Best High-Risk Auto Insurance

The post Best High-Risk Auto Insurance by Sarah Horvath appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

Are you struggling to find a high-risk auto insurance policy? Are you unsure if you’re considered a high-risk driver? Are insurance companies quoting you rates that are way above your local average or rejecting you outright? If so, you may be labeled as a high-risk driver by car insurance companies. High-risk drivers are more likely to get into an accident — and are more expensive to insure as a result.

If you’re having trouble finding lower car insurance rates, consider applying for coverage through one of our favorite high-risk car insurance providers for more affordable premiums.

Quick Look: The Best High-Risk Auto Insurance

• Best for Staying Legal on the Road: The General
• Best for Drivers With Consistently Good Driving Habits: Progressive
• Best for Pay-Per-Mile Insurance From an Insurance Company: Allstate

Best High-Risk Auto Insurance

For those who are considered high-risk drivers, either due to prior moving violations or individual circumstances, car insurance costs expensive and is difficult to obtain. Many auto insurers would rather not assume the additional risk that comes along with insuring a driver who is considered a greater threat than the average insured person.

Check out these auto insurance companies that specialize in providing coverage for high-risk drivers to help you make an informed decision and protect yourself on the road.

1. The General

The General is another low-cost car insurance company that specializes in high-risk drivers, including those who have been convicted of alcohol-related driving offenses.

Everyone is welcome at The General, from drivers who have a lapse in coverage on their records to drivers who have a DUI or DWI on their records.

Though The General’s website includes only plans that meet the bare basics of minimum liability insurance by state, drivers who have been rejected by other low-cost providers will love The General’s no-frills, basic insurance options.

The company also helps with filing and understanding SR-22 forms and offers a free auto insurance quote online.

2. Progressive

Progressive began as a car insurance company for high-risk drivers — and even as the company has grown to become one of the largest auto insurers in the nation, it still offers high-risk policies for most drivers.

Progressive even offers accident forgiveness protection as soon as drivers sign onto their policy, which stops your premiums from increasing after certain unavoidable claims if the claim is worth less than $500. Another benefit of choosing Progressive is its multi-policy discounts. Progressive offers a wide range of insurance types, including homeowners insurance, motorcycle insurance, travel insurance and even wedding insurance.

If you’re already a Progressive policyholder, contact your insurance agent and inquire about saving more on your high-risk insurance with a bundle deal.

3. Allstate

If you’re working to get your driving record back on track, Allstate is one of the best choices for high-risk drivers.

Allstate offers customers a host of incentives for safe driving practices.

These include bonus checks in the mail every six months you drive accident-free and a $100 discount from your deductible for every year you drive without an accident.

You can even earn Allstate Bonus points for completing safe driving courses and challenges, which can be used for additional savings.

Like Progressive, Allstate also offers a wide range of bundling discounts that can save you even more on all of your coverage types.

What is a High-Risk Driver?

A high risk driver is exactly what it sounds like — this means that for some reason, you are considered a greater risk to insure than the average driver. This often means paying more for your insurance coverage — or, in some instances, being ineligible for coverage from most providers.

If you need some help finding a high-risk plan and can’t find one from a car insurer, you can use this state-by-state resource from the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO)

How Do Insurance Companies Determine Who is High-Risk?

Just like each auto insurance company uses its own individual formula to determine how much you’ll pay for car insurance, insurers use their own criteria to determine who’s a high-risk driver. The following are some incidents which may mark you as high risk to insurers.

You Have an Accident on Your Record

If you have an at-fault accident on your record, insurance companies may assume that you’re more likely to be involved in an accident in the future. Even a minor fender bender can significantly increase your coverage rates, especially if you also have multiple traffic violations or tickets on your record as well.

You Have a DUI or DWI on Your Record

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is incredibly dangerous. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 68% of accidents that involved at least one fatality in 2017 involved at least one driver with an illegal blood alcohol level of .08 or higher. Even a single instance of intoxicated driving will label you a high-risk driver.

You’re a Teen Driver or a Senior Driver

If you’ve just gotten your license, don’t be surprised if your auto insurance rates are through the roof. Teenagers usually see much higher rates than their older peers.

Additionally, elderly drivers (generally 70 years or older) may also be considered high-risk, even if they’ve been driving for decades and have never been involved in an accident.

You Have a Poor Credit Score

Most people assume that their driving history and their credit score have nothing to do with one another. Unfortunately, according to studies from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), drivers with lower credit scores are more likely to be involved in an accident or to drive irresponsibly.

If you have a poor credit score (below 560), chances are that you’ll be labeled a high-risk driver unless you live in Hawaii, California or Massachusetts, which don’t allow insurance companies to look at your credit score when determining your rate.

You Have a Lapse in Coverage in Your Car Insurance History

If you’ve been driving with a gap in coverage, this can be a red flag for insurance providers. This factor often feels like a Catch-22 for drivers. You may have been dropped from a previous policy due to a DUI or other incident, and have been unable to find cheap auto insurance and now companies are penalizing you for a gap in coverage.

How Much Does High-Risk Auto Insurance Cost?

Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from 20% more to 150% more for high-risk insurance than standard insurance.

If you’re considered high-risk, you may see an increase of anywhere from 20% to 90% in your insurance premiums when compared to non-risky drivers.

Drivers with DWI or DUI conviction see the highest increase in premiums. After your DUI or DWI is reported to your insurer, you can expect a 50% to 150% increase in your insurance premium or you may be dropped from your plan altogether.

According to 2019 insurance data, the average driver pays about $941.65 annually for car insurance. This means that high-risk drivers can expect to pay anywhere from about $1,130 to $2,354 for their auto insurance. You may pay even more if you live in a state like Florida, Michigan or Louisiana.

How to Find Insurance if You’re High-Risk

If you’re a high-risk driver, you’re not necessarily doomed to a life of low-quality insurance. There are a number of insurance providers who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers and you should look for the following:

Compare Multiple Quotes and Negotiate With Insurers

High-risk drivers naturally pay more for their auto insurance than drivers who aren’t considered risky. You may be able to secure a lower rate by bundling, negotiating with your insurance provider or explaining previous claims on your record.

Look for Insurers With a Fair and Clear Pricing System

If you’re considered a high-risk driver because you filed a claim for a minor fender bender, you shouldn’t be paying the same amount as a driver who’s been convicted of a DUI. Look for an auto insurance company who offers clear and straightforward fees and premium calculations. You can compare pricing as well as negotiate with other insurance providers for a lower rate.

Ask for Assistance for Getting Out of the High-Risk Category

Every state has its own laws that dictate how long traffic violations, claims, and other driving penalties stay on your record, but the best high-risk insurance providers also offer their clients assistance moving out of this expensive category.

Look for Applicable Discounts

Look for insurance providers who offer discounts to drivers who attend traffic safety classes or defensive driving courses, show improvements in their driving record, increase their credit score or remain claims-free for a predetermined period of time.

Find Low-Cost Auto Insurance for High-Risk Drivers

If you’re a high-risk driver who’s been rejected for a car insurance policy, don’t let this stop you from getting more than one quote before you choose an insurance provider. Remember to reevaluate your high risk auto insurance options every year you drive without an accident. You may be surprised to learn just how much you can save after just a year of working to improve your credit score or driving safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Best High-Risk Auto Insurance by Sarah Horvath appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.