online tools or brokers to help you find the best deals.
• Choose a higher deductible or lower coverage limits. A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in, while coverage limits are the maximum amounts your insurance will pay for a claim. By increasing your deductible or lowering your coverage limits, you can reduce your premium, but you also increase your financial risk in case of an accident.
• Look for discounts and savings opportunities. Many insurance companies offer discounts for various reasons, such as paying your premium in full, enrolling in automatic payments, bundling your policies, taking a defensive driving course, installing anti-theft devices, or being a good student. Ask your insurer what discounts you may qualify for and take advantage of them.
• Improve your credit score or build credit history. Your credit score is a measure of your financial responsibility and trustworthiness. Insurance companies use it to assess your risk level and set your rates. By improving your credit score or building credit history, you can show insurers that you are more reliable and less likely to file claims. You can improve your credit score by paying your bills on time, keeping your credit card balances low, and checking your credit report for errors.
• Drive safely and avoid violations or accidents. The best way to lower your car insurance rates as a high-risk driver is to improve your driving record and avoid any incidents that could increase your risk level. Drive carefully and follow the traffic rules, avoid distractions or impairments, maintain your vehicle properly, and report any accidents or claims promptly.

Best Car Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers

Finding the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers can be tricky, as not all insurers are willing to cover them or offer them reasonable rates. However, based on our research using web search results, we have identified some of the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers based on their ratings, prices, and discounts. Here are our top picks:

• USAA: USAA is a highly rated insurance company that caters to military members and their families. It offers low rates for high-risk drivers, especially those with DUIs or poor credit. However, it is only available in 46 states and requires military affiliation to join.
• American Family: American Family is a reputable insurance company that offers competitive rates for high-risk drivers, especially those with speeding tickets or at-fault accidents. It also offers several unique discounts, such as loyalty rewards, teen safe driver, and KnowYourDrive.
• GEICO: GEICO is one of the largest and most popular insurance companies in the U.S. It offers affordable rates for high-risk drivers, especially those with traffic violations or young drivers. It also has a user-friendly website and app that make it easy to manage your policy and file claims.
• Nationwide: Nationwide is a well-known insurance company that offers reasonable rates for high-risk drivers, especially those with poor credit or high-performance vehicles. It also has a low level of complaints and a wide range of coverage options and discounts.

These are just some of the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers that we found based on web search results. You should always compare multiple quotes from different insurers before choosing the one that suits your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions that people have about car insurance for high-risk drivers:

• What is an SR-22? An SR-22 is a document that proves you have the minimum required car insurance in your state. Some states may require you to file an SR-22 with the DMV if you have been convicted of a serious offense, such as a DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance. Filing an SR-22 can increase your car insurance rates and make it harder to find coverage.
• How long do I have to pay higher rates as a high-risk driver? The length of time that you have to pay higher rates as a high-risk driver depends on the type and severity of the incident that made you high-risk, as well as the state laws and the insurance company policies. Generally speaking, most incidents will stay on your driving record for three to five years, but some may last longer or shorter depending on the circumstances.
• Can I get car insurance without a license? Yes, you can get car insurance without a license in some cases, such as if you have a learner’s permit, a suspended license, or a foreign license. However, not all insurers will cover you without a license, and those that do may charge you higher rates or impose certain restrictions. You should check with the insurer before applying for coverage without a license.
• Can I get car insurance with bad credit? Yes, you can get car insurance with bad credit, but it may be more expensive than if you have good credit. That’s because insurance companies use your credit score as one of the factors to determine your risk level and set your rates. According to ValuePenguin, drivers with bad credit pay 77% more on average than drivers with good credit. However, some states, such as California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, prohibit insurers from using credit scores to calculate car insurance rates.

• How can I find the cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers? The best way to find the cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers is to shop around and compare quotes from different insurers. You can use online tools or brokers to help you find the best deals. You should also look for discounts and savings opportunities, such as bundling your policies, taking a defensive driving course, or installing anti-theft devices. Additionally, you should try to improve your driving record and credit score over time to lower your risk level and qualify for lower rates.

Conclusion

Car insurance for high-risk drivers can be expensive and hard to find, but it is not impossible. By following the tips and strategies we shared in this article, you can lower your car insurance rates as a high-risk driver and find the best car insurance company for your needs. Remember, being a high-risk driver is not a permanent status. You can always improve your driving record and credit score over time and become a low-risk driver. So don’t give up hope and keep driving safely!