Auto Insurance Options for High-Risk Drivers
Auto Insurance for High-Risk Drivers
No one is a perfect driver, and bad driving records are more common than you’d think. With a bad driving record, it gets a little more difficult to find an insurance carrier that won’t break the bank. But finding affordable auto insurance isn’t impossible if you are a high-risk driver.
What is High-Risk Auto Insurance?
High-risk car insurance is reserved for drivers with a less than ideal driving history and who pose more risk to the insurance company when they are on the road. Insurers will deem a driver high-risk if they meet any factors such as past driving violations, inexperience, or poor credit.
Who Is Considered a High-Risk Driver?
High-risk doesn’t always mean you’re a bad driver. There are multiple factors that can go into determining the risk you pose – both driving or non-driving. Before an insurance company will insure you or decides what your premium is, they look at the following factors:
- Speeding Tickets
- Accident History
- Past Insurance Gaps
- Credit History
- Vehicle Type and History
If a driver needs an SR-22 certificate, they will be deemed a high-risk driver, but most high-risk policies provide at least the minimum coverage needed to satisfy the filing.
How to Get High-Risk Auto Insurance
Getting high-risk car insurance can be a little more difficult than getting regular car insurance. There are some insurance companies who will not provide coverage to you – no matter the cost. Shop around with multiple insurance providers for different rates before making your decision and make sure you are honest and upfront about your driving history. The best way to get the most accurate quote is to be as accurate as possible about your driving history. You also avoid wasting time with a company who won’t insure you.
If you’ve reached out to multiple carriers and still haven’t found a company who cover you, you might qualify for Assigned Risk Insurance where a provider will be assigned to you. You’re best bet to find insurance quickly and trouble-free is to work with a high-risk insurance agent. These agents deal with high-risk drivers daily and know how to handle the situation efficiently.
Cost of High-Rish Car Insurance
Car insurance can be expensive when you pose more of a risk to the provider. You might be wondering “How much does insurance go up after an accident or other driving infraction?”. There is no straight forward answer to the cost difference you’ll see when you are a high-risk driver as prices can vary by state and other components. Typically, insurance increases by 30% after an at-fault accident, at least 50% after a DUI, and around 20% after two speeding tickets. Many factors go into determining your premiums and the price will vary by circumstance.
Ways to Make Insurance for High-Risk Drivers Cheaper
You won’t be considered a high-risk driver forever, but, in the meantime, there are a few ways to make insurance cheaper.
- Take a Defensive Driving Course
The best time to take a defensive driving course is before a ticket is reported to your insurance provider, but taking a course at any time in your driving history could be beneficial. Driving courses can teach you how to be a safe driver which will help you avoid crashes and citations in the future.
- Trade-in Your Car
Trading in your car for a car with a better safety history and features will reduce your insurance. If you are driving a safer car, you could also lower your coverage. Getting rid of full coverage insurance and replacing it with a cheaper liability car insurance could save you money until your record improves. Another option is trading in your car for public transportation. If you go car-free for a while, you won’t have to worry about having insurance coverage and, in turn, won’t have to pay the expensive premiums that come with being high-risk.
- Improve Your Credit Rate
As previously stated, insurance premiums aren’t determined solely by driving factors. Improving your credit score by one bracket can result in saving over $1,000 a year.
- Shop Around
No two insurance companies are the same and that means no two insurers will charge the same despite your violations. Compare multiple insurance providers to find the best rate possible. Different companies also offer different discounts. Make sure to ask about the discounts each carrier offers to see if you qualify for any of them.
Deciding on the Best Car Insurance Company
While comparing insurance companies, there are a few factors you should consider before picking a company to cover you. Examine the company’s financial strength and complaint history.
Compare the number of complaints to satisfactory reviews for a company. If there are far more complaints, it typically means the company has had a majority of unhappy customers. The most common complaints are due to delays in claim processing or claim denials.
The financial strength of a company determines how likely they are to pay out on a claim. If a company’s financial strength is strong, you can be confident in their ability to pay out and do it quickly.
Contact us today for help determining your needs as a high-risk insurance policyholder and get a quote to find the cheapest car insurance.
