High-risk drivers are considered a greater risk to insurance companies due to their past driving record or other factors such as age, driving history, accident history, traffic violations, or a DUI conviction. As a result, they may face difficulty finding affordable car insurance coverage. It is important for high-risk drivers to have car insurance as it protects them financially in case of an accident and also ensures that they are following the legal requirements for driving in their state. Having car insurance also provides peace of mind, as it can cover the costs of repairs, medical bills, and liability expenses.
First of all, let’s summarize what a high risk driver is:
Who Will Insure a High Risk Driver?
To an insurance company, a high-risk driver is one who has a higher than normal possibility of filing a car insurance claim. You could be considered high risk for many reasons, ranging from a spotty driving record to a DUI conviction to causes that are no fault of your own, such as your age.
Have you been labeled a high-risk driver by a car insurance company? Whatever the reason you’re given, the result is that your auto insurance is much higher than the average driver is paying.
The good news is that car insurance for high-risk drivers doesn’t have to be more than you can afford to pay. You can find affordable coverage that fits your needs regardless of your driving record or past decisions if you shop around. At the same time, you can take steps to end your high-risk status and earn lower rates eventually.
Let’s start with an understanding of what it means if you’ve been called a high-risk driver.
What is the Difference between a High Risk Driver and a Low Risk one?
A high-risk driver is a person who is considered to be at greater risk for accidents, claims or traffic violations based on their driving history, demographics, type of vehicle, and other factors. This may include drivers with a history of DUI or reckless driving, drivers under 25 years old, and those who have multiple speeding tickets or accidents on their record.
A low-risk driver, on the other hand, is someone who has a clean driving record, a safe and responsible driving style, and does not pose a significant risk of accidents, claims or traffic violations. This may include drivers who have a long history of safe driving, are over the age of 25, and drive a car that is equipped with safety features.
Insurance companies use this information to determine how much to charge drivers for insurance coverage, with high-risk drivers typically paying more than low-risk drivers.
Young drivers are considered high-risk by insurance companies due to their lack of experience and higher likelihood of getting into accidents. As a result, they often face higher insurance premiums. It’s important for young drivers to have proper car insurance coverage to protect themselves and others on the road.
This includes liability insurance, which covers damages to other vehicles or property, and collision insurance, which covers damages to their own car. Uninsured motorist coverage can also be useful in case of an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance. Comprehensive insurance, which covers theft or damage from natural disasters, is also recommended. By having a comprehensive insurance policy, young drivers can ensure that they are fully protected in case of an accident or unexpected event.
What Driving Factors Make You a High-Risk Driver?
The many reasons drivers fall into a category where they must obtain high-risk coverage include some that might be totally out of their control. Here are a few leading reasons that explain why you might be identified as a high-risk driver.
- Reckless driving. Maybe it was a matter of mistakes from your past, but a driving record that might have resulted in accidents, speeding tickets, and other violations can seriously impact your car insurance rates.
- Impaired driving. Those with DUI convictions might only be able to obtain high-risk insurance.
- New drivers. It’s not your fault you’re young, but it might literally cost you. Drivers who are young or who haven’t been behind the wheel long enough to have established a good driving record might be considered high risk and have to pay more for coverage.
- Spotty record of coverage. Having periods without insurance or letting your coverage lapse frequently can impact your ability to get more affordable car insurance.
- Poor Credit Scores Drivers who have poor credit might be considered unlikely to be able to afford coverage. This can make them high risk (and subject to paying even more for coverage).
In other high-risk cases, the driver might have made poor driving decisions in the past, but they’ve learned from their mistakes, and their more recent driving records are clean. Whatever your status, it’s critically important that you find and qualify for car insurance for high-risk drivers that’s affordable and won’t break your budget.
How Long Am I Considered a High-Risk Driver?
It depends. If you are paying for high-risk car insurance because you are young, you’ll naturally age into more reasonable car insurance quotes in a couple of years. If you are paying for DUI car insurance, it might be several years – if you keep a spotless record and are never late on your insurance payment. What’s fortunate is that there are ways to improve your driving record, lower your risk factor, and earn better car insurance rates from your provider. Here are a few easy tips that could cut what you pay in the long term:
- Take a defensive driving course. If you’ve had a history of car accidents and fender benders, this is one way you might convince your insurer that you can upgrade your driving skills. Call your insurer for details.
- Trade-in your higher-risk automobile for a ride that has a better auto safety record and lower costs to repair and insure.
- Improve your driving record. Going as little as three years without an accident or moving violation could dramatically decrease what you pay for coverage.
This shows that there are reasonable ways in which drivers can be proactive in lowering their insurance costs.
What is High-Risk Car Insurance?
High-risk auto insurance is a type of auto insurance for drivers who are considered to be high risk due to their driving record, credit history, age, or other factors that make them more likely to be involved in an accident or file a claim. High-risk drivers may have multiple traffic violations, DUI convictions, accidents, or a history of filing multiple claims. As a result, insurance companies may charge higher premiums for this type of insurance coverage.
How Much Does High-Risk Auto Insurance Cost?
On average, high-risk auto insurance costs somewhere between 74-85 percent more than regular insurance. Until you can reduce your high-risk status, you can shop carefully to get the best possible deals on your high-risk coverage.
There are multiple factors that help determine what each individual driver will pay for auto insurance. Different car insurers can charge different rates for high-risk insurance. Some companies don’t insure high-risk drivers at all.
Time is another factor that can bring the price of premiums down. After going for an extended period of time without speeding tickets, car accidents, or reckless driving charges and continuously paying your insurance premiums, your cost for coverage will drop. A clean driving record over time will not only keep you and your family safer, but it will also prove to be easier on your wallet.
How to Get Insurance for High-Risk Drivers
A provider that specializes in high-risk drivers is key for keeping coverage as affordable as possible. You can shop around and compare car insurance quotes from different providers. Captive insurance agents only represent one company, so all they can offer is that company’s insurance. Insurance brokers represent a variety of companies and can do some research to find the best possible car insurance for you.
Find Low-Cost Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers Online Today
Freeway Insurance is an insurance broker, so our agents can research a variety of low-cost auto insurance options for you. You can get a fast and free car insurance quote online, give us a call at (800) 777-5620 or stop by one of our convenient locations today.
