Best High-Risk Car Insurance (With 2024 Rates)

High-risk drivers will pay higher rates for car insurance. However, there are many things you can do to get the best high-risk car insurance possible. 

From comparing rates to taking advantage of the many discounts available, high-risk drivers have options in finding reasonable rates on high-risk insurance until their driving record improves. In this article, we’ll explain everything there is to know about high-risk car insurance so you can make the most informed decision when choosing your policy.

Key takeaways

•  A high-risk driver is a driver who represents more risk of loss to an insurance company than the average driver due to a negative driving history. 
• High-risk driver status typically lasts 3 to 5 years, assuming no further driving issues.
• Rates for high-risk drivers vary by insurer. Comparing rates is vital to getting the best possible rate for high-risk drivers.
• Taking advantage of available discounts can significantly reduce insurance premiums for high-risk drivers.
• The type of vehicle you drive can make a difference in your auto insurance premiums.

Who Is a High-Risk Driver?

In insurance, the risk is the likelihood of a policyholder's claim resulting in a financial payout by the insurer. Policyholders, or insureds, pass the risk of substantial financial loss to the insurer through premiums. The insurer must assess the amount of risk each insured represents to determine the amount of premium necessary to cover that risk. 

A high-risk driver is one whose driving history indicates that they are more likely than the average driver to have a claim that results in the insurer issuing payment, potentially with higher-than-average payout amounts. 

Circumstances that may result in a driver being considered high-risk include the following.

• Drivers who have had multiple tickets in a short period.
• Drivers with previous accidents on their record.
• Drivers with a DUI or reckless driving charge.
• A record of driving while uninsured.
• Poor credit history

While these indicators may result in higher premiums or car insurance policy eligibility issues, it doesn’t mean you will stay a high-risk driver for life. Continued efforts to improve your driving record over time will gradually result in cheaper insurance rates. In the meantime, there are things you can do to ensure you get the best possible car insurance rates. 

How Long Are You Considered a High-Risk Driver?

The length of time a driver is considered high-risk can vary by insurance provider and state. If your state motor vehicle department uses a points system, the number of points you accumulate through driving instances can determine how long you are considered a high-risk driver.

In general, regular tickets and accidents will be considered for three years. More serious violations may last for years. DUI’s and major violations can last 7 to 10 years, based on the insurance company and state.

In some cases, such as driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI), or multiple traffic violations, a certificate of financial responsibility, called an SR22, may need to be filed by your insurance carrier with the Department of Motor Vehicles. This form advises the state that you are maintaining state-mandated minimum required auto insurance coverage. Know whether you need to file an SR22 for your driving offense and advise your insurance company to ensure you comply with minimum liability coverage requirements to maintain your driver’s license status. 

However, long-moving violations stay on your record. You can’t change the past, but you can concentrate on making sure you steer clear of future violations for long-term improvement of car insurance rates. Avoiding lapses in coverage will prevent fines for no insurance and help build loyalty discounts. 

High-Risk Car Insurance Rates

Some insurance companies are more risk-averse than others. This will be reflected in their eligibility criteria and rates. Below, you will find a list of insurance companies, their average rates before and after each type of driving record incident, and the national average for comparison.

Auto Insurance After a Speeding Ticket 

Even one speeding ticket can influence auto insurance premiums. The national average for annual auto insurance premiums is $2,068 before a speeding ticket and $2,503 after a speeding ticket, representing a substantial difference in premium. Fortunately, the insurers listed below offer better-than-average rates for auto insurance after a speeding ticket. 

Car Insurance After an At-Fault Accident 

Sometimes, a car accident can’t be avoided, but it is still considered at fault and can negatively impact auto insurance premiums. National averages reflect an increase of $836 (from $2,068 to $2,904) in rates before an at-fault accident versus after. Below are the top five insurance company premiums for drivers with an at-fault accident on their record.

Car Insurance After a DUI

DUI convictions result in some of the highest auto insurance premiums for high-risk drivers and can lead to eligibility issues with some insurance companies. The national average for auto insurance premiums after a DUI is $3,538. The five insurers below show a marked increase in premiums before and after a DUI but are still below the national average. 

How to Find Cheap Car Insurance as a High-Risk Driver

High-risk drivers do not have hope of finding cheap car insurance rates. Many insurers understand that a high-risk driver today may be an excellent risk in the future. Here are some things to do when trying to find cheap car insurance for a high-risk driver.

• Compare insurance companies. Rates can vary greatly from one insurer to the next based on their risk tolerance at a given time. Shop rates for multiple insurers to better understand what’s available to you for affordable car insurance. 

• Consider your coverage.  Compare coverage options to determine whether full coverage is right for you. Increasing your deductible is another way to save money on high-risk driver car insurance. Other coverages to consider are bodily injury, property damage, and uninsured motorist coverage limits. In many states, these coverages have minimum required limits.  

• Ask about discount opportunities. Taking a defensive driving course, participating in a telematics program, and offering low usage discounts reduce the risk of a driver having some complications on their driving record. Additional discount opportunities include anti-theft and safety features discounts, multi-car and bundling discounts, and loyalty and payment-related discounts, which can also help. 

• Improve your credit rating. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan are the only states prohibiting using good or bad credit to determine auto insurance rates. Improving your credit score is always a good idea - but it could also help your insurance costs. 

• Work on your driving record. It may seem like a no-brainer, but the best way to get the cheapest car insurance is to keep your driving record clean by maintaining good driving habits. 

While most insurers will also charge higher premiums for teen drivers, these premiums are typically based on inexperienced driving rather than a poor driving record. However, an inexperienced young driver can quickly become a high risk if they begin to have violations for exceeding the speed limit or other driving violations. Finding the best rates for inexperienced drivers is the same as finding the best rates for high-risk drivers due to infractions. 

Best High-Risk Auto Insurance Companies

USAA, Progressive, State Farm, Auto-Owners, and Geico are consistently among the best car insurance companies when looking for the best rates for high-risk drivers. Lower starting base premiums, discount opportunities, financial strength, and high customer satisfaction ratings are among the top insurers ranked among the best to consider when shopping for an auto insurance quote for a high-risk driver.  

FAQ: High-Risk Car Insurance

What is the best high-risk auto insurance company?

The best high-risk auto insurance company meets all of your needs with the best car insurance premium. This means looking at your entire insurance portfolio, not just your auto insurance, while also considering customer satisfaction ratings, financial strength, convenience, and ease of use.

USAA has the cheapest auto insurance rates for a speeding ticket. However, Progressive offers the best auto insurance policy for drivers with a DUI. USAA has the best overall premium, but not everyone is eligible for membership. The best high-risk insurance for one high-risk driver may not be the same for another. Comparing insurance companies based on your unique needs is the best way to find the cheapest high-risk auto insurance for you. 

Do high-risk vehicles have high insurance rates?

Some vehicles, such as high-performance sports cars, may be considered high-risk and expensive to insure. Other vehicles may be considered high-risk because they are more likely to sustain more costly damage or are more prone to theft. It's always a good idea to check insurance rates while shopping for a vehicle rather than wait until after and risk unexpectedly higher premiums. 

Does your car affect whether insurers see you as risky?

Your car does not automatically cause you to be in a high-risk category as a driver unless you begin to have driving record issues. Your insurance premium will still be higher for vehicles considered more high-risk. The difference is that if you trade that vehicle for a lower-risk vehicle, you may see your insurance premiums decrease. On the other hand, a high-risk driver is a high risk regardless of what they are driving. 

Article written by Shawnette Good. 

Shawnette is an insurance professional with 30 years of industry experience helping consumers understand complex insurance topics. Outside of writing, Shawnette enjoys long nature walks and volunteering in her community.