A Guide on High-Risk Auto Insurance
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If you have an imperfect driving record, insurance companies might classify you as a high-risk driver and charge you higher premiums than other drivers.
Struggling to find affordable auto insurance because you're deemed a high-risk driver? Here's what you need to know about high-risk auto insurance and how to get the right coverage without spending a fortune.
Understanding High-Risk Auto Insurance
High-risk auto insurance or non-standard auto insurance covers drivers who are more likely to file a claim. Insurers may put you in the high-risk, high-premiums category if you have any of the following:
- A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) conviction
- Multiple speeding tickets or other traffic violations
- Incomplete insurance history
- Multiple at-fault or no-fault accidents on your record
- Limited driving experience
- Multiple insurance claims
- An SR-22 or FR-44 filed with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- A high-value or specialty vehicle
- A poor credit score (except in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan)
Insurers might also consider you a high-risk driver if you're a teen or senior driver or reside in a dangerous neighborhood.
Not all these factors are equal, though. For instance, a driver who has a DUI will likely pay significantly higher premiums than a driver with a single speeding ticket.
Differences Between High-Risk and Standard Auto Insurance
The primary difference between high-risk and standard auto insurance is the premiums. High-risk drivers pay significantly higher rates than drivers with clean driving records.
Also, while high-risk car insurance offers the same coverage as standard auto insurance, insurers may limit your coverage options depending on risk.
Strategies To Improve High-Risk Status
While you can't wipe a poor driving record clean, steps you can take to improve your high-risk status include:
- Taking safe driving courses, which may make you eligible for car insurance discounts with some insurers
- Maintaining a clean driving record by following traffic laws and avoiding distractions while driving
- Ensuring there are no lapses in your insurance coverage
- Driving a well-maintained vehicle that minimizes your perceived risk
How To Reduce Premium Costs
Auto insurance for high-risk drivers costs more than regular car insurance, but that doesn't mean you can't reduce your premium costs.
Bundling Policies
If you have homeowners or renters insurance with the same insurer, bundling them with your auto insurance can result in major cost savings.
Increasing Your Deductible
Choosing a higher deductible can reduce your monthly premiums, but you'll pay more out of pocket if you have an accident. Make sure you can afford to settle almost immediately in case of a claim if you select this option.
Reducing Your Coverage
This option can be risky if you're liable for an accident. However, you might want to drop collision or comprehensive coverage if you have an old, low-value car and can afford to pay for repairs or replacements in the event of an accident.
Improving Your Credit Score
Many insurers consider credit scores when calculating auto insurance rates. In fact, 95% of auto insurers consider it when determining rates in states where it's a legally allowed risk classification factor.
Raising your credit score by paying your bills on time or resolving issues on your credit report can lower your auto insurance rates.
Enrolling in Usage-Based Insurance Programs
Some auto insurance companies offer usage-based or telematics insurance programs, which calculate insurance rates based on driving habits. By joining a telematics program and observing safe driving habits, such as avoiding hard braking or overspeeding, you might qualify for car insurance discounts.
Legal Requirements
High-risk drivers typically face unique circumstances when looking for auto insurance. Here are legal considerations to bear in mind.
SR-22 and FR-44 Requirements
If you've been convicted of a DUI, DWI, reckless driving, or other serious traffic violations, your state might require you to file an SR-22 certificate (or FR-44 in Florida and Virginia). This documentation demonstrates that you have the minimum insurance coverage required in your state.
Most auto insurers can file an SR-22 or FR-44 on your behalf, but not all insurers provide these certificates. Be sure to disclose that you need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 when obtaining car insurance quotes.
Policyholder Rights
Auto insurance for high-risk drivers comes with several limitations, such as higher premiums and limited coverage options. While you may face these potential limitations if you're a high-risk driver, standard policyholder rights you retain include:
- Right to fair treatment
- Right to coverage
- Right to a clear policy
- Right to revoke the policy
Shopping for High-Risk Auto Insurance
When shopping for auto insurance plans for high-risk drivers, strategies you can use to find the coverage you need at the right price include:
- Comparing different insurance providers: Every auto insurance company calculates insurance premiums differently. This means you will likely get different rates from different companies. Compare multiple car insurance quotes to find the best deal.
- Evaluating coverage options and limits: Some auto insurers offer high-risk drivers better coverage options than others. Compare multiple policies to ensure they meet your state's minimum insurance requirements and satisfy your coverage needs.
Finding the Best Rate on High-Risk Insurance
Most states require drivers to have car insurance to drive legally. That means you can't risk driving around without your state's minimum required car insurance coverage. Finding it challenging to get affordable high-risk auto insurance? EverQuote has you covered.
Get a custom comparison quotation of various high-risk insurance options to find the right coverage for your needs. It's fast, and there's no obligation!