Who is considered a high-risk driver, and who needs a high-risk insurance policy?
High-risk car insurance applies to drivers with multiple traffic tickets, at-fault accidents, a serious violation such as a DUI, a history of driving uninsured, or poor credit. Insurers place these drivers in a higher-risk category, which results in higher premiums and, in some cases, a requirement to purchase coverage through the non-standard market.
- Drivers with multiple tickets or accidents on their record: A single ticket or minor fender bender might not make you a high-risk driver, but multiple tickets probably will. You also might be deemed a greater risk if you have a history of multiple at-fault accidents.
- Drivers convicted of a serious violation: A DUI, reckless driving or other serious violation can immediately land you in the high-risk category. These could also require you to get an SR-22, a state-mandated certificate indicating you carry a policy that meets the state's minimum insurance coverage requirements.
- Drivers who have been caught driving uninsured: If you have been caught driving uninsured, insurance companies will likely see you as riskier to insure in the future.
- Drivers with bad credit: Drivers with poor credit-based insurance scores tend to file more frequent claims, which may result in them being categorized as high-risk. A handful of states have outlawed using credit in car insurance pricing.
Is a teenager a high-risk driver?
No, although teens do pose a higher risk to insurers. However, they aren't required to apply for a high-risk policy unless something unusual about their driving history – such as multiple tickets or accidents – makes them a major red flag to insurers. Although most teen drivers qualify for coverage through a standard insurance policy, they often pay higher rates than drivers of other ages.
Best insurance companies for high-risk drivers
As a high-risk driver, you may be able to buy a standard policy at a higher rate from a traditional private insurance company. In other cases, you might have to buy a non-standard policy specifically from insurance companies for high-risk drivers.
The good news is that some big companies have divisions that sell nonstandard policies. There are also smaller, reputable companies that sell nonstandard insurance.
Bear in mind that there is a difference between paying more for a policy from a standard insurance company due to your driving record and needing to purchase a high-risk insurance policy.
State Farm offers the best high-risk auto insurance policy, though the best company could be different based on your unique needs.
Below is a list of the best high-risk auto insurance companies.
| Company | NAIC complaint ratio | AM Best | Survey score* | Annual rate, high-risk | Insurance.com score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | 1.200 | A+ | 4.35 | $5,370 | 3.85 |
| Amica | 0.588 | A+ | 4.19 | $5,537 | 4.00 |
| Farmers | 1.239 | A | 4.30 | $5,633 | 3.67 |
| GEICO | 0.603 | A++ | 4.27 | $4,077 | 4.44 |
| Nationwide | 0.636 | A | 4.41 | $4,722 | 4.17 |
| Progressive | 0.604 | A+ | 4.15 | $4,130 | 4.29 |
| State Farm | 0.869 | A+ | 4.38 | $5,313 | 4.01 |
| Travelers | 0.625 | A++ | 4.37 | $3,181 | 4.67 |
| USAA | 1.164 | A++ | 4.55 | $2,664 | 4.53 |
*Score based on the Insurance.com Best Car Insurance Companies survey of insurance customers
Cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers
The cheapest car insurance company for high-risk drivers is Travelers, at $3,181 per year, though USAA offers lower rates at $2,664 a year, but is only for eligible military members, veterans and their families. At $3,206 a year, Erie Insurance is a close second.
| Company | Average annual rate for high-risk drivers |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $5,370 |
| American Family | $4,020 |
| Amica | $5,537 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA SoCal) | $6,680 |
| Auto Club Group (AAA Midwest/South) | $3,810 |
| Auto-Owners | $4,072 |
| CSAA Insurance Group (AAA NorCal/NV/UT) | $6,054 |
| Erie | $3,206 |
| Farmers | $5,633 |
| GEICO | $4,077 |
| Mercury | $5,350 |
| Nationwide | $4,722 |
| Progressive | $4,130 |
| State Farm | $5,313 |
| Travelers | $3,181 |
| USAA | $2,664 |
Keep in mind that these are average rates. If you have multiple tickets or accidents, a combination of both, or are high-risk for another reason, the cheapest company for you might vary.
The best thing to do is to shop around and compare car insurance rates from as many companies as possible to find the best deal.
Car insurance for high-risk drivers by state
The amount of money a high-risk driver will pay for car insurance depends on many factors, including where the individual lives and their driving profile. For example, a high-risk driver in Florida who has a DUI will pay $5,377, while a driver with the same profile in Maine will pay $2,997. But if the driver is considered high risk because of poor credit, they’ll pay $8,249 in Florida and $4,141 in Maine.
Below are the average annual premiums for high-risk drivers by state and driving profile.
| State | Avg rate, clean record | With a DUI | With 2 speeding tickets | With an at-fault accident with injuries | With poor credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $2,167 | $3,132 | $3,077 | $3,329 | $4,385 |
| Alabama | $2,116 | $3,563 | $3,396 | $3,272 | $3,778 |
| Arkansas | $2,942 | $4,605 | $4,586 | $4,627 | $5,364 |
| Arizona | $2,420 | $3,799 | $3,846 | $3,574 | $3,933 |
| California | $3,444 | $9,979 | $7,521 | $6,179 | NA |
| Colorado | $3,181 | $4,848 | $4,642 | $4,677 | $7,634 |
| Connecticut | $2,742 | $8,432 | $6,691 | $4,632 | $6,157 |
| Washington, D.C. | $3,465 | $5,254 | $4,775 | $5,504 | $9,383 |
| Delaware | $3,157 | $5,151 | $4,775 | $4,940 | $5,591 |
| Florida | $3,916 | $5,377 | $5,592 | $5,822 | $8,249 |
| Georgia | $2,503 | $4,599 | $3,883 | $4,331 | $4,529 |
| Hawaii | $1,757 | $5,983 | $2,303 | $2,460 | NA |
| Iowa | $2,460 | $4,443 | $3,972 | $3,905 | $4,252 |
| Idaho | $1,901 | $3,362 | $2,807 | $2,893 | $2,881 |
| Illinois | $1,938 | $3,486 | $3,226 | $3,046 | $3,702 |
| Indiana | $1,894 | $3,391 | $3,022 | $2,876 | $3,459 |
| Kansas | $2,496 | $4,334 | $3,598 | $3,627 | $5,515 |
| Kentucky | $2,624 | $4,579 | $3,971 | $3,963 | $6,308 |
| Louisiana | $3,999 | $6,426 | $6,278 | $5,861 | $8,148 |
| Massachusetts | $2,429 | $4,683 | $3,731 | $3,913 | NA |
| Maryland | $1,999 | $2,901 | $3,022 | $3,275 | $4,177 |
| Maine | $1,808 | $2,997 | $3,367 | $2,894 | $4,141 |
| Michigan | $3,964 | $11,189 | $10,019 | $7,865 | $11,664 |
| Minnesota | $2,591 | $6,348 | $4,394 | $4,122 | $6,949 |
| Missouri | $2,151 | $3,571 | $3,288 | $3,237 | $4,635 |
| Mississippi | $2,397 | $4,218 | $3,313 | $3,547 | $4,229 |
| Montana | $2,476 | $4,153 | $3,272 | $3,601 | $4,979 |
| North Carolina | $2,638 | $11,340 | $4,748 | $4,438 | $4,756 |
| North Dakota | $2,439 | $4,589 | $4,044 | $3,646 | $4,917 |
| Nebraska | $2,095 | $3,648 | $3,003 | $3,328 | $3,842 |
| New Hampshire | $1,689 | $2,808 | $2,852 | $2,722 | $3,462 |
| New Jersey | $3,122 | $6,300 | $4,644 | $5,447 | $8,326 |
| New Mexico | $2,577 | $4,174 | $3,779 | $3,849 | $4,015 |
| Nevada | $3,963 | $6,553 | $5,410 | $5,711 | $8,223 |
| New York | $2,596 | $4,649 | $3,465 | $3,798 | $6,854 |
| Ohio | $1,783 | $2,727 | $2,686 | $2,605 | $3,339 |
| Oklahoma | $2,993 | $4,442 | $4,162 | $4,273 | $4,675 |
| Oregon | $2,048 | $3,057 | $3,130 | $3,110 | $4,174 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,327 | $4,098 | $3,296 | $3,449 | $5,474 |
| Rhode Island | $2,878 | $6,282 | $4,704 | $4,025 | $5,858 |
| South Carolina | $2,417 | $3,669 | $3,682 | $3,759 | $4,797 |
| South Dakota | $2,575 | $5,335 | $3,628 | $3,944 | $5,386 |
| Tennessee | $2,235 | $3,875 | $3,612 | $3,824 | $3,945 |
| Texas | $3,106 | $5,137 | $5,142 | $5,912 | $6,774 |
| Utah | $2,356 | $3,342 | $3,311 | $3,589 | $4,481 |
| Virginia | $1,835 | $3,517 | $2,996 | $3,079 | $3,803 |
| Vermont | $1,660 | $3,358 | $2,388 | $2,467 | $3,347 |
| Washington | $2,389 | $3,541 | $3,661 | $3,662 | NA |
| Wisconsin | $2,343 | $4,421 | $4,124 | $3,523 | $4,450 |
| West Virginia | $2,415 | $3,988 | $3,639 | $3,688 | $4,567 |
| Wyoming | $2,061 | $3,736 | $2,982 | $2,843 | $3,347 |
How to save money on high-risk auto insurance
While the cost of car insurance for high-risk drivers can be steep, you can still find ways to save. Here are a few ways anyone, including high-risk drivers, can lower their rates:
- Shop around
- Take a defensive driving course
- Raise your deductible
- Bundle your auto and homeowners insurance
- Improve your credit score
- Ask about low-mileage discounts if you don’t drive much
- Drive cautiously so you build a clean driving record
- Ask the insurance company about all available discounts
How long are you considered a high-risk driver?
Most insurers consider a driver high-risk for three years, although some companies and states use a longer lookback period of up to five years for serious violations such as a DUI. Check with your insurer after three years to find out if you qualify for lower, standard insurance rates.
Many states use a points system to track driving violations, where more severe incidents carry higher point values. Accumulating too many points within a given period can trigger a license suspension or rate increase, depending on the state. Check your state's DMV website to find the specific point thresholds that apply to your license. Points don't directly apply to insurance rates, but drivers will many points on their license are likely to be seen as high-risk for insurance.
How does SR-22 insurance work for high-risk drivers
An SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the state to confirm you carry the minimum required car insurance coverage. It is required after serious violations, including a DUI, reckless driving, driving uninsured, and certain license suspensions. An SR-22 is not a type of insurance.
- Your insurer files the SR-22 directly with your state's DMV on your behalf
- Most states require drivers to maintain SR-22 status for three years
- If your policy lapses during the SR-22 period, your insurer must notify the state, which can result in a license suspension
How to get cheap car insurance with a bad driving record
Comparison shop. Compare quotes from both standard (if you qualify) and nonstandard companies. You can get quotes based on a number of different coverage amounts, but be careful not to choose the cheapest policy if it leaves you underinsured.
Look closely at rates. Compare quotes using identical coverage limits and deductibleThe deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered loss when you file a claim. amounts across all insurers. A full-coverage policy with 100/300/100 limits and a $500 deductible from one company is not comparable to a minimum-liability policy from another, even if the premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods. appears lower. Matching coverage levels ensures the comparison reflects actual price differences between insurers, not coverage differences.
Ask about discounts. Discounts are usually available to drivers. Ask about the discounts you qualify for, and remember that discounts vary by company.
Shop frequently. Shop for high-risk car insurance every six months. Insurers adjust rates regularly, and a cleaner record over time may qualify you for lower premiums with a different carrier.
Methodology
Insurance.com fielded rates via Quadrant Data Services for drivers with multiple high-risk statuses, including DUI, multiple tickets, accidents and poor credit. Rates are based on a 40-year-old male driver with full coverage of 100/300/100 and $500 deductibles for comprehensive and collision.
The best companies ranking is based on these rates as well as third-party ratings from AM Best and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) as well as the 2026 Best Car Insurance Companies survey of insurance customers.
FAQ: High-risk car insurance
How much does high risk auto insurance cost?
High-risk car insurance rates range from $2,664 at USAA to $6,680 at Auto Club Enterprises, but rates vary depending on the type of violation on your record, where you live and factors like your coverage and vehicle type.
How can I lower my car insurance as a high-risk driver?
There are several ways to lower the cost of your car insurance when you are a high-risk driver. For example, your deductible can impact your premium. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium.
Also, look for discounts an insurer might offer. Price breaks might be available for being a loyal customer, going claim-free for a period, using your policy to cover more than one vehicle or setting up autopay. Some insurers also offer a discount if you sign up for a defensive driving course or are a good student. When in doubt, do your homework, and don't be afraid to ask to see what discounts are available.
What if I can’t find high-risk insurance?
If no private insurer will cover you, you can purchase a policy through your state's assigned risk pool, which is available in all states and guarantees access to minimum required coverage. Before using the assigned risk pool, compare quotes from non-standard insurers, which specialize in covering high-risk drivers and may offer more competitive rates.
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