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Last Updated on January 29, 2026
Finding cheap auto insurance as a high-risk driver can be frustrating—but it’s still doable. Insurers price policies using dozens of factors (like your driving record, prior claims, location, vehicle, and sometimes credit-based insurance scores where allowed). The more risk factors you have, the more you’ll usually pay.
The good news: high-risk drivers can often lower costs by shopping multiple carriers, using telematics/usage-based insurance (UBI), trying pay-per-mile coverage (if they drive infrequently), and tightening up a few key coverage choices.
Fast wins (5 minutes): Before you get quotes, decide your liability limits + deductibles, list every driver/vehicle correctly, and keep coverage identical across quotes—“cheapest” often just means “less coverage.”
In this guide, Insurance Panda explains how high-risk auto insurance works, what you can expect to pay, and which companies are often worth checking if you have accidents, violations, a lapse in coverage, or other red flags.
“High-risk auto insurance” usually isn’t a special type of policy—it’s a pricing category. You’re considered high-risk when an insurer’s data suggests you’re more likely to file a claim (or file a more expensive claim) than the average driver.
Some companies raise premiums sharply for certain issues (like a DUI), while others are more forgiving for the same situation. That’s why comparing quotes matters so much when you’re shopping as a higher-risk driver.
High-risk driver quick estimate
This mini tool shows typical national ranges and the fastest ways high-risk drivers often lower premiums.
Educational estimate only (not a bindable quote). Actual rates vary by insurer, ZIP code, vehicle, and recent driving history.
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Now compare real quotes in your ZIP code:
Tip: Keep the same limits & deductibles across quotes so you’re comparing true cost—not less coverage.
Most insurers don’t “refuse your money”—they simply quote a higher price. But you may be declined (or non-renewed) if your risk profile falls outside a company’s underwriting rules. Common examples include a recent DUI, multiple major violations, frequent at-fault claims, repeated lapses in coverage, or a recent cancellation for non-payment.
If you’re denied by several standard carriers, you still have options:
If you’re getting declined: Try standard carriers first, then non-standard insurers, and treat assigned-risk coverage as a “get legal” last resort—then re-shop after 6–12 months of continuous coverage.
Assigned risk coverage is usually more expensive and limited, but it can be a lifesaver if you need insurance to drive legally or reinstate your license.
High-risk underwriting typically comes down to a few buckets:
Modern pricing is more personalized than it used to be. In addition to your record and claims history, insurers may rate based on mileage, time of day you drive, hard braking, and other signals—especially if you opt into a telematics app or plug-in device.
Telematics can help some high-risk drivers (especially if you drive less and drive smoothly), but it’s not guaranteed. If you speed frequently, brake hard, or drive late at night a lot, a tracking program may not improve your price.
Telematics tip: It’s best for low-mileage, smooth drivers. If you often drive late at night, speed, or brake hard, you may not save—so get a normal quote too, then compare before you commit.
These strategies tend to move the needle the most for high-risk drivers:
Compare quotes the right way: Match the same liability limits, comp/collision deductibles, add-ons (rental/roadside), and drivers on every quote—otherwise you’re not comparing price, you’re comparing coverage.
Young drivers almost always pay more because they have less experience behind the wheel. Many families save by adding a teen to an existing policy (instead of buying a separate policy), but it can still be expensive—especially if the teen drives a newer vehicle.
Some teens can buy their own policy in certain situations, but it depends on the state, the insurer, and whether a parent/guardian needs to sign. Here’s what to know about teens getting car insurance without a parent’s permission.
If you’re trying to cut costs, it may help to keep a teen on the household policy when possible. This guide explains how long a child can stay on their parents’ auto insurance policy.
Rates can rise again later in life as reaction time, vision, and health factors become more relevant. If you’re seeing increases and want to understand why, read about whether car insurance increases at age 70.
The best way to offset age-based increases is usually the same playbook: shop around regularly, keep limits/deductibles consistent when comparing, and ask about mature driver or defensive driving discounts.
A DUI/DWI is one of the largest premium triggers in auto insurance. Most drivers see a sharp increase after a conviction, but the size of the increase depends on the insurer, your prior record, and your state. For a general benchmark, see how much insurance can go up after a DUI.
If you’re shopping post-DUI, focus on carriers that still write higher-risk policies and ask whether you need an SR-22 filing in your state. This guide can help you start comparing: cheap DUI/DWI car insurance.
SR-22 note: If you’re required to file, a lapse or cancellation can create bigger problems (and higher prices). Set reminders/autopay and keep the policy active for the full filing period.
Living in a high-theft or high-crash area can increase premiums—even if you have a clean record. Unfortunately, you can’t “discount” your ZIP code, but you can shop carriers that price your area more competitively, raise deductibles if it makes sense, and consider anti-theft devices or secure parking if your insurer offers savings.
High-risk auto insurance costs more because insurers expect higher claim frequency or higher claim payouts. In recent national pricing studies, the average driver often lands somewhere around $2,500–$2,700 per year for full coverage, while minimum coverage is often under $1,000 per year. High-risk pricing can push totals far above those baselines.
Below are common national ballpark ranges for drivers who fall into high-risk categories. Your exact price depends heavily on state, ZIP code, vehicle, coverage limits, and how recent/severe your incidents were.
In many states, insurers may use credit-based insurance scores as one input when pricing. Where allowed, poor credit (or limited credit history) can lead to large surcharges.
An at-fault claim signals higher future risk, especially if the loss was recent or expensive.
DUIs typically create the largest increases. Some drivers may also be required to file an SR-22, which can limit carrier options.
Note: The ranges above are national ballparks for many drivers ages 25–45. High-cost states, high-theft ZIP codes, newer vehicles, and multiple recent violations can push totals higher.
Every insurer rates risk differently. One company might price a DUI harshly but be more forgiving on credit, while another does the opposite. That’s why the “best” company depends on your specific risk factors.
Below are insurers that are commonly worth checking for higher-risk drivers. Availability varies by state and eligibility rules.
USAA is a large insurance provider that is often ranked among the best auto insurance companies in the United States. If you qualify for USAA membership, it’s often one of the best values for many driver profiles. Eligibility is limited, but if you can get in, it’s usually worth comparing even if you have a few risk factors.
GEICO is frequently competitive for drivers who want a fast online quote experience and solid pricing. It often shows up as one of the cheapest car insurance companies in many states, though your results will depend on your violations, claims, and ZIP code.
Progressive is a large national carrier that often competes well across a wide range of driver profiles—including drivers with incidents in their recent history. It can be especially useful if you want flexible coverage customization and the option to consider telematics-based pricing.
Kemper is often mentioned in high-risk shopping because it writes policies for a range of drivers, including people who may not fit the tight underwriting rules of some standard carriers. Availability and pricing vary by state.
Direct Auto Insurance is aimed at higher-risk drivers who need basic coverage and flexible payment options. It can be worth a quote if multiple carriers have declined you or priced you out.
The General is widely known for minimum-limits policies and for working with drivers who may have trouble qualifying elsewhere. It’s often best considered as a comparison quote or a “get legal” option while you rebuild your record.
Elephant is a smaller carrier (not available nationwide) that can be competitive for certain higher-risk profiles in states where it operates. If you live in an eligible state, it can be a worthwhile quote alongside larger national brands.
National General Insurance is another carrier that often appears in high-risk comparisons. It may be a fit if you need a company with experience pricing non-standard drivers, especially if your incidents are recent.
State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the U.S. and is competitive for many driver types. Even as a high-risk driver, it can be worth checking—especially if your issues are older, minor, or you qualify for meaningful discounts.
Bristol West specializes in higher-risk drivers and is often quoted through agents. If you have multiple issues on your record (or other insurers have declined you), Bristol West can be a strong option to compare.
Being “high-risk” isn’t a life sentence. Most drivers move back toward standard rates over time by reducing incidents and keeping continuous coverage. Start with practical steps that improve your profile quickly:
Tip: Be cautious with third-party sites that promise to “erase” tickets or remove points instantly. Official changes to your record come through your state DMV/courts—not a random website.
Watch out: If someone promises they can “remove tickets instantly,” be skeptical. Real changes come from the court/DMV process—focus your effort on clean renewals + shopping around instead.
High-risk drivers get the biggest wins from shopping around. Even if you’re not getting the lowest advertised rates, you can often find a carrier that prices your situation more fairly—and you may be able to lower costs further with the right deductibles and discounts.
If you’re building your shopping list, start here: the best auto insurance companies in America.
Bottom line: Even as a high-risk driver, you can often find affordable coverage by comparing quotes, maintaining continuous insurance, and using tools like telematics or pay-per-mile programs when they fit your driving habits.
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