Having blemishes on your driving record, such as accidents, speeding tickets, or DUI convictions, can significantly impact your auto insurance rates. Insurers often categorize drivers with these incidents as “high-risk,” leading to much higher premiums compared to drivers with clean records. If you’re struggling to find affordable Auto Insurance For Poor Driving Records, you’re not alone. This guide will navigate you through the complexities of securing coverage and highlight top insurance companies that specialize in assisting drivers in your situation.
A single at-fault accident can increase your insurance premiums substantially. It’s crucial to understand that while your past driving history is a factor, it doesn’t preclude you from obtaining quality and reasonably priced car insurance. This article will explore the best insurance options available, helping you get back on the road with peace of mind, even with a less-than-perfect driving record.
Top Auto Insurance Companies for Drivers with Poor Records
Navigating the car insurance landscape with a poor driving record requires targeting insurers who understand and cater to high-risk drivers. While you will likely face higher premiums, some companies are more forgiving and offer better rates and coverage options than others. We’ve analyzed leading auto insurers to identify those that stand out for drivers in various high-risk categories, including those with accidents, tickets, and DUIs.
Best for Teen Drivers with Limited Experience: State Farm
State Farm Auto Insurance
- Cost: Request a quote for personalized estimates.
- App Available: Yes
- Policy Highlights: As the largest auto insurer in the U.S., State Farm is renowned for its customer satisfaction and extensive discounts, including options for safe driving, bundling policies, and good student achievements. Terms apply.
Read our comprehensive State Farm auto insurance review.
Pros
- Exceptional customer satisfaction ratings
- Broad availability across most states
- Competitive and affordable rates for teen drivers, often considered high-risk due to inexperience.
Cons
- Gap insurance not offered
- Accident forgiveness has a lengthy requirement of nine years without an at-fault accident.
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Who’s This For? State Farm is particularly suitable for teen drivers who are often seen as high-risk due to their lack of driving experience. They offer more affordable rates for teens compared to many competitors and provide various discounts that young drivers can leverage, such as discounts for completing driver education courses, leaving their car at home while at college, and up to 25% off for maintaining good grades.
Standout Benefits: State Farm provides travel expense reimbursement, covering up to $500 for food, lodging, and other related costs if your car breaks down more than 50 miles from your residence.
Average Full Coverage Rate After An At-Fault Accident: $3,657 per year
Average Full Coverage Rate After One Speeding Ticket: $3,314 per year
Average Full Coverage Rate After a DUI or DWI: $4,834 per year
Best for At-Fault Accidents: Erie Insurance
Erie Auto Insurance
- Cost: Obtain a personalized quote for accurate pricing.
- App Available: Yes
- Policy Highlights: Erie provides both full and minimum coverage auto insurance, featuring accident forgiveness and pet coverage as standard with comprehensive or collision policies. The Erie Auto Plus package enhances coverage limits, includes a diminishing deductible, and offers a death benefit of up to $10,000. Additional options include roadside assistance, rate lock, and rideshare insurance. Terms apply.
Explore our detailed Erie car insurance review.
Pros
- Competitive and affordable premiums
- High customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power, indicating reliable service.
- Online quote availability for easy access to pricing.
Cons
- Limited availability in only 12 states and Washington, D.C.
- Policies cannot be purchased online, requiring agent interaction.
- Fewer discount options compared to larger competitors.
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Who’s This For? Erie is ideal for drivers with at-fault accidents on their records, as they offer some of the most competitive premiums in the industry for high-risk situations, particularly for those with prior accidents.
Standout Benefits: Erie’s rate lock feature is a significant advantage, preventing your rates from increasing even after you file a claim, offering long-term cost stability.
Average Full Coverage Rate After An At-Fault Accident: $2,470 per year
Average Full Coverage Rate After a Speeding Ticket: $2,403 per year
Average Full Coverage Rate After a DUI/DWI: $3,982 per year
Best for Speeding Tickets: Geico
Geico Auto Insurance
- Cost: The best way to determine your cost is to request a personalized quote.
- App Available: Yes
- Policy Highlights: Geico’s auto coverage is accessible in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They offer 16 different discounts and a variety of optional add-ons, including emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and mechanical breakdown insurance. Terms apply.
Read our expert Geico auto insurance review.
Pros
- Consistently low average rates, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Online policy purchase and management for convenient access.
- Nationwide availability, ensuring coverage wherever you are in the US.
Cons
- Gap insurance and rideshare insurance are not available.
- Fewer physical branches for customers preferring in-person service.
- Pay-per-mile car insurance option is not offered.
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Who’s This For? Geico is particularly well-suited for drivers with speeding tickets. Among the insurers we reviewed, Geico offers the second-lowest rates for drivers with a single speeding ticket on their record.
Standout Benefits: Geico’s wide range of insurance products, including homeowners and renters insurance, allows for easy bundling and potential savings across multiple insurance needs.
Average Full Coverage Rate After An At-Fault Accident: $3,059 per year
Average Full Coverage Rate After a Speeding Ticket: $2,675 per year
Average Full Coverage Rate After a DUI /DWI: $4,631 per year
The Geico logo featuring the Geico gecko on a white background.
Best for DUI or DWI Convictions: Progressive
Progressive Auto Insurance
- Cost: Requesting a quote is the most effective way to estimate your personalized costs.
- Accident Forgiveness: Yes
- Policy Highlights: Progressive offers a diverse selection of riders, including rideshare insurance and a Deductible Savings Bank, which reduces your deductible by $50 for each policy period without a claim. Terms apply.
Explore our in-depth Progressive auto insurance review.
Pros
- Availability in all 50 states, ensuring widespread access.
- Lower rates for drivers with DUI or DWI convictions compared to many competitors.
- Offers non-owner car insurance and SR-22 certificates, crucial for license reinstatement after violations.
- Features both vanishing deductible and accident forgiveness programs.
Cons
- Customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power are below average.
- Higher-than-average number of customer complaints.
- Snapshot safe-driving discount program may potentially increase rates based on driving behavior.
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Who’s This For? Progressive is particularly advantageous for drivers with DUI convictions, offering lower rates than many other insurers in this high-risk category.
Standout Benefits: Progressive provides a broad spectrum of coverage options, including rideshare insurance and multiple tiers of accident forgiveness, catering to various driver needs.
Average Full Coverage Rate After An At-Fault Accident: $3,586 per year
Average Full Coverage Rate After a Speeding Ticket: $3,051 per year
Average Full Coverage Rate After a DUI /DWI: $3,317 per year
Best for Bad Credit Scores: Dairyland Insurance
Dairyland Auto Insurance
- Cost: Request a quote to determine your specific insurance costs.
- App Available: Yes
- Policy Highlights: Established in 1953, Dairyland specializes in providing auto insurance to high-risk drivers across 38 states. Their offerings include non-owner car insurance policies, coverage for motorcycles and off-road vehicles, and limited Mexico coverage on all California policies.
Pros
- Specializes in insuring high-risk drivers, including those with poor credit.
- Offers coverage for a wide range of vehicles, including motorcycles and off-road vehicles.
- Limited Mexico coverage is included with all California policies, adding extra value for residents.
- Lower volume of customer complaints compared to some competitors.
Cons
- Not available in all 50 states, limiting accessibility.
- Rates are generally higher than average, reflecting the high-risk focus.
- Limited number of discounts available, potentially increasing overall cost.
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Who’s This For? Dairyland is specifically tailored for drivers with low credit scores or limited credit history, categories often considered high-risk by many insurers.
Standout Benefits: Dairyland assists drivers in license reinstatement by issuing SR-22 and FR-44 certificates. Additionally, all Dairyland policies in California include limited coverage for travel into Mexico, providing unique benefits for California residents.
Sample rates for Dairyland are not available.
Best for Numerous Discounts: First Acceptance Insurance
First Acceptance Auto Insurance
- Cost: Request a quote for precise cost estimations.
- Policy Highlights: First Acceptance Insurance Company, underwriting policies since 1969, specializes in coverage for high-risk motorists, young drivers, and those with less-than-perfect credit.
- App Available: Yes
Pros
- Competitive rates for high-risk drivers, making it financially accessible.
- SR-22 certificate availability for drivers needing license reinstatement.
- Flexible payment schedules to accommodate various budget needs.
Cons
- Limited number of policy endorsements.
- Availability is not nationwide, restricting access in some states.
- Higher volume of complaints compared to some other insurers.
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Who’s This For? First Acceptance is ideal for drivers seeking numerous discount opportunities. They offer 18 discounts for auto insurance, including reductions for paperless billing and for securing a quote before your current policy expires.
Standout Benefits: First Acceptance provides flexible monthly payment plans, helping drivers manage their insurance costs within their budget while ensuring they receive necessary coverage.
Sample rates for First Acceptance are not available.
Best for Military Personnel and Veterans: USAA
USAA Auto Insurance
- Cost: Request a quote to get an accurate estimate of your insurance premiums.
- App Available: Yes
- Policy Highlights: USAA auto insurance is exclusively available to service members, veterans, and their families in all 50 states and Washington D.C. Beyond low rates, USAA provides discounts for deployment and for storing vehicles on base. Terms apply.
Explore our detailed USAA auto insurance review
Pros
- Cheapest insurer for liability-only coverage, offering significant savings.
- Exceptional customer satisfaction scores, reflecting reliable service and support.
- Strong financial strength ratings, ensuring long-term stability and claims payment.
- Nationwide availability across all 50 states and D.C.
Cons
- Membership is limited to military families and veterans, restricting access for the general public.
- No physical brick-and-mortar offices for in-person service.
- Customer service is not available 24/7, potentially inconvenient for some users.
- Safe-driver discount is not available in every state, limiting discount opportunities.
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Who’s This For? USAA is specifically designed for active and former service members, offering competitive insurance rates even for drivers with at-fault accidents and speeding tickets, recognizing the unique needs of the military community.
Standout Benefits: USAA provides substantial savings for deployed service members who are not using their vehicles, with discounts up to 60%. Additionally, parking on base can reduce comprehensive insurance costs by up to 15%.
Average Full Coverage Rate After An At-Fault Accident: $2,736 per year
Average Full Coverage Rate After a Speeding Ticket: $2,268 per year
Average Full Coverage Rate After a DUI/DWI: $3,578 per year
Understanding High-Risk Driver Classifications
Insurers classify drivers as high-risk based on several factors that indicate a higher likelihood of filing claims. While there’s no universal industry standard, common criteria that place drivers in the high-risk category include:
- At-Fault Accidents: Involvement in accidents where you are determined to be at fault.
- Speeding Tickets: Receiving tickets for exceeding speed limits and other traffic violations.
- DUI or DWI Convictions: Convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- SR-22 or FR-44 Filings: State insurance office filings often required after serious violations.
- High Points on License: Accumulation of points on your driving license due to violations.
- Low Credit Score: Poor credit history, as insurers correlate credit scores with claim likelihood in many states.
- Multiple Insurance Claims: Filing numerous insurance claims within a recent period (e.g., last three years).
Additional factors that can contribute to a high-risk classification include lapses in insurance coverage, being a teen driver due to inexperience, and residing in areas with high crime rates.
Car Insurance Costs for High-Risk Drivers
The impact of a poor driving record on insurance premiums is evident when comparing average annual rates across different risk categories:
| Category | Average Annual Rate |
|---|---|
| Clean Driving Record with Good Credit | $2,314 |
| Poor Credit | $4,063 |
| Teen Driver | $5,229 |
| At-Fault Accident | $3,508 |
| Speeding Ticket | $2,975 |
| DUI Conviction | $4,713 |
Source: Bankrate data as of January 2025
This data illustrates the significant increase in premiums for drivers in high-risk categories, highlighting the financial implications of a poor driving record.
Duration of High-Risk Driver Status
The period for which you are considered a high-risk driver varies depending on several factors, including the specific incident, your state of residence, and your insurance provider’s policies.
Generally, at-fault accidents and speeding tickets may affect your insurance record for approximately three to five years. However, more severe violations such as DUI or reckless driving can remain on your record for much longer, sometimes up to 15 years or even permanently in some states.
Strategies for High-Risk Drivers to Reduce Insurance Rates
While past driving incidents cannot be erased, high-risk drivers can take proactive steps to mitigate the impact on their insurance premiums.
Step 1: Enroll in a Safe Driving Course
Completing an approved defensive driving course demonstrates to insurers your commitment to safer driving practices. Many insurers offer discounts upon completion of such courses, recognizing the reduced risk associated with trained drivers.
Step 2: Bundle Insurance Policies
Bundling your auto insurance with other policies, such as home or renters insurance, from the same company can lead to substantial savings. Many companies offer bundling discounts that can reduce your overall insurance costs by over 20%.
Step 3: Improve Your Credit Score
In most states, your credit-based insurance score plays a significant role in determining your insurance rates. Improving your credit score by paying bills on time, managing credit card applications, and reducing credit utilization can positively influence your car insurance premiums.
Step 4: Shop Around for Quotes
Comparing quotes from multiple insurance providers is crucial. Different insurers have varying risk assessments and pricing models, especially for high-risk drivers. Companies like First Acceptance and Dairyland specialize in auto insurance for poor driving records and may offer more competitive rates for your situation.
Explore options to save on car insurance if you’re paying too much:
The Geico logo featuring the Geico gecko on a white background.
What If You’re Denied Coverage?
If you face denial of auto insurance due to your driving record, persistence is key. Apply to several other insurers, as each company has unique underwriting criteria and risk tolerance.
Consulting an independent insurance agent can also be beneficial. Agents can navigate the market on your behalf and find coverage options tailored to your specific needs and driving history.
As a last resort, consider state-assigned risk pools. These programs are designed to provide coverage to high-risk drivers who might otherwise be denied, ensuring you can obtain the legally required insurance, although potentially at a higher cost.
FAQs for High-Risk Drivers Seeking Auto Insurance
How much does car insurance increase after an accident?
Following an at-fault accident, insurance premiums can rise by as much as 45% on average. The exact increase varies based on factors like your age, driving history, location, and the specifics of the accident.
How long are you classified as a high-risk driver for insurance?
While insurance companies typically review your record for the past three to five years, your driving history may be retained by the state for a significantly longer period. In some states, like New York, violations such as intoxicated driving can remain on your record permanently.
Which insurance company is best for high-risk drivers?
The “best” insurance company for high-risk drivers depends on the specific risk factor (e.g., accidents, DUI, poor credit), your location, coverage needs, and other individual circumstances. However, companies like State Farm, Erie, Geico, Progressive, and USAA are frequently cited for offering competitive rates and robust coverage options for drivers with poor records.
Will my insurance rates increase even if an accident wasn’t my fault?
While most states permit insurers to raise rates after any reported accident, regardless of fault, a few states like Oklahoma and California prohibit rate increases for accidents where you were not liable. Generally, insurers assess risk based on incident reports, meaning any collision reported to authorities or your insurer could potentially lead to a premium increase.
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Why Trust CNBC Select?
CNBC Select is dedicated to delivering high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice to empower readers in making informed financial decisions. Our car insurance reviews are grounded in rigorous research by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge in insurance products. CNBC Select may earn commissions from affiliate partnerships, but our editorial content is produced independently without influence from commercial teams or external parties, adhering to strict journalistic standards and ethics.
Our Methodology
CNBC Select’s recommendations for the best insurance companies for high-risk drivers are based on a detailed analysis of numerous insurers offering coverage to this demographic.
Our selection process emphasized average premium data provided by Bankrate for various high-risk categories. Quoted premiums were based on a profile of a 40-year-old driver with an otherwise clean record, driving a 2020 Toyota Camry for a 12,000-mile annual commute five days a week, with the following coverage details:
- Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident
- Deductibles: $500 for collision and $500 for comprehensive
We also considered customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power, the Better Business Bureau, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, alongside financial strength ratings from A.M. Best.
Additionally, CNBC Select audience data, including demographics and content engagement, was taken into account where available.
Our top picks are categorized by strengths such as customer satisfaction, affordability for at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUI/DWI, bad credit, discounts, and military service.
Further Reading
How much will my insurance go up after an accident?
Best car insurance after a DUI
Geico vs. Progressive car insurance: Which is better?
Best car insurance if you have bad credit
Stay updated with CNBC Select’s comprehensive coverage of credit cards, banking and money, and connect with us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest insights.
Editorial Note: The opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations presented in this article are solely those of the Select editorial staff and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any third party.
