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Compare car insurance for high-risk drivers
How to get cheaper coverage when you have tickets or accidents on your driving record.
Your car insurance rates are largely based on how much of a risk an insurer thinks you might be on the road. Getting in a car accident or making too many claims could put you in the high risk category, which means higher insurance rates. But you do have options to improve your driving record and reduce your risk to get better insurance rates.
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How to save on high risk car insurance
If you’re lumped into a high-risk car insurance category, there’s no one way to guarantee coverage at a low cost. It’s worth comparing a range of non-standard providers and, if necessary, speaking directly with a provider that specializes in drivers with a poor driving record. Understand the factors affecting car insurance premiums so you can easily pick out ways to reduce your costs.
- Keep an eye out for discounts. Some providers offer discounts as high as 25% just for renewing online, choosing electronic billing or for taking a defensive driving course.
- Drop coverage you may not need. If you’re driving an older car and not as concerned about damage to it, consider dropping your collision and comprehensive insurance, especially if your car is worth less than your deductible.
- Choose a higher deductible. Your deductible majorly affects your premiums. A higher deductible can result in wiggle room for more important claims, like liability or uninsured motorist.
- Look into pay-as-you-go insurance. If you’re a safe driver or you don’t drive every day, compare usage-based insurance. Your rates are based on how much and how well you actually drive and not how much risk an insurer assumes you present.
- Improve your credit score. Unless you live in California, Hawaii or Massachusetts, your provider considers your credit history when calculating how much to charge. By working to improve your credit, you’ll ultimately get better rates.
- Drive a car that’s cheaper to insure. You can find typical car insurance rates by a car’s make and model online. Rates for minivans, SUVs and smaller cars tend to be less expensive than high-performance or flashy cars, and features like safety devices and anti-theft devices could earn you extra discounts.
What makes someone a high-risk driver?
When a car insurance provider sets your rates, those premiums are largely based on how likely an insurer thinks you are to get in an accident or make a claim. If you’ve had a suspended license or a history of claims or accidents, some insurers will lump you into a high-risk category, which increases your insurance rates significantly. You could even be considered high risk if your car is more likely to be stolen, for example.
You may be considered a high-risk driver if:
- You’ve been involved in an at-fault car accident.
- You’ve received multiple speeding tickets or traffic violations.
- You were convicted of a DWI or DUI.
- You were convicted of a hit-and-run or have a suspended license.
- You’re a new driver.
- You have a poor credit history.
- You need SR-22 insurance.
- Your car has a salvage title.
Get cheap SR-22 insurance
Compare SR-22 car insurance from companies near you.
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Bottom line
Your insurer may think you’re at a higher risk of accidents, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get car insurance or find ways to save. Compare non-standard car insurance options to find a great deal even with a few marks on your driving record.
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