Introduction
Finding affordable car insurance can become much harder after a DUI, multiple tickets, an at-fault accident, poor credit, or a lapse in coverage. Some insurers may increase your premium, while others may decide that your driving profile does not fit their underwriting rules.
That is where comparing high risk auto insurance companies becomes important.
Being labeled a high-risk driver does not necessarily mean you need a completely different type of auto insurance. In many cases, you can still get standard coverage such as liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist protection. The biggest difference may be how much you pay and which insurers are willing to cover you.
The right company for one high-risk driver may not be the right company for another. Your state, driving history, vehicle, age, claims history, coverage limits, insurance history, and other rating factors can all influence your quote.
This guide explains how high-risk auto insurance works, which insurers are worth comparing, what causes higher premiums, how SR-22 and FR-44 filings work, and what you can do to improve your insurance costs over time.
Quick Answer: What Are the Best High Risk Auto Insurance Companies?
There is no single insurance company that is cheapest or best for every high-risk driver.
Companies such as Progressive, GEICO, USAA, Nationwide, Travelers, State Farm, Erie, Direct Auto, Dairyland, and The General may be worth comparing depending on your state, driving record, and eligibility.
Current industry comparisons show that different insurers can perform better for different high-risk situations. For example, some insurers may be competitive for drivers with poor credit, while others may be more competitive after accidents or serious violations. NerdWallet’s current comparison evaluates high-risk insurers using factors including rates, complaints, customer experience, and financial strength.
The best way to find your most affordable option is to get multiple personalized quotes and compare the same coverage limits and deductibles.
What Is High Risk Auto Insurance?
High-risk auto insurance generally refers to coverage for drivers an insurer believes present a greater likelihood of future claims or losses.
It is important to understand that high-risk auto insurance is not necessarily a separate insurance product.
A high-risk driver may still purchase many of the same coverage types available to other drivers, including:
- Bodily injury liability
- Property damage liability
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Underinsured motorist coverage
- Personal injury protection where applicable
- Medical payments coverage
- Rental reimbursement
- Roadside assistance
The difference is usually the insurer’s assessment of risk.
For example, someone with a clean driving history may receive a lower premium because the insurer’s data suggests a lower probability of claims. A driver with several recent accidents or a DUI may receive a higher quote because the insurer considers the profile riskier.
There is also no universal nationwide definition of “high-risk driver.” Each insurer has its own underwriting standards, and state regulations can affect what insurers are allowed to consider.
Who Is Considered a High-Risk Driver?
A driver can become high-risk for several different reasons.
Some risk factors relate directly to driving behavior, while others involve insurance history, financial information, experience, or the vehicle being insured.
Drivers With a DUI or DWI
A DUI or DWI conviction can make auto insurance substantially more expensive.
Insurers may view impaired driving as a serious indication of increased future risk. Depending on the state, the driver may also have to meet additional financial-responsibility requirements before regaining or maintaining driving privileges.
A DUI does not necessarily make insurance impossible to obtain, but it can reduce the number of available options.
Drivers With Multiple Tickets
A single speeding ticket may have a relatively limited impact compared with several recent violations.
Multiple moving violations can indicate a pattern of risky driving behavior, which may cause insurers to increase premiums or apply stricter underwriting rules.
Drivers With At-Fault Accidents
An at-fault accident can affect your insurance rate, especially if the accident resulted in significant property damage or injuries.
Multiple recent accidents can have an even greater effect.
However, the exact impact depends on factors such as:
- How recent the accident was
- Whether you were at fault
- The severity of the loss
- Your previous record
- The insurer’s rating model
- State regulations
Drivers With Poor Credit
In states where credit-based insurance information is permitted, insurers may consider credit-related information when determining premiums.
This does not mean an insurer is simply judging whether someone is financially responsible. Credit-based insurance information is one factor that may be incorporated into a broader underwriting and pricing model.
State laws vary, so consumers should check the rules where they live.
Drivers With an Insurance Lapse
A lapse in coverage can make insurance more difficult or expensive to obtain.
An insurer may consider continuous insurance history when evaluating an applicant.
Even if you did not have an accident during the period you were uninsured, a lapse can still affect how insurers view your insurance history.
New or Inexperienced Drivers
Drivers with limited experience have less historical information for insurers to evaluate.
This is one reason new drivers can face higher premiums even when they have never received a ticket or caused an accident.
Drivers With Multiple Claims
Your claims history can also affect your insurance profile.
A driver with several recent claims may receive different pricing from someone with a similar driving record but very few claims.
Why Do High-Risk Drivers Pay More for Auto Insurance?
Insurance companies price policies based on expected risk.
The insurer is essentially estimating how likely a future claim may be and how expensive that claim could become.
A higher-risk profile can therefore lead to a higher premium.
But your driving record is only one piece of the calculation.
Other factors can include:
- Location
- Age
- Driving experience
- Vehicle type
- Annual mileage
- Claims history
- Insurance history
- Coverage limits
- Deductible
- Credit-based insurance information where permitted
- Applicable discounts
- State-specific rating rules
This explains why two people with the same DUI or speeding ticket can receive completely different quotes.
Best High Risk Auto Insurance Companies to Compare
The following insurers are worth considering when shopping for high-risk coverage. This is not a universal ranking because eligibility, availability, and pricing differ by driver and state.
Progressive
Progressive is one of the major national insurers that high-risk drivers may want to quote.
It has a broad market presence and offers several coverage and policy options.
Progressive may be worth checking if you have:
- A recent traffic violation
- An accident
- A DUI
- Multiple vehicles
- An SR-22 requirement
However, never assume it will be your cheapest option. Your personalized quote is what matters.
GEICO
GEICO is another major insurer to include in a quote comparison.
Current high-risk comparisons from NerdWallet include GEICO among insurers evaluated for drivers with challenging records.
GEICO may be competitive for some drivers, but the result depends on your personal profile and state.
USAA
USAA can be an important option for eligible military members, veterans, and qualifying family members.
It is not available to everyone.
For eligible customers, it can be worth comparing against other insurers because pricing may be competitive for certain driver profiles.
Nationwide
Nationwide is another major insurer that may be worth quoting.
Drivers with certain risk characteristics may find different pricing compared with other national carriers.
The only way to know whether Nationwide is competitive for you is to request a personalized quote.
Travelers
Travelers is another national insurer that can be included when comparing high-risk coverage.
It may offer different underwriting results from other major companies, which is precisely why shopping around matters.
State Farm
State Farm has a large nationwide presence and may be available to drivers with certain risk factors.
However, eligibility and pricing depend on the individual applicant.
Erie Insurance
Erie can be worth considering where it operates.
Its availability is more geographically limited than some large national insurers, so it will not be an option for every driver.
Direct Auto
Direct Auto focuses heavily on customers who may have difficulty obtaining coverage from preferred insurers.
This makes it a useful company to investigate if standard insurers are not providing competitive quotes.
Dairyland
Dairyland is another insurer associated with nonstandard auto insurance.
It can be particularly useful to investigate when your driving record makes traditional coverage difficult to obtain.
The General
The General markets coverage to drivers who may have trouble qualifying for insurance through traditional channels.
It can be another quote to compare rather than an automatic first choice.
High Risk Auto Insurance Companies Comparison
Use this table as a starting point when deciding which companies to investigate.
| Insurance Company | Why Consider It | Potential Fit |
| Progressive | Large national insurer | Drivers with violations or accidents |
| GEICO | Major national carrier | Drivers comparing mainstream options |
| USAA | Military-focused eligibility | Eligible military members and families |
| Nationwide | Broad insurance market | Drivers with varied risk profiles |
| Travelers | Major national insurer | Drivers seeking another quote |
| State Farm | Large agent network | Drivers who meet underwriting rules |
| Erie | Competitive in some areas | Drivers in eligible states |
| Direct Auto | Nonstandard market | Harder-to-insure drivers |
| Dairyland | High-risk focus | Drivers needing nonstandard coverage |
| The General | Targets challenging profiles | Drivers having difficulty finding coverage |
This table should not be treated as a guaranteed ranking.
Insurance rates are personal, and the cheapest insurer for you could be different from the cheapest insurer for another driver.
How Much Does High Risk Auto Insurance Cost?
There is no single price for high-risk auto insurance.
A driver with one speeding ticket could pay much less than someone with a recent DUI and multiple accidents.
Current insurance comparisons show substantial differences among insurers and driver profiles. NerdWallet’s high-risk analysis separates rates by situations such as bad credit, at-fault accidents, DUI convictions, and newly licensed drivers rather than treating all high-risk drivers as one group.
This is an important point for consumers.
A national average may give you general context, but it cannot tell you what your insurer will charge.
What Can Change Your Premium?
Your quote may change based on:
- State
- ZIP code
- Age
- Driving record
- Vehicle
- Annual mileage
- Coverage limits
- Deductible
- Claims
- Insurance history
- Credit-based insurance information where permitted
- Discounts
- Household drivers
The more variables involved, the less useful a generic “average rate” becomes.
High Risk Insurance Costs by Driver Situation
Different problems can affect insurance differently.
After a DUI
DUI-related insurance can be significantly more expensive.
You may also have additional state requirements.
Start by comparing several insurers and determine whether your state requires an SR-22 or FR-44 filing.
After an At-Fault Accident
An at-fault accident may result in a higher premium at renewal.
The effect can depend on the severity and recency of the accident.
If your current insurer raises your rate, use the renewal as an opportunity to compare competitors.
After Multiple Tickets
Several recent tickets can make your profile less attractive to some insurers.
The best response is to avoid additional violations and compare rates after your record begins to improve.
With Poor Credit
Where legally permitted, credit-based insurance information may affect premiums.
Because insurers can use different rating models, obtaining several quotes can be especially useful.
After a Coverage Lapse
If your policy has recently lapsed, try to obtain new coverage as quickly as possible.
Do not drive uninsured simply because the first quote you receive is expensive.
Standard vs. Nonstandard Auto Insurance for High-Risk Drivers
High-risk drivers often hear the term “nonstandard insurance.”
These concepts are related but not identical.
A standard insurance company may still insure a high-risk driver.
A nonstandard insurer generally specializes in customers who may not fit preferred underwriting categories.
Standard Insurance
A mainstream insurer may accept you while charging a higher premium because of your driving record.
Nonstandard Insurance
A nonstandard company may focus on drivers who have:
- Multiple violations
- DUI convictions
- Multiple accidents
- Lapses in coverage
- Limited driving history
- Other underwriting challenges
The Insurance Information Institute explains that drivers who cannot find coverage in the voluntary market may have options through insurers specializing in nonstandard coverage or state mechanisms.
How to Choose Between High Risk Auto Insurance Companies
Choosing an insurer should involve more than looking at one monthly price.
Compare the Same Coverage
Suppose Company A quotes $140 per month and Company B quotes $160.
That does not automatically make Company A better.
Company A might have:
- Lower liability limits
- Higher deductible
- Fewer optional benefits
- Less protection
Always compare equivalent coverage.
Check Deductibles
A deductible is the amount you generally pay toward a covered claim before your insurer pays the remaining covered loss.
A higher deductible can reduce your premium, but you should only choose one you can reasonably afford.
Look for Discounts
Ask about discounts for:
- Safe driving
- Defensive driving
- Multiple vehicles
- Multiple policies
- Anti-theft equipment
- Vehicle safety features
- Paid-in-full policies
- Usage-based insurance
Not every discount is available in every state.
Consider Financial Strength
An insurer’s financial strength matters because you want a company capable of meeting its obligations.
Independent rating organizations can provide additional information when evaluating insurers.
Review Customer and Claims Experience
Price is important, but claims service matters when you actually experience a covered loss.
Look for reputable information about customer complaints and claims handling.
What Is an SR-22 and Why Does It Matter?
An SR-22 is generally a financial-responsibility filing associated with an auto insurance policy.
It is not a separate insurance policy.
A state may require an SR-22 after certain violations or license-related situations.
If you need one, your insurer generally files the required form with the state.
Not every high-risk driver needs an SR-22.
The requirement depends on the driver’s specific situation and state law.
What Is an FR-44?
An FR-44 is another type of financial-responsibility filing used in certain circumstances.
Florida and Virginia are notable examples where FR-44 requirements can apply under particular circumstances.
Because requirements vary by state, always confirm the exact filing and coverage requirements with the relevant state authority.
What If No High Risk Auto Insurance Company Will Accept You?
Getting declined by one insurer does not mean you have run out of options.
Try the following process:
- Request quotes from additional insurers.
- Contact an independent insurance agent.
- Ask whether you need an SR-22 or FR-44.
- Verify your driving record.
- Check whether all information on your application is accurate.
- Contact your state insurance department.
- Ask about the state’s assigned-risk or residual-market program.
- Compare nonstandard insurance companies.
- Do not drive without legally required insurance.
NerdWallet’s current guidance specifically addresses what drivers can do when insurance companies will not accept them, including shopping around and considering state-backed options.
How to Lower High Risk Auto Insurance Costs
You cannot always remove a DUI or accident immediately.
But you can improve many parts of your insurance profile.
1. Shop Around
This is one of the most practical steps.
Do not assume your current insurer is still your best option after a major change in your record.
2. Maintain Continuous Coverage
Avoid unnecessary gaps.
Consistent insurance history can help prevent additional underwriting problems.
3. Build a Clean Driving Record
Avoid new tickets and accidents.
A clean record over time can help demonstrate that your risk profile has improved.
4. Ask About Defensive Driving Discounts
Some insurers offer discounts for approved defensive-driving courses.
Check with your insurer before enrolling to confirm eligibility.
5. Consider a Higher Deductible
If financially appropriate, a higher deductible may reduce your premium.
But do not choose an unaffordable deductible just to lower the monthly payment.
6. Review Your Coverage
Review your policy regularly.
Make sure your limits match your financial needs and legal requirements.
7. Consider Telematics
Usage-based insurance programs can evaluate driving behavior through a telematics device or mobile technology.
Depending on the insurer and program, safe driving may provide an opportunity for savings.
8. Improve Eligible Credit Factors
Where credit-based insurance information is legally used, improving your credit profile may eventually help.
9. Choose Your Vehicle Carefully
The vehicle you drive can have a major effect on insurance pricing.
Before purchasing a different vehicle, request an insurance quote.
10. Re-Shop Your Policy
Do not assume today’s price will remain the same forever.
Review your insurance after major changes in your driving record, vehicle, household, or insurance history.
How Long Do You Remain a High-Risk Driver?
There is no universal number of years that applies to every high-risk driver.
The effect of a ticket, accident, or DUI depends on:
- State law
- Insurer rules
- Type of violation
- Date of violation
- Driving history
- Claims history
As older violations become less relevant and you build a clean record, your insurance situation may improve.
That is why it is important to continue comparing rates rather than assuming you will always pay a high-risk premium.
Common Mistakes High-Risk Drivers Should Avoid
Mistake 1: Accepting the First Quote
The first company willing to insure you may not be the cheapest.
Mistake 2: Comparing Only Monthly Payments
Always compare total coverage and deductibles.
Mistake 3: Dropping Important Coverage
Reducing coverage can create serious financial exposure after an accident.
Mistake 4: Allowing Another Insurance Lapse
A second lapse may make your situation even more difficult.
Mistake 5: Hiding Information
Always provide accurate information about your driving history.
Incorrect information can cause problems with your policy or claims.
Mistake 6: Assuming Every Insurer Uses the Same Rules
Insurance companies can evaluate the same driver differently.
Mistake 7: Ignoring State Requirements
Insurance laws and financial-responsibility rules vary by state.
Pros and Cons of Nonstandard Auto Insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| May insure drivers with difficult records | Premiums can be higher |
| Can provide an alternative when standard insurers decline | Fewer choices in some areas |
| May support certain financial-responsibility filings | Coverage options can differ |
| Useful for drivers needing immediate coverage | Requires careful comparison |
| Can help prevent an uninsured driving situation | May not always be the cheapest option |
Nonstandard insurance should not automatically be viewed as a bad option.
For some drivers, it can provide the coverage they need when traditional companies are unwilling to insure them.
Real-World Example: A Driver With a DUI and an Insurance Lapse
Imagine a driver who has a recent DUI and also allowed their auto insurance policy to lapse.
The driver receives a very high quote from their current insurer.
Instead of immediately accepting it, they could:
- Confirm their state’s financial-responsibility requirements.
- Determine whether an SR-22 or FR-44 is required.
- Contact multiple major insurers.
- Get quotes from nonstandard carriers.
- Compare identical liability limits.
- Ask about available discounts.
- Maintain continuous coverage from that point forward.
- Avoid additional violations.
- Re-shop when the driving record improves.
The driver may not get a low premium immediately.
The goal is to find appropriate coverage today while creating a better insurance profile for the future.
Expert Tips for Finding Affordable High-Risk Coverage
Tip 1: Get at least several quotes before choosing a policy.
Tip 2: Give every insurer the same information.
Tip 3: Compare identical coverage limits.
Tip 4: Ask about discounts before accepting the final quote.
Tip 5: Get an insurance quote before purchasing another vehicle.
Tip 6: Ask whether a defensive-driving course can help.
Tip 7: Maintain continuous coverage.
Tip 8: Keep copies of required SR-22 or FR-44 documentation.
Tip 9: Review your policy at every renewal.
Tip 10: Shop again when an old violation becomes less relevant.
A Simple 5-Step Strategy to Find Better High-Risk Insurance
If the process feels overwhelming, use this simple system.
Step 1 — Identify Your Risk Factor
Determine whether the main issue is:
- DUI
- Accident
- Tickets
- Credit
- Insurance lapse
- Limited driving experience
- Multiple claims
Step 2 — Check Your State’s Requirements
Find out the minimum insurance requirements and whether you need a financial-responsibility filing.
Step 3 — Compare Multiple Companies
Get quotes from both traditional and nonstandard insurers when appropriate.
Step 4 — Compare Coverage, Not Just Price
Check limits, deductibles, exclusions, and optional benefits.
Step 5 — Re-Shop Later
Your risk profile can change.
Review your rates again after your record improves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best high risk auto insurance companies?
There is no universal best company. Progressive, GEICO, USAA, Nationwide, Travelers, State Farm, Erie, Direct Auto, Dairyland, and The General may all be worth comparing depending on your state and driving history.
What is the cheapest high risk auto insurance company?
There is no single company that is cheapest for every high-risk driver. Your state, driving record, vehicle, coverage limits, deductible, and other rating factors affect your quote.
Can I get auto insurance after a DUI?
Yes. Many drivers can obtain coverage after a DUI, although premiums may be higher and additional financial-responsibility requirements may apply.
Do high-risk drivers always need an SR-22?
No. An SR-22 is required only in certain circumstances under applicable state law. A high-risk classification by itself does not automatically require an SR-22.
Is high-risk insurance the same as nonstandard insurance?
No. High-risk describes the driver’s perceived insurance risk, while nonstandard insurance generally refers to coverage designed for drivers who may not fit preferred underwriting categories.
Can poor credit increase auto insurance costs?
In states where credit-based insurance information is allowed, it can affect premiums. State laws differ.
Can I get insurance after multiple accidents?
Yes. Your choices may be more limited and your premium may be higher, but both traditional and nonstandard insurers may offer coverage.
How can I lower high-risk auto insurance costs?
Compare several insurers, maintain continuous coverage, avoid additional violations, ask about discounts, review deductibles, and continue shopping as your driving record improves.
Should I work with an independent insurance agent?
An independent agent can be useful when several insurers have declined you or when you need specialized coverage such as an SR-22-related policy.
What should I do if every insurance company declines me?
Contact your state’s insurance department and ask about assigned-risk or residual-market options. You can also speak with an agent experienced in high-risk drivers.
Can a high-risk driver get full coverage?
Potentially, yes. High-risk drivers may be able to obtain collision and comprehensive coverage along with liability insurance, but availability and pricing depend on the insurer and driver.
Does a high-risk classification last forever?
No. The effect of violations and other risk factors can change over time. Maintaining a clean driving record and continuous coverage can help improve your insurance profile.
Key Takeaways
- High risk auto insurance companies provide options for drivers who may present greater underwriting risk.
- There is no universal definition of a high-risk driver.
- DUI convictions, accidents, tickets, insurance lapses, poor credit where permitted, and limited experience can affect rates.
- Progressive, GEICO, USAA, Nationwide, Travelers, State Farm, Erie, Direct Auto, Dairyland, and The General may be worth comparing.
- USAA is restricted to eligible customers.
- Nonstandard insurers can be useful when traditional insurers decline coverage.
- SR-22 and FR-44 are financial-responsibility filings, not separate insurance policies.
- Always compare identical coverage limits and deductibles.
- The cheapest advertised policy is not necessarily the best policy.
- Maintaining continuous coverage can help prevent additional insurance problems.
- Safe driving can help improve your risk profile over time.
- Re-shop your policy regularly instead of assuming your current insurer remains the cheapest.
Conclusion
Finding affordable high risk auto insurance companies can take more work than buying a standard policy, but you have options.
The most important thing to remember is that “high-risk” does not automatically mean “uninsurable.” Different companies use different underwriting rules, so a driver who receives an expensive quote from one insurer may receive a more competitive offer from another.
Start by identifying the reason you are considered high-risk. Then determine your state’s coverage and financial-responsibility requirements. Compare several major insurers, consider nonstandard carriers when appropriate, and make sure every quote uses comparable coverage.
Do not focus only on the monthly payment. Look at liability limits, deductibles, optional coverage, claims service, insurer reputation, and the overall value of the policy.
If your current situation involves a DUI, multiple tickets, accidents, poor credit, or a coverage lapse, your premium may be higher today. But your insurance profile can change.
Maintain continuous coverage, avoid additional violations, drive safely, ask about available discounts, and review your policy regularly.
The best high-risk insurance strategy is not simply finding a company that will accept you. It is finding suitable coverage at a competitive price today while taking steps that can improve your insurance options tomorrow.