You might find getting a standard auto insurance policy difficult if you’ve racked up any tickets or accidents. Fortunately, you still have options. As a high-risk driver, you should be able to qualify for insurance from a growing number of companies serving the nonstandard market.
Unfortunately, however, these non-standard policies are likely more expensive and less comprehensive than standard coverage, meaning you’ll want to invest some time shopping for the most affordable auto insurance for high-risk drivers.
- A driver with two speeding tickets pays an average of 47% more for auto insurance nationwide than drivers with clean driving records.
- Drivers pay an average of 186% or $3,565 annually more for their auto policy if they have two DUIs on their record.
- A driver with a lapse in insurance coverage pays an average of 18% more annually.
Who is considered a high-risk driver?
A high-risk driver is someone whom the insurance company determines is more likely to file a claim — in other words, to cost the insurer money down the road. To cover that risk, the insurer charges a higher premium. In addition, the insurer may offer fewer perks or less coverage.
“They are at greater risk for loss for insurance companies,” says Jim Brau, Joel C. Peterson Professor of Finance at Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business. “High-risk drivers have more accidents on average (why they are high-risk) and as such, cost the insurance company more. Insurance companies must charge higher premiums for these high-risk drivers to cover this risk.”
You will likely be considered high-risk if you have any of the following:
- Multiple speeding tickets or other traffic infractions on your record from the previous three to five years.
- An injury or a high-cost accident on your record from the previous three to five years.
- A conviction for driving under the influence.
- A young or inexperienced driver on your policy.
- A high-performance sports car. See CarInsurance.com’s list of the most expensive cars to insure to see how vehicle choice can impact your rates.
- A poor credit score. A few states — California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts and Michigan — prohibit insurance companies from considering a customer’s financial payment history in setting its rate.
- A recent lapse in auto insurance coverage.
What is high-risk car insurance?
High-risk insurance is auto insurance coverage for drivers with bad driving records, a history of accidents, traffic infractions and poor credit. It includes liability coverage, which covers damage to others and is required by law. High-risk car insurance may also include collision and comprehensive coverage, covering damage to your car.
But because the insurance company is taking a bigger financial risk by covering a high-risk driver, the insurance will likely have two characteristics: The premiums you pay will be higher, and the policy will likely offer less coverage.
A high-risk policy might limit who can drive your car. It might specify that only drivers on the policy can drive the vehicle. Or it might exclude all drivers of a certain age, typically under 25. High-risk policies also might include step-down provisions that reduce liability coverage amounts for your policy if the driver is not named on the policy.
The policy might also:
- Come with frequent checks of your driving record.
- Cover repairs at a depreciated rate rather than providing you with a check to cover the total cost of repairs.
- Not provide coverage if you are sued for punitive damages.
- Not offer perks such as accident forgiveness.
When shopping for a high-risk policy, read the fine print to know what is and is not covered. You can also search for complaints and financial information about companies online at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
How much does high-risk driver insurance cost?
High-risk drivers pay an average annual rate of $3063 per year or $255 per month. Any exact hikes will, of course, depend on your profile and will vary by insurer. Every auto insurance company uses its own formula to assess risk.
Drivers pay an average of 62% or $1,168 annually more for their auto policy if they are considered a high-risk driver with any of the following insurers: State Farm, Geico, Allstate, USAA, Progressive, Nationwide, Travelers, Farmers, Auto-Owners or American Family.
Select your state and risk factor below to see the insurance company and its
average annual full coverage rates.
| Company Name | Insurance Rates |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $2,448 |
| Nationwide | $3,030 |
| Geico | $3,179 |
| Travelers | $3,359 |
| National General | $4,004 |
| Progressive | $4,249 |
| Mercury Insurance | $5,710 |
| Allstate | $6,295 |
Rates after two speeding tickets
Drivers nationwide will pay an average of 58% more annually – $1,100 – for car insurance than drivers without tickets on their records. However, the increase depends largely on your insurance company.
See rates from auto insurance companies before and after two speeding tickets in the table below, as well as the premium impact and percentage of increase.
| Company | Average rate | Rates after 2 speeding tickets | % increase after 2 speeding tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,509 | $3,465 | 38% |
| Farmers | $2,387 | $3,740 | 57% |
| Geico | $1,763 | $3,165 | 80% |
| Nationwide | $1,548 | $2,667 | 72% |
| Progressive | $1,998 | $3,053 | 53% |
| State Farm | $1,984 | $2,695 | 36% |
| Travelers | $1,606 | $2,763 | 72% |
| USAA* | $1,381 | $2,112 | 53% |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Rates after an at-fault accident
Drivers with an at-fault accident on their driving record will pay 58% higher rates than they did before the accident. See rates from large insurers before and after an at-fault accident in the table below, as well as the premium impact.
| Company | Average rate | Rates after an at-fault accident | % increase after an at-fault accident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,509 | $4,149 | 65% |
| Farmers | $2,387 | $3,992 | 67% |
| Geico | $1,763 | $3,207 | 82% |
| Nationwide | $1,548 | $2,564 | 66% |
| Progressive | $1,998 | $3,116 | 56% |
| State Farm | $1,984 | $2,438 | 23% |
| Travelers | $1,606 | $2,509 | 56% |
| USAA* | $1,381 | $2,091 | 51% |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Rates after a DUI
With one DUI, drivers can expect to pay an average of 102% more on their car insurance policy than drivers with a clean record. And the stakes get higher with subsequent violations: Drivers pay an average of 204% or $3,872 annually more for their auto policy if they have two DUIs on their record.
See rates from large insurers before and after a DUI in the table below, as well as the premium impact.
| Company | Average rate | Rates after DUI first offense | % increase after DUI first offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,509 | $4,884 | 95% |
| Farmers | $2,387 | $5,059 | 112% |
| Geico | $1,763 | $4,504 | 155% |
| Nationwide | $1,548 | $3,627 | 134% |
| Progressive | $1,998 | $2,707 | 35% |
| State Farm | $1,984 | $3,179 | 60% |
| Travelers | $1,606 | $2,998 | 87% |
| USAA* | $1,381 | $2,786 | 102% |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Rates for new drivers
Teen drivers pay much higher rates for car insurance than older, more established drivers because they’re riskier drivers with less experience. See the rates for male teen drivers aged 16, 17, and 18 in the table below.
| Company | Average rate | 16-year-old | 17-year-old | 18-year-old |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,509 | $9,968 | $8,041 | $6,871 |
| Farmers | $2,387 | $11,592 | $9,030 | $7,903 |
| Geico | $1,763 | $6,375 | $5,431 | $4,644 |
| Nationwide | $1,548 | $6,094 | $5,664 | $5,173 |
| Progressive | $1,998 | $9,297 | $7,966 | $7,037 |
| State Farm | $1,984 | $6,368 | $5,667 | $5,077 |
| Travelers | $1,606 | $6,455 | $5,117 | $4,296 |
| USAA* | $1,381 | $6,239 | $4,494 | $3,790 |
Note: Above mention are the average annual rates for 16, 17 & 18-year-old male drivers.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Rates after a lapse in coverage
Letting your insurance lapse is another infraction that puts you in the high-risk driver category. But it’s easy to avoid – if you’re switching insurance companies, make sure there isn’t a gap – even by a few minutes – by starting your new policy so it overlaps your old policy.
See rates from auto insurers with a lapse in coverage in the table below, as well as the premium impact.
| Company | Average rate | Rates after a lapse in coverage | % increase after a lapse in coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmers | $2,387 | $2,710 | 14% |
| Geico | $1,763 | $2,029 | 15% |
| Nationwide | $1,548 | $1,865 | 20% |
| Progressive | $1,998 | $2,274 | 14% |
| Travelers | $1,606 | $2,000 | 25% |
| USAA* | $1,381 | $1,460 | 6% |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers
The best car insurance companies go beyond rates. Insurance shoppers must consider customer satisfaction grades – like the ones issued by J.D. Power – and financial strength scores from AM Best.
In the table below, see the average annual insurance rates for high-risk drivers from major companies, as well as the J.D. Power and AM Best ratings.
| Company | NAIC | AM Best | Survey score | Average rate | High-risk driver rate | Overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | 0.52 | A++ | 4.44 | $1,984 | $3,111 | 4.78 |
| Geico | 0.77 | A++ | 4.27 | $1,763 | $3,197 | 4.43 |
| Travelers | 1.03 | A++ | 4.25 | $1,606 | $2,531 | 4.48 |
| Nationwide | 0.66 | A+ | 4.12 | $1,548 | $2,589 | 4.61 |
| Progressive | 0.73 | A+ | 4.26 | $1,998 | $2,852 | 4.49 |
| Allstate | 0.95 | A+ | 4.28 | $2,509 | $3,809 | 3.86 |
| Farmers | 0.77 | A | 4.32 | $2,387 | $4,087 | 3.76 |
| Auto-Owners | 0.5 | A++ | 4.26 | $1,554 | $4,242 | 5 |
| American Family | 1.1 | A | 4.34 | $1,698 | $4,047 | 4.15 |
Cheap car insurance companies for high-risk drivers
Car insurance can be a costly expense for drivers, particularly those who are considered high-risk by insurers. Whether due to a history of accidents or other driving infractions, insurers often consider high-risk drivers a liability and charge them higher premiums.
However, just because you’re labeled as a high-risk driver doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. A little research may help you secure affordable car insurance that meets your coverage needs.
The following carriers offer cheap car insurance rates for high-risk drivers. See more in the table below.
| Company | Average rate | High-risk driver rate | $ increase | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,606 | $2,531 | $925 | 58% |
| Nationwide | $1,548 | $2,589 | $1,041 | 67% |
| Progressive | $1,998 | $2,852 | $854 | 43% |
| State Farm | $1,984 | $3,111 | $1,127 | 57% |
| Geico | $1,763 | $3,197 | $1,434 | 81% |
| Allstate | $2,509 | $3,809 | $1,300 | 52% |
| Farmers | $2,387 | $4,087 | $1,700 | 71% |
| USAA* | $1,381 | $2,099 | $718 | 52% |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
How to get auto insurance for a high-risk driver
The auto insurance market is competitive, including the non-standard auto insurance market. So it pays to get quotes from several insurance companies before choosing a high-risk policy.
Some major car insurance companies might be willing to write a high-risk policy, but your odds of getting coverage are better through a nonstandard insurance company like the ones listed below.
- Access Auto Insurance
- Affirmative Insurance
- Alliance United Insurance
- Bristol West Insurance
- Dairyland Insurance
- Direct Auto Insurance
- GAINSCO Auto Insurance
- The General
- Hallmark Insurance
- Infinity Insurance
- Kemper
- SafeAuto Insurance
- Titan Insurance
- United Automobile Insurance Company (UAIC)
- Westfield
Learn how to choose the best car insurance company
What happens if you’re denied coverage as a high-risk driver?
You might have to turn to a state-assigned risk pool if you cannot find high-risk insurance coverage. But these are a last resort. Most states will ask you to show that car insurance companies have repeatedly rejected you first.
Then, the state’s Department of Insurance will assign an insurance company to provide insurance for you. This is called insurance on the shared market, and premiums tend to be especially high — two to three times higher than the national average.
How to lower your high-risk car insurance rates
Car insurance for high-risk drivers is more expensive, but there are ways to lower your car insurance costs:
- Maintain a good driving record: A history of accidents or traffic violations can increase your insurance premiums. Maintaining a good driving record by following traffic rules and regulations can reduce your risk profile and insurance premiums.
- Improve your credit score: Some car insurance companies use credit scores to determine rates, so maintaining a good credit score can help you get a better deal.
- Sign up for a defensive driving course: Many auto insurance companies offer cheap rates to drivers who take a safe or defensive driving course – but whether you can get a discount also depends on your state’s rules.
- Know when to switch insurers: High-risk drivers should compare insurance quotes when their policy is up for renewal. Shopping around can help high-risk drivers get a cheaper policy if the rates get too high.
Frequently ask questions: High-risk drivers
How much is high-risk insurance a month?
High-risk drivers pay an average annual rate of $3,071 per year – around $256 per month.
Which is the cheapest insurance company for high-risk drivers?
USAA has the cheapest car insurance rates for high-risk drivers, at an average annual premium of $2,183, based on CarInsurance.com data. However, USAA offers its services only to those in the military or their immediate family members. American Family, Nationwide and Geico also provide cheap car insurance to high-risk drivers.
Which is the best high-risk driver car insurance company?
The best company for you is the one that gives the best service for a rate you’re comfortable paying. If you qualify for USAA, it likely is your best bet – it’s the cheapest.
How long will I be considered a high-risk driver?
Severe traffic violations, such as exceeding speed limits, generally stay on your driving record for a duration of three to five years, contingent on the specific regulations of your state. More severe infractions like accidents where you’re deemed at fault, DUI charges, and other comparable violations may persist for a minimum of five years or potentially longer, subject to your insurance provider and state laws.
How do you avoid high-risk driver auto insurance?
Avoiding high-risk auto insurance typically involves maintaining a clean driving record, improving your credit score and not driving under the influence. While car insurance rates vary based on your individual factors, maintaining a clean driving record is one of the most effective ways to avoid rate increases.
How can I prove I’m a safe driver?
Keep consistent insurance coverage, don’t get speeding tickets, drive carefully to avoid accidents and never use drugs or drink and drive. It will take time, but if you refrain from getting pulled over, you will eventually start to see your rates decrease.
Increase in car insurance rates for high-risk drivers: By driver profile
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Resources & Methodology
Sources
- CNBC Select. “Have a bad driving record? Here are the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers.” Accessed August 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. “Consumer Insurance Search Results.” Accessed August 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com editors collected rates from Quadrant Information Services for a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with a good insurance score and no violation on record for a full coverage insurance policy with limits 100/300/100 and $500 comprehensive and collision deductibles. We analyzed 50,73,544 records, 1,468 ZIP codes and 138 insurance companies nationwide.
CarInsurance.com’s Editors created the list of the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers based on four factors:
- NAIC Complaint Index (15%)
- AM Best Rating (25%)
- Survey Score (40%)
- High-Risk Driver Rate (20%)
To determine car insurance rates for high-risk drivers with a history of traffic violations, CarInsurance.com used a sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driver who own a Honda Accord LX.
We used sample profiles of 16, 17 and 18-year-old drivers for a full coverage policy to calculate rates for new drivers.
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied
- 1 At-fault property damage accident over $2K
- 1 At-fault property damage accident under $2K
- At-fault bodily injury accident
- Poor credit
- DUI/DWI first offense
- Speeding 30+ over limit
- Speeding ticket 1-10 MPH over limit
- Speeding ticket 11-29 MPH over limit
- SR22 filing only
- SR22 with 1 DUI
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparison purposes.
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Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
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Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.