Best High-Risk Car Insurance
High-risk car insurance averages $287 for full coverage. You might be considered high risk by an auto insurance company if you're a young driver, have a DUI, ticket, or accident on your record, though rates vary. However, most people find affordable high-risk auto insurance coverage with State Farm and Geico.
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Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
UPDATED: Jul 27, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 27, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Drivers need high-risk car insurance after serious traffic violations like DUI charges or multiple speeding tickets, alongside factors like low credit scores
- Rates for high-risk insurance can be much higher than regular coverage
- While companies like State Farm and Geico offer affordable high-risk auto insurance rates, some high-risk drivers must use non-standard options like The General
While companies can reject your application, you can always find cheap car insurance for bad drivers if you compare car insurance rates with a bad driving record. When searching for high-risk car insurance, you’ll need to do some research to find the best policy.
Drivers need high-risk auto insurance companies after serious traffic incidents, getting too many citations, and having low credit scores. You can usually find cheap State Farm or Geico high-risk insurance, but some drivers may need an alternative. Learn more about State Farm car insurance coverage options.
- Best Car Insurance for High Risk Drivers
- How do you get car insurance with no license?
- Compare Car Insurance Rates for New Drivers [2023]
- Compare Car Insurance Rates After a DUI [2023]
- Compare 16-Year-Old Driver Car Insurance Rates [2023]
- Compare Car Insurance Rates With a Bad Driving Record [2023]
- Compare Car Insurance Rates After a DUI [2023]
- How do I get car insurance if I’ve lost my license?
- Compare Car Insurance Rates After a Revoked Driver’s License [2023]
- Compare Car Insurance Rates With a Provisional License [2023]
- Compare Car Insurance Rates With a Conditional License [2023]
- Compare Car Insurance Rates for First-time Drivers [2023]
- Compare Car Insurance Rates After a Conviction [2023]
- Compare No-Credit-Check Car Insurance: Rates, Discounts, & Requirements [2023]
- Compare Car Insurance Rates After a Conviction [2023]
- Compare Car Insurance Rates After a DUI as a Minor [2023]
You can learn more about high-risk car insurance below, including which companies offer the lowest average rates. Then, compare high-risk car insurance quotes with as many companies as possible to find the lowest rates for your needs.
Read More: National General Car Insurance Review
Cheapest High-Risk Car Insurance Companies
Finding an affordable policy can be difficult when you need high-risk car insurance. Some companies refuse to work with high-risk drivers, especially if the driver has serious charges on their record, like a DWI or DUI.
Insurance companies look at the same factors to determine your rates but use them in unique formulas. So while your rates will be more expensive as a high-risk driver, some companies are more forgiving than others.
Insurance Company Rates with a Ticket Rates with a Clean Record Rates with a DUI Rates with an Accident
Allstate $195.17 $166.08 $303.17 $237.33
American Family $130.92 $115.50 $177.00 $166.67
Farmers $175.67 $139.50 $191.33 $198.58
Liberty Mutual $216.67 $176.67 $325.00 $236.67
Nationwide $144.75 $120.42 $252.33 $165.25
Progressive $142.50 $109.17 $146.67 $190.33
State Farm $102.25 $90.92 $124.17 $107.08
Travelers $148.33 $107.25 $230.42 $157.33
Average $151.50 $123.08 $218.25 $176.92
As you can see, you can get affordable State Farm and Geico high-risk insurance. Some companies specifically sell insurance for high-risk drivers, such as The General, but rates aren’t usually as affordable. Learn more about Geico insurance coverage options.
Buying car insurance from a standard company is a better choice, even when you’re a high-risk driver. However, having a high-risk designation sometimes makes finding car insurance a problem.
The General has higher rates than standard companies but rejects fewer applicants. So you can find high-risk auto insurance with The General even when other companies reject you.
How to Get High-Risk Auto Insurance When Companies Won’t Insure You
Most states require drivers to buy car insurance before driving on a public street or registering a vehicle. If you live in a state with insurance requirements, how do you stay within the law if your insurance application gets rejected?
If standard insurance companies refuse to sell you a policy, you have two choices: non-standard companies and state-sponsored insurance plans.
Non-standard insurance companies are usually regional, meaning they’re unavailable statewide. Some famous non-standard car insurance companies include The General car insurance, National General car insurance, Safe Auto, and Dairyland car insurance.
State-sponsored insurance plans exist to provide coverage to people who can’t find an affordable policy elsewhere. For example, you can buy coverage through your state’s Automobile Insurance Plan. Contact the Service Office for more information about this insurance plan.
Regardless of your choice, rates are higher than at a standard insurance company because the customer base consists of more high-risk drivers.
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People Considered High-Risk by Car Insurance Companies
A DUI charge might be the first thing that comes to mind, but high-risk auto insurance companies designated drivers as high risk for many reasons.
While having a high-risk designation always increases car insurance rates, some incidents have a stronger effect than others. For example, a DUI can double your auto insurance rates, while having a low credit score usually results in a 60% increase.
Explore some of the most common reasons people get a high-risk designation below, but keep in mind that your auto insurance rates vary based on several factors.
Drivers With a DUI or DWI
DUIs have one of the most significant impacts on your car insurance rates. If you have a DUI charge on your record, comparing rates from the top high-risk car companies is vital to find affordable rates. While your quotes will vary by your unique situation, you can understand what you might pay for car insurance after a DUI below.
Insurance Company Rates with a DUI
Allstate $270
American Family $194
Farmers $192
Geico $216
Liberty Mutual $313
Nationwide $234
Progressive $140
State Farm $112
Travelers $206
USAA $1,335
Average $209
As you can see, car insurance gets expensive after a DUI. Most states also require drivers to submit SR-22 car insurance forms. You’ll probably need to submit SR-22 forms for three years after a DUI.
Though rates are higher after a DUI, you don’t have to be stuck with them forever. DUIs usually fall off your record after seven years.
Drivers With Multiple Speeding Tickets
While one speeding ticket will increase your rates, it won’t make you a high-risk driver. However, multiple speeding tickets — or citations for other traffic violations — might classify you as a high-risk driver. Find out what you should expect with your car insurance rates after a ticket.
Multiple tickets on your record will significantly increase how much you pay for car insurance. You might also face other serious consequences like getting dropped by your insurer or revoked registration.
Young or First Time Drivers
Most high-risk drivers get the designation because of their driving habits, but you’ll also pay higher rates as a young, inexperienced driver.
Young drivers are statistically more likely to drive recklessly, get into accidents, and engage in dangerous driving habits. Rates for young drivers are some of the highest for any demographic, and you can check how much you might pay below. Here you’ll find some tips on finding a car.
Insurance Company Male Drivers Female Drivers
Allstate $518.62 $448.45
Farmers $628.61 $597.48
Geico $253.62 $219.55
State Farm $283.98 $229.17
Progressive
$661.74 $590.85
Nationwide $387.17 $302.66
Liberty Mutual $625.59 $521.90
Travelers $739.74 $530.19
Teen drivers can get high-risk Geico car insurance for about $312 monthly, making it an affordable option when you compare teen driver car insurance rates to the national average of $618. However, high-risk car insurance rates begin to go down at 25 if you keep your driving record clean.
Young drivers don’t need high-risk car insurance just for being inexperienced. However, insurance companies judge young drivers harsher than adults so you might need high-risk insurance after even a minor incident.
Compare car insurance rates for young drivers to find affordable high-risk auto insurance coverage.
Drivers With Low Credit Scores
Some factors that affect your car insurance rates are obvious, but one that often surprises drivers is credit scores. Insurance companies look at credit scores for two reasons when crafting rates. The first is that companies assume that people with high credit scores are more likely to pay their bills on time.
Secondly, companies charge up to 60% more for lower credit scores because they’re statistically more likely to file claims. Check below for the difference in average car insurance rates based on your credit score.
Insurance Company Rates with Poor Credit Rates with Fair Credit Rates with Good Credit
American Family $203 $136 $115
Farmers $269 $160 $139
Geico $148 $100 $82
Liberty Mutual $355 $226 $177
Nationwide $166 $133 $120
Progressive $206 $138 $109
State Farm $200 $118 $91
Travelers $194 $128 $107
Allstate $296 $197 $166
Average $226 $148 $123
A low credit score doesn’t mean you can only buy from high-risk auto insurance companies, but you might find lower rates with one. Comparing high-risk car insurance quotes at multiple companies is especially important when you have a low credit score — you’ll likely overpay if you don’t. Read more about good credit car insurance discounts.
While your rates will be higher with a low credit score, you can decrease your high-risk auto insurance costs by improving your credit score.
Drivers With a Coverage Lapse
Insurance companies consider a lapse in insurance as a red flag. Whether your lapse was a few days because you missed a monthly payment or a few years, you’ll see higher rates when you reactivate your coverage.
Drivers with a lapse in coverage are considered high risk for several reasons. First, insurance companies look at drivers as less responsible financially when they fail to maintain coverage.
Another reason is that driving without insurance is illegal in most states. As a result, high-risk auto insurance companies view a driver with an active registration but no insurance as potentially breaking the law, resulting in higher rates.
Like other factors negatively affecting car insurance rates, a lapse in coverage won’t hurt your prices forever. Instead, your rates will likely be higher for about six months before they return to normal. That’s why you should avoid coverage lapses for lower rates.
Drivers With Other Serious Traffic Violations
You’ve already seen how serious infractions like DUIs or speeding tickets can affect your high-risk car insurance quotes. Still, several other incidents can also impact your car insurance and designate you as a high-risk driver.
Other high-risk infractions include:
- Hit-and-runs
- Reckless driving charges
- Road rage behaviors
Aside from needing car insurance for bad drivers, many traffic infractions have other consequences. For example, drivers can face hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time for breaking traffic laws.
How to Find Cheap Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers
Finding the best insurance for high-risk drivers can be difficult because rates are higher, and some companies might refuse coverage. When you need cheap car insurance for high-risk drivers, try the following tips:
- Consider driver education. Most of the best high-risk auto insurance companies offer a driver’s ed car insurance discount for taking a safe or defensive driving course. As a bonus, course completion usually makes past incidents look a little better.
- Raise your deductible. Your deductible is the portion you must pay before your insurance kicks in. You can save money on your monthly bill by choosing a higher car insurance deductible, but you’ll have to pay more if you need to file a claim.
- Look for discounts. Most high-risk auto insurance companies offer discounts to help drivers save money, including those specializing in high-risk coverage. Check with a representative to ensure you get every eligible car insurance discount.
- Lower your coverage. While having more coverage means your car is better protected, it also costs more. You can save money by purchasing the minimum amount required in your state or by your car loan or lender.
- Improve your credit score. It might take longer than other options, but improving your credit score is a great way to lower your rates. When your score rises, your high-risk auto insurance rates will change at your next policy renewal date.
- Compare quotes. Looking at as many high-risk car insurance companies as possible is integral to finding affordable car insurance for a bad driving record.
Of all the steps listed above, the most important is comparing quotes. All insurance companies charge more when you have high-risk violations on your driving record, but some are more forgiving than others.
Case Studies: Best High-Risk Car Insurance
Case Study 1: SecureDrive Insurance
John, a middle-aged driver, found himself labeled as a high-risk driver due to a history of traffic violations and an accident. After struggling to find affordable insurance options, John came across SecureDrive Insurance. Impressed by their reputation for assisting high-risk drivers, John decided to give them a try.
SecureDrive Insurance offered a comprehensive policy with competitive rates, taking into account John’s specific circumstances. With their specialized approach to high-risk drivers, SecureDrive Insurance provided John with the coverage he needed while keeping costs manageable.
Case Study 2: ShieldSafe Auto Insurance
Sarah, a young driver with limited experience, was categorized as high-risk due to her age and a recent at-fault accident. Sarah was worried about the high premiums associated with her situation and feared her options would be limited. However, she discovered ShieldSafe Auto Insurance, a company known for their inclusive approach towards high-risk drivers.
ShieldSafe Auto Insurance tailored a policy that accounted for Sarah’s accident history and offered affordable premiums. This allowed Sarah to maintain coverage while actively working to improve her driving record.
Case Study 3: TrustGuard Insurance
Michael, an individual with a DUI conviction, faced immense difficulty in finding car insurance. Many companies either refused coverage or provided unaffordable rates. However, Michael stumbled upon TrustGuard Insurance, a reputable provider specializing in helping individuals with a DUI history.
TrustGuard Insurance offered Michael a policy that met the required legal standards while offering reasonable premiums. This allowed Michael to regain his driving privileges and access the coverage he needed to move forward.
Case Study 4: SafeRide Assurance
Emma, a driver with a history of multiple speeding tickets, faced challenges finding suitable car insurance. Traditional insurers viewed her as a high-risk driver, resulting in exorbitant premiums. However, Emma discovered SafeRide Assurance, a company that understood the unique needs of individuals with a history of speeding violations.
SafeRide Assurance provided Emma with an insurance policy that acknowledged her efforts to improve her driving habits. With their specialized approach to high-risk drivers, SafeRide Assurance enabled Emma to access affordable coverage without compromising her budget.
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Find the Best High-Risk Car Insurance Coverage Today
Whether you’re looking for the best car insurance after a suspended license or a DUI charge, finding affordable coverage with non-standard companies can be a challenge. However, it’s not hopeless — companies like Geico and State Farm car insurance generally offer low rates regardless of your situation.
While they’re a good choice for many drivers, Geico high-risk insurance and State Farm aren’t the only options on the market. So compare high-risk car insurance rates with as many companies as possible to find the most affordable car insurance policy for bad drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is high-risk car insurance?
High-risk car insurance offers similar coverage as standard policies but usually costs much more. Drivers need high-risk car insurance after certain traffic violations and other factors, including low credit scores.
What is considered high risk for car insurance?
Car insurance companies consider many factors risky, but you usually don’t need high-risk car insurance. People who need high-risk car insurance include:
- Younger and older drivers with minor incidents on their driving records
- Drivers with low credit scores
- Drivers with multiple speeding tickets and other violations
- Drivers with a DUI charge
- Drivers who have multiple at-fault accidents on their record
No matter why you need car insurance for high-risk drivers, you’ll pay much higher rates until you no longer have the risky designation.
How can you remove a high-risk driver designation?
While you can’t control every factor, keeping your driving record clean is one of the best ways to remove a high-risk auto insurance designation. You can also complete a driving education course, improve your credit score, and keep your car insurance active.
How much does high-risk insurance cost?
While rates vary by company and your unique situation, the average high-risk driver pays about $287 per month for car insurance, while low-risk drivers pay around $119. The cheapest high-risk car insurance companies are State Farm and Geico.
Where can I find cheap car insurance for high-risk drivers?
Finding affordable car insurance for high-risk drivers can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. While some companies may refuse coverage to high-risk drivers, others specialize in serving this market segment. We recommending comparing high-risk car insurance quotes from the best insurance companies for drivers with bad driving records to find the best rates.
Companies like Geico and State Farm often offer competitive car insurance rates for high-risk drivers, but exploring non-standard insurance companies and state-sponsored insurance plans can also be options to consider.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.