- Last Updated On:
High-Risk Auto Insurance: What Is It & Am I At High Risk?
Frequent accidents, DUI, DWI, multiple reckless driving, or speeding tickets can all land a driver in a situation where their only option is “non-standard” or “high-risk” auto insurance. While many companies do not offer coverage to people whose record makes them a poor risk, there are companies that will. If you have lost your license, have been convicted of a DUI or DWI, high-risk car insurance from reliable companies is available here. Auto insurance for high-risk drivers through ConsumerCoverage, helping everyone to Get Covered!
Everyone makes mistakes, and unfortunately, sometimes those mistakes are expensive. Needing high-risk auto insurance is an example of how errors in judgment can come back and bite you in the bank account.
Affordable Car Insurance For High-Risk Drivers Awaits!
Save up to 30%
Get Started Now Comparing Rates
Personalized quotes in less than 2 minutes.
No signup required.
Table of Contents
SR-22 Auto Insurance
SR-22 auto insurance is a certificate of financial responsibility for drivers whose licenses have been suspended because of a more serious offense like a DWI/DUI or operating a vehicle on a suspended license and being in an accident.
Understanding High Risk Car Insurance
High risk car insurance is for anyone that an insurance provider classifies as a risky driver, which means they’re more expensive to insure. This can be caused by anything from your driving history to your age. It means the insurance company believes someone is more likely to file claims or have claims filed against them, so they charge higher premiums as a result.
There’s no difference in the coverage between high risk car insurance and traditional car insurance; the only difference is that the driver is considered risky by insurance companies.
Not all insurance providers offer high risk car insurance, so you might have to do some shopping around to find the right provider and plan for you. Here’s everything you should know before you start looking for coverage.
Who Is Considered a High-Risk Driver?
As mentioned, high-risk drivers are drivers who do not have good driving records—but the classification can extend beyond your behavior on the road.
You may be considered a high-risk driver and require high-risk auto insurance if:
- You’ve received many traffic violations and speeding tickets
- You have had one or more vehicle accidents
- You have been convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence
- You’re a newly licensed and/or young driver
- If you have no previous insurance or lapses in insurance
- You’re a driver over 60 years of age
- Your credit history is poor
- Your car is expensive or very specialized
- You need to file for an SR-22 certificate to be able to drive after a serious driving offense
How Long Will I Need High Risk Car Insurance?
Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to this question. It really depends on your unique situation and why you were classified as a high risk driver. It can be especially confusing because each insurance provider has their own formula for determining risk (even more reason to shop around for coverage).
For example, a DUI can stay on your driving record for anywhere from 3-10 years, depending on where you live, while a speeding ticket can stay on your record for 3-5 years. During that time, it’s critical that you maintain a clean driving record and avoid filing claims in order to see your premiums start to lower once the infraction drops off your record.
Get Started Now Comparing Rates
Personalized quotes in less than 2 minutes.
No signup required.
How To Improve Your Driving Record?
During the few years, it will take for your high-risk driver insurance premiums to whittle back down to standard rates, there’s a lot you can do to support your good driver status.
- Be a good driver! This one seems pretty obvious, but it bears outlining. Obey speed limits, avoid parking tickets, drive responsibly. It’s really that simple.
- Take a defensive driving course. Defensive driving courses can actually help reduce your premiums almost right away. Many of these courses can be taken online and only take a few hours.
- Improve your credit score. If your credit history is the reason—or part of the reason—you’re classified as a high-risk driver, then work toward improving it. Pay down debt and don’t accumulate anymore.
The Cost of Auto Insurance for High-Risk Driver
If you’ve been classified as a high risk driver, you’re unfortunately stuck with higher premiums until you can change your classification. As a high risk driver, you can expect to shell out 30-60% more on car insurance.
Of course, this varies greatly depending on the cause of your high risk status; if you’re just a teenage driver, you might only pay a little bit more for car insurance versus someone that has a recent DUI on record.
But here’s the good news: just because you’re classified as a high risk driver now, doesn’t mean you’ll always be one. By maintaining a clean driving record, taking a defensive driving course, and taking other steps to avoid being classified as a high risk driver will help you see your premiums drop eventually.
Plus, there’s always savings to be found, even for high risk auto insurance. Here are some tips to save you money, even with the higher premiums:
- Bundle insurance products with one provider and request a discount for doing so
- Avoid filing claims unless necessary
- Work on improving your credit score
- Ask for discounts for going paperless, for being a longtime client, for taking a defensive driving course, etc.
- Compare multiple quotes
Remember, you’re never stuck with the first quote you get. Shop around to find the perfect balance between coverage and cost before deciding on a policy.
How To Get The Most Affordable High-Risk Car Insurance?
Not all auto insurance providers offer high-risk car insurance. Getting the most affordable high-risk auto insurance starts with getting the best quote. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the top providers of auto insurance for high-risk drivers.
We then match you with the best insurer for your unique situation, so you can get the most affordable high-risk auto insurance possible.
Get Started Now Comparing Rates
Personalized quotes in less than 2 minutes.
No signup required.
Insurance Options For The Driver Designated as High-Risk
Though many insurance companies will not cover drivers they deem as high risk, several reputable companies will do just that.
ConsumerCoverage whose service is free can provide car insurance quotes for high-risk drivers. Keep in mind that insurance coverage of this type will not be inexpensive. We put the power of choice in your hands!
The Bottom Line: High Risk Auto Insurance
High risk auto insurance isn’t just car insurance for bad drivers. There are a number of factors that can cause you to be considered a financial risk for insurance providers, but by driving safely and taking steps to reduce your risk, you can eventually see your rates drop down to normal.
When it comes to high risk car insurance, you have options. Take your time in choosing the right coverage for you; never go with the first quote you receive, because every insurance provider calculates premiums differently. High risk car insurance can be harder to find, but it’s out there and savings are available, as long as you’re willing to look.
FAQs
Because high-risk drivers are more likely to get into accidents or have driving infractions. In general, these sorts of drivers are considered less responsible and more likely to make mistakes that will cost the insurance company money. As a result, high-risk drivers pay higher premiums.
Drivers with one or more serious violations, drivers with poor credit records, young or older drivers and drivers who have a lapse in insurance are among those considered high-risk drivers.
In a few years, usually three to five, depending on the insurer and what caused you to be classified as a high-risk driver.