Although we all want a perfect driving record, mistakes can happen.
At some point, you could have received a few speeding tickets or caused an accident. Or you could have more serious traffic violations on your driving record like driving under the influence or a hit-and-run. But no matter the state of your car record, you may still need car insurance.
If you have a poor driving record, you are considered a “high risk” driver and need to seek high-risk insurance. Some insurance providers specialize in this specific type of insurance, providing coverage for high-risk drivers. On the other hand, you can also find insurance companies that don’t check driving records, which is convenient for checkered driving histories.
Yes, high-risk auto insurance often comes with higher prices. After all, these insurers consider that you have a higher risk of filing a claim, which means that it is more expensive to insure.
But doing your research and comparing car insurance quotes with Insurify can help you find the car insurance policy at the right price, no matter your driving record.
Best auto insurance companies for a bad driving record.
If you are a driver with a mixed car history, you should find an auto insurance company that specializes in high-risk insurance. We will guide you to explore some insurance companies that have competitive rates and a wide range of useful coverage.
One of the main companies that offer high-risk insurance is GEICO. You’ve no doubt seen their advertising – but you may not know that subsidiary GEICO Casualty is designed to offer transparent and fair insurance rates for high-risk drivers.
State Farms, another top national insurance provider, earns high marks for encouraging safe driving through its “Drive Safe and Save” discount program. For example, if you go six months without an accident, you can save on your rates, lowering the overall cost of your premiums. So not only do you get better rates, but you can also improve your driving record.
Smaller companies, such as Dairyland and Kemper, have also received positive reviews for their high-risk insurance options. Despite their size, they have high rates of financial strength, so you can be sure that you are working with a stable company. In fact, smaller insurance companies are less likely to review your driving record before insuring you.
Consider staying away from companies that run on telematics tools, meaning they collect data while you’re driving. Allstate’s Drivewise program is an example of a popular telematics program. This technology is commonly used to promote safe driving, but often only drivers with low mileage or very safe drivers can get the rewards. While there are advantages to telematics tools, it may not be the best option for you as you try to regain confidence on the road.
Cheapest car insurance quotes for bad driving records
You have several accessible options, even if you don’t have a perfect driving record. Below you will find a diverse range of companies offering high-risk insurance with low monthly premiums.
Insurance company lowest rate
Kemper $4/monthly
MetLife $26/monthly
Mercury $30/monthly
dairyland $37/monthly
Bristol West $45/month
If you want to discover more about the companies that offer cheap car insurance, use Insurify to study the profiles of these providers. Then you can conveniently compare quotes in your area without having to constantly switch websites to contact insurance agents. This is how Insurify helps drivers across the country find the auto insurance they need while lowering insurance costs.
Most expensive car insurance quotes for bad driving history
As we’ve mentioned, some insurance companies offer high-risk insurance rates for drivers with poor driving records. These companies assume you might file an insurance claim soon, so they offset future expenses by offering higher monthly insurance premiums.
Take a look at the companies that could drain your wallet, which offer some of the most expensive high-risk coverage:
Insurance company lowest rate
farmers $240/month
Arrowhead $225/month
Hallmark $131/monthly
Safeway $116/monthly
Anchor $83/monthly
Best Car Insurance Discounts for Bad Driving Records
Once you know what your monthly insurance premiums will be with a given insurance provider, it’s time to take advantage of any discounts available to you. For example, many companies offer discounts when you take a defensive driving course. After all, an insurance company may feel more confident that you’ll avoid dangerous behavior (and file fewer claims!) if you’ve taken a course.
There are also discounts on other “high-risk” items. For example, you can save a few dollars on your monthly premium if you work to improve your credit report and earn a Good Credit Discount. Or you may be able to save if you’ve set up automatic payments, which signals to an insurance company that you’re willing to pay your bills on time.
Take a look at the table below to find out more about the discounts available to drivers with mixed driving histories:
Car insurance tips for drivers with poor driving records
As a high-risk driver, here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for auto insurance:
- Complete a defensive driving course. When you take a defensive driving course, you learn safe driving habits. But aside from the obvious benefits, many insurance companies provide discounts to drivers who take defensive driving courses – which means you can lower your insurance premiums while reducing the likelihood of filing a claim.
- Buy a safe and reliable car. When you’re shopping for a car, you should look for a vehicle equipped with helpful safety features like frontal airbags and restraint devices. This can help you qualify for safe driving discounts. Likewise, a driver who buys a reliable family sedan will typically pay lower premiums than someone who drives a “high-risk vehicle,” such as a luxury sports car.
- Take advantage of shared transportation or public transportation. In the eyes of an insurance company, the less you drive, the better. Providers assume that the less time you spend on the road, the less likely you are to be in an accident and need to file a claim. To drive less, you can consider carpooling with a friend or using public transportation. You might even get a low mileage discount.
- Find a company that specializes in high-risk insurance. You need a company that works with high-risk drivers on a consistent basis. A company with experience in the needs of high-risk drivers can connect you with helpful discounts and give you the resources you need to improve your driving record and lower costs.
- Consider increasing your deductibles. If you pay for higher deductibles, you may be able to lower your monthly premiums. The way in which you can compensate between your deductible expenses and the cost of the premiums depends on your financial situation.
- If you’re a teen, stay on your family policy: Because they’re new to the streets, teens are considered high-risk drivers. So if you buy a policy as a teen driver, you’ll end up paying more. But if you join the family policy, you won’t be classified as high risk and will likely qualify for a multi-vehicle discount.
- Don’t let your coverage expire. Driving without insurance is illegal – so letting your car insurance coverage lapse can reflect negatively on you as a driver and lead to higher premiums down the line.
Which insurance companies will not review my driving record?
There is a chance that a small local auto insurance provider will not do background checks on vehicles. But in general, if you’re shopping for auto insurance, a provider will want to know your driving record to generate a personalized rate for you. That’s why in almost every case, an auto insurance company will want to know your driving record and credit history
How can I improve my driving record?
If your driving record isn’t good, don’t worry: you’re not doomed to high car insurance rates for the rest of your life. Although it can vary by state, in most cases driving violations remain on your record for five years. In those five years, you can take important steps like enrolling in a defensive driving course and buying a safer car to improve your standing in the eyes of dealers.
Where can I compare auto insurance quotes online?
If you are looking for the lowest prices on car insurance, it is important that you compare quotes. Fortunately, that’s what Insurify is all about. With Insurify, all the information you need is in one place so you can analyze quotes for free.
Conclusion: The best way to save on car insurance
Buying an auto insurance policy as a high-risk driver can be frustrating. But as you can see, there are many options when it comes to insurance providers. And at most of these companies, you don’t have to worry about emptying your bank account.
