Guide to getting the best high-risk auto insurance

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If your driving record includes speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or serious violations such as a DUI, insurers may classify you as a high-risk driver — and that means higher premiums.

Our data shows that drivers with three DUIs pay about 309% more for coverage, averaging $5,104 a year compared to $2,513 for those with clean records. Even a few minor violations or a lapse in coverage can significantly impact your rates.

Still, being labeled high-risk doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Some companies offer competitive rates for drivers with imperfect records or poor credit. For example, State Farm provides some of the most affordable coverage after a DUI, while others, like Nationwide and Progressive, have dedicated programs for high-risk drivers.

You may qualify for a standard policy at a higher rate, or you might need a nonstandard auto insurance policy that comes with specific conditions — such as restrictions on who can drive your car or how much coverage you can buy. Nonstandard insurance is often sold by smaller, regional carriers, though major insurers like GEICO and Nationwide also have divisions that serve this market.

What makes a driver high-risk for auto insurance

A high-risk driver is someone an insurer believes is more likely to file a claim in the future. This label can stem from your driving record, age, credit history or even the type of vehicle you drive. While definitions vary by company, most insurers use similar benchmarks to identify high-risk customers.

You may be considered a high-risk driver if you have:

• One or more at-fault accidents
• DUI or DWI convictions
• Multiple speeding or moving violations
• Poor credit (in states where credit is factored into rates)
• A lapse in auto insurance coverage
• Limited driving experience, such as being a teen or new driver
• A high-performance or high-theft vehicle
• A history of filing frequent insurance claims

Being labeled high-risk doesn’t make it impossible to find coverage — but it does mean you’ll likely pay higher premiums. The good news: with time, safe driving and smart insurance choices, you can rebuild your record and eventually return to standard or even preferred rates.

How much high-risk auto insurance costs

High-risk car insurance almost always costs more than a standard policy — sometimes a lot more. According to our data, average premiums increase by:

• 79% after a first DUI
• 71% for drivers with poor credit (in states where credit is factored into rates)
• 43% after two speeding tickets
• 32% following an at-fault accident that causes injuries
  

Those numbers can sting, but there’s some good news. Because rates for high-risk drivers vary so much between insurers, shopping around can make a big difference. Comparing quotes could save you hundreds — and in some cases, thousands — of dollars a year.

Best insurance companies for high-risk drivers

Some insurers are more forgiving of past mistakes and offer competitive rates for high-risk drivers. We analyzed rate data, J.D. Power satisfaction scores, and complaint ratios from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to identify the best-performing companies by violation type.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit

Poor credit can raise your auto insurance premiums by about 71%, or $1,000 annually. In states where credit can’t be used (California, Hawaii, Massachusetts), rates are unaffected.

If affordability is your priority, Nationwide often offers the best rates for drivers with poor credit.

Cheapest car insurance after an at-fault accident

Not all insurers penalize equally after an accident. For a single at-fault crash, Travelers, State Farm, and GEICO typically offer the lowest average rates.

Cheapest car insurance after a speeding ticket

Speeding can also send rates soaring. Here’s what drivers pay on average after a ticket:

Cheapest car insurance after a DUI

DUI convictions can cause the steepest premium spikes — but some insurers raise rates less than others.

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High-risk auto insurance rates by state

Where you live plays a major role in your insurance costs. A high-risk driver in Vermont may pay as little as $1,504 annually, while in Florida, the same driver could owe $3,852 — more than double.

How long your driving record affects your rates

If you’re considered a high-risk driver, your past mistakes won’t follow you forever — but how long they do depends on your insurer and your state. Most insurance companies look back three to five years when assessing your driving history, though some go even further.

For example, State Farm generally rewards drivers who stay accident-free for three years with lower rates or accident-free discounts. And in some states, laws limit how far back insurers can look. In Washington, for instance, it’s considered an unfair practice for an insurer to use accidents or traffic violations more than three years old when setting or renewing a policy.

This look-back period matters because it determines how soon you can start seeing your rates drop. The longer you maintain a clean record, the faster your insurer will begin viewing you as a lower-risk driver — and the more likely your premiums will come down.

How to lower car insurance costs as a high-risk driver

High-risk drivers face higher premiums — but you can still take steps to reduce them:

• Shop around. Rates vary dramatically, especially for high-risk drivers.
• Take a defensive driving course. Many insurers offer discounts for completing one.
• Increase your deductible. You’ll pay more out-of-pocket per claim but lower premiums overall.
• Bundle policies. Combine auto with homeowners or renters insurance for multi-policy savings.
• Maintain strong credit. Where allowed, good credit can offset higher risk factors.
• Drive less. Ask about low-mileage discounts.
• Stay accident-free. Time is your best ally; a clean record can lower rates over three to five years.
  

How to buy car insurance as a high-risk driver

High-risk drivers can purchase coverage through traditional insurers or companies that specialize in nonstandard policies, such as:

• Direct Auto Insurance
• Titan Insurance (Nationwide subsidiary)
• Dairyland Insurance
• Infinity Insurance (Kemper)
• SafeAuto Insurance
• GAINSCO Auto Insurance
• Bristol West Insurance
• Affirmative Insurance
• Alliance United Insurance (Kemper)
• United Automobile Insurance Company
• Access Auto Insurance
  

When buying a high-risk policy, remember:

• Coverage limits may differ. Some policies restrict who can drive the vehicle — only those specifically named on the policy.
• Frequent record checks. Insurers may review your driving record annually and raise rates after new violations.
• Limited protections. Nonstandard policies might not cover punitive damages or certain lawsuits.

The bottom line: Getting back on track after being labeled high-risk

Being labeled a high-risk driver can feel discouraging, but it’s not permanent. Most violations drop off your record within a few years — and your rates can improve even sooner if you drive safely, maintain coverage and compare quotes regularly.

The key is to stay proactive: choose a company that understands high-risk drivers, take advantage of available discounts, and avoid new infractions. Over time, your clean driving history will speak louder than your past mistakes, helping you qualify for better coverage and lower premiums.

With patience and smart insurance habits, today’s “high-risk” status can become tomorrow’s clean slate.

Methodology

Rates were compiled by Quadrant Information Systems for 10 ZIP codes in each state, based on a 40-year-old male driver with 100/300/50 coverage limits and $500 deductibles for comprehensive and collision. The “clean record” rate serves as the baseline; all other rates represent average percentage increases for specific violations. States like California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts prohibit using credit scores in rate calculations.

Chris Kissell

Contributing Researcher

 

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Specializing in insurance and personal finance, Chris Kissell is a writer and editor whose work has been featured at Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, MSN Money, Fox Business, Yahoo Finance, Bankrate and Money Talks News. He is based in Denver.