Affordable High-Risk Auto Insurance (2024)
How much does high-risk car insurance cost? If you have recently been convicted of a DUI or involved in an at-fault collision, then you might be considered an at-risk driver. Generally speaking, your car insurance rates will increase by at least 30% after any at-fault accident involving bodily injuries. You can expect at least a 50% to 150% increase after a single DUI.
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Michael Leotta
Insurance Operations Specialist
Michael earned a degree in Business Management with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Automatio...
Insurance Operations Specialist
UPDATED: Jan 3, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 3, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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High-risk drivers pay more for car insurance than low-risk drivers. But how much does high risk car insurance cost? How much more do high-risk drivers pay for car insurance than low-risk drivers? Today, we’re answering all your questions about the cost of high-risk car insurance.
The Price of High Risk Car Insurance Varies Widely Between Drivers
First, let’s start with something obvious: we can’t give you a specific dollar amount on high-risk car insurance. Different states have vastly different laws for car insurance. Different car insurance companies also insure high-risk drivers in different ways.
Some companies actually specialize in insuring high-risk drivers. The General, for example, specializes in providing affordable car insurance to high-risk drivers. Many of America’s largest car insurance companies, meanwhile, will maintain a risk-diverse pool of drivers, including low-risk drivers who pay less for car insurance and high-risk drivers who pay more.
Depending on your car insurance provider, your demographic info, and your state, the price you pay for car insurance will vary widely.
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High-Risk Car Insurance Typically Costs 30% to 100% More Than Ordinary Car Insurance
If you have recently been convicted of a DUI or involved in an at-fault collision, then you might be considered an at-risk driver. The next time you renew your insurance policy, you will inevitably pay more for your premiums.
Generally speaking, your car insurance rates will increase by at least 30% after any at-fault accident involving bodily injuries. You can expect at least a 50% to 150% increase after a single DUI.
Many insurance companies also consider you a high-risk driver after two speeding tickets. After two speeding tickets, your rates might rise by 20% to 90%.
If your ordinary car insurance policy costs $900 per year – which is about average in the United States – then high-risk car insurance will cost anywhere from $1,170 to $1,800, assuming your car insurance company raises rates by 30% to 100%.
Obviously, drivers in some states pay considerably more for car insurance. Drivers in Florida, for example, pay an average of around $1,500 per year for car insurance. In Florida, a high-risk driver who pays $1,500 per year for car insurance will pay $1,950 to $3,000 per year if considered a high-risk driver, assuming the same 30% to 100% increase in price.
Expect to Pay Anywhere from $1,800 to $3,300 Per Year for High-Risk Car Insurance
Here are some high-risk car insurance quotes we got through our own comparison form from different companies in the United States. The quote was for a 40-year old driver driving a 3-year old sedan with full coverage:
Company 1: $1,810
Company 2: 1,837
Company 3: $2,494
Company 4: $2,749
Company 5: $3,314
As you can see, high-risk car insurance quotes vary widely across the market – even when it’s the same high-risk driver requesting a quote. That’s why it’s so important to compare car insurance prices from different companies. Even if you’ve been satisfied with the same car insurance company for a decade, it might be time to switch if they’re charging an exorbitant price on high-risk car insurance.
Certain High-Risk Drivers Require an SR-22
Some high-risk drivers require an SR-22 form. An SR-22 form, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR), isn’t strictly car insurance. Instead, it’s a verification that you have car insurance coverage.
If you’ve been convicted of multiple DUIs, then your state DMV may require you to provide an SR-22. Most high-risk car insurance companies will give you an SR-22 for a nominal fee of $15 to $25.
The SR-22 is in addition to your high-risk car insurance. You’re typically required to have your SR-22 form for 3 years.
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Other Costs of High-Risk Car Insurance
High-risk car insurance is inevitably more expensive than standard car insurance. However, there are other costs to consider with high-risk car insurance. In order to receive full car insurance coverage, for example, the insurance provider may have special rules you need to follow, including:
Limits on Who Can Drive Your Car: High-risk car insurance might only allow the covered driver to drive the vehicle. Or, the high-risk car insurance policy might exclude certain classes of drivers – like drivers under age 25.
More Frequent Driver’s Record Checks: Many people are surprised to learn that an insurance company might not check your driving history with every renewal. If you have years of safe driving history, then your driving record might only be checked every 2 or 3 years. High-risk drivers, however, can expect more frequent driver’s record checks.
Smaller Payouts: Another downside of high-risk auto insurance is that you may receive smaller payouts. High-risk car insurance policies may depreciate repairs. That means your car insurance company may not cover the full cost of repairs after an accident.
No Insurance for Punitive Damages: If you’re sued for punitive damages after a car accident, then an ordinary car insurance policy will cover your liability and legal costs. High-risk car insurance, unfortunately, does not work in the same way.
For all of these reasons, the true cost of high-risk car insurance might be significantly higher than just the numbers you see on your monthly premium. Compare as many quotes as possible to ensure you get a fair price on high-risk car insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lower my high-risk car insurance premiums?
While high-risk drivers generally face higher premiums, there are steps you can take to potentially reduce your costs. Maintaining a clean driving record, completing defensive driving courses, and improving your credit score can positively impact your insurance rates. Additionally, comparing quotes from different insurance providers can help you find the most affordable options.
How long does high-risk car insurance last?
The duration of high-risk car insurance coverage depends on individual circumstances and state laws. Typically, high-risk designation can last for a few years, during which you may need to maintain the coverage required by your state or insurer. After this period, you can often transition to standard insurance rates if you maintain a clean driving record.
Can I switch insurance companies if I am considered high-risk?
Yes, you can switch insurance companies even if you are considered high-risk. It’s recommended to explore different options and obtain quotes from multiple insurers. Some insurance companies specialize in providing coverage for high-risk drivers, while others may offer more competitive rates based on your specific circumstances.
Will my high-risk car insurance rates decrease over time?
With improved driving behavior and a clean record, it is possible to see a decrease in your high-risk car insurance rates over time. However, this process varies depending on the insurance company and state regulations. It’s advisable to discuss this possibility with your insurance provider and inquire about potential rate reductions.
Can I get discounts on high-risk car insurance?
Yes, it is possible to qualify for certain discounts on high-risk car insurance. Many insurance companies offer various discounts such as multi-policy discounts, safe driver discounts, or discounts for completing defensive driving courses. Be sure to inquire about available discounts when obtaining quotes from different insurers.
Can I remove a DUI conviction from my driving record?
DUI convictions typically remain on your driving record for a certain period, depending on state laws. It is not possible to remove the conviction immediately. However, over time, as you maintain a clean record and fulfill any legal requirements, the impact of the DUI on your insurance rates may diminish.
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Michael Leotta
Insurance Operations Specialist
Michael earned a degree in Business Management with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Automatio...
Insurance Operations Specialist
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.