How to Tell If You’re a High-Risk Driver?
Nobody’s perfect, and that’s okay. It’s what makes us human. Unfortunately, when it comes to driving, mistakes can cost you insurance premiums.
But high-risk drivers are not just those with traffic violations; there are plenty of potential flags for high-risk drivers. For example, people with poor credit scores or who have a lapse in coverage can be flagged as unreliable and have to pay higher premiums as a result.
Auto Insurance for High-Risk Driver
There are a lot of things that can qualify auto insurance for high risk driver, including:
- Multiple traffic violations, such as:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Drag racing
- Driving without a license
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offense
- Other serious driving violations
- At-fault accidents
- Multiple claims
- Lapse in coverage
- Lack of driving experience
- Poor credit score
- Car type
Don’t get discouraged if you see yourself on one or more items on this list; you can still find auto insurance for high-risk drivers that fits your budget and needs.
Cost of High Risk Auto Insurance
Any one of the reasons on the above list can cause an increase in your insurance premiums. But the margin will vary depending on how many apply to you and on how serious the offense is.
A general rule of thumb is that your driving record affects the cost of your insurance the most. This means that a new young driver will not be considered as high risk as a person with a DUI and multiple speeding tickets. Thus, the young driver will pay less for their high-risk driver insurance.
Steps to Save on Car Insurance
Even high-risk drivers can take steps to lower their rates now and in the near future. Here are some things that you can do to ensure you’re getting great coverage at a great price:
- Compare quotes: Not every insurance provider offers the same rates. You can ask different companies for a high-risk car insurance quote to find the best price for you.
- Drive safely: Your driving history won’t last forever. The longer you go without violations, the more your rates drop. Regardless of whether unsafe driving is the reason for your being high risk, keeping your record as clean as possible will save you on insurance in the long run.
- Research discounts: Many reputable insurance providers offer discounts for certain groups of people, even if you’re also a high-risk driver. For example, you may still be able to qualify for a veterans or alumni discount, or even a multi-policy discount.
- Take driving classes: By taking classes to improve your driving, you’re showing insurance providers that you care about reducing your risk. They will often reward you for this by lowering your rates.
- Choose a safe vehicle: If you have other high-risk factors present, it’s not a good idea to buy a fancy sports car that will further heighten your risk in the eyes of insurance providers. Instead, look into purchasing vehicles with high safety ratings to improve your coverage rates.
What to Do If Denied Insurance for High-Risk Driving
If you find yourself denied coverage from multiple insurance providers, don’t lose hope! It doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to find coverage at all.
These are two other options to receive car insurance coverage as a high-risk driver:
- Non-standard insurance companies: There are companies designed for just this situation. While their rates are higher, they do specialize in cases where people find it difficult to receive coverage elsewhere.
- State-sponsored automobile insurance plans: Because insurance is necessary to be able to drive in most states, the government provides plans that are basically guaranteed.
Note that both these options do cost more than standard insurance policies, so only use them as a last resort.
The Bottom Line
No matter your situation, the best auto insurance with bad driving record is out there, so long as you’re willing to look for it. By doing a little research and reaching out to multiple insurance providers, you’re sure to find coverage for a rate that works for you.
Useful Resources:
Everything You Should Know About Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Looking for Temporary Car Insurance? Here’s What You Need to Know
Everything You Need to Know About Car Insurance After a DUI
