Car insurance is legally required in most states, but drivers may find it difficult to obtain coverage depending on their driving history. Drivers with numerous accidents or tickets, one or more DUI convictions, low credit scores, or lapses in coverage are often considered high-risk drivers by auto insurance companies. Younger drivers are also considered high-risk due to their inexperience behind the wheel. If you fit into any of these categories and are wondering what companies might be best for you, Reviews.com did the research to help you in your journey.
The 5 Best Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers
- Geico: Best for discounts
- The General: Best for bundling policies
- Progressive: Best for digital tools
- SafeAuto: Best for minimum coverage limits
- Direct Auto: Best for added perks
Compare the Best High Risk Car Insurance Companies
| AM Best Financial Strength AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim. | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Score J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Geico | A++ | 881 | |
| Pin The General | A- | Not rated | |
| Pin Progressive | A+ | 862 | |
| Pin SafeAuto | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Pin Direct Auto | Not rated | Not rated |
Information accurate as of March 2022
*J.D. Power 2021 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
Best for Discounts
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Numerous discounts
- Superior AM Best financial strength rating
- Nationwide availability
Cons
- Limited coverage options
- Higher-than-average NAIC complaint index
- Few local agents
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS
- Seat belt use
- Defensive driving
- Federal employee
- Membership
ADD-ON COVERAGE
- Emergency road service
- Rental reimbursement
- Mechanical breakdown
Best for Bundling Policies
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Numerous policy types offered
- Plenty of add-on coverage options
- Over a dozen discounts
Cons
- Not rated by J.D. Power
- Higher-than-average NAIC complaint index
- Lower AM Best financial strength rating than some competitors
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS
- Double deductible
- Pay in full
- Continuous coverage
- Good student
ADD-ON COVERAGE
- Custom equipment
- Rental reimbursement
- Towing and labor
- ForeverCar service plan
Best for Digital Tools
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Hefty online tools and resources
- Numerous discounts
- May have options for drivers convicted of DUIs
Cons
- Higher-than-average NAIC complaint index
- Lower-than-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction score
- Scored below average for J.D. Power customer satisfaction
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS
- Continuous insurance
- Snapshot telematics program
- Online quote
- Sign online
ADD-ON COVERAGE
- Rental car reimbursement
- Custom parts and equipment
- Rideshare insurance
- Roadside assistance
Best for Minimum Coverage Limits
Why We Chose It
Why we chose it
Pros
- Specializes in high-risk car insurance
- Several discounts available
- Can get a quote and purchase a policy online
Cons
- Few add-on coverages available
- Not rated by J.D. Power for customer or claims satisfaction
- Not rated by AM Best for financial strength
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS
- Homeownership
- Continuous insurance
- Pay in full
- Vehicle safety features
ADD-ON COVERAGE
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing and labor
- Accidental death benefit
Best for Added Perks
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Quotes can be done online, by phone, or in an agency
- Unique perks
- Numerous discounts available
Cons
- Few add-on coverages available
- Not rated by J.D. Power for customer or claims satisfaction
- Not rated by AM Best for financial strength
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS
- DynamicDrive telematics program
- Affinity
- Homeowner
- Prior coverage
ADD-ON COVERAGE
- Rental reimbursement
- Towing and labor
- Accidental death
*J.D. Power 2021 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
High-Risk Car Insurance: What You Need to Know
High-risk drivers — those with a history of accidents, tickets, DUI convictions, a low credit rating, lapses in coverage, or inexperienced — may find that they have a harder time getting car insurance than other drivers. High-risk car insurance isn’t a particular type of policy, though; it refers to a policy covering a high-risk driver. You may also see high-risk coverage called “non-standard car insurance.” If you are a high-risk driver, you may have a more limited number of companies willing to offer you a policy, and your rates will likely be higher.
SR-22 Insurance
An SR-22 isn’t actually a type of insurance. Rather, it’s a form that provides proof of coverage to the states for high-risk drivers. SR-22 forms, or FR-44 forms in some states, are usually required for drivers who have their license suspended following a major traffic violation, like a DUI or getting caught driving without insurance.
While some insurance companies offer SR-22 insurance, many do not. Drivers who need SR-22 insurance may need coverage through a non-standard insurance company. You will have to pay a filing fee for your SR-22, but the fee itself is usually relatively inexpensive. However, the fact that you need an SR-22 likely means you have a major driving violation on your record. This means that you’ll likely pay a higher-than-average rate for car insurance.
To get an SR-22, you’ll need to contact your insurance company. Your carrier will file the form with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles on your behalf. If your current insurance company cannot offer an SR-22 form, you’ll need to shop for a new policy. Generally, you’ll need to keep an SR-22 form active for three years past your conviction date, although the time range may vary based on your state and the specific circumstances of your incident.
When Someone Is Considered a High-Risk Driver
There are a number of factors that can make you a high-risk driver. Here are some common ones:
What to Do If No Insurance Company Will Cover You
High-risk drivers may have fewer options for coverage than standard drivers. However, you can purchase coverage from a company specializing in high-risk coverage if needed. You may need to take a bit more time and shop around more than you would if you fit a standard-driver profile, but there are companies that specialize in providing insurance for high-risk drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
We evaluated car insurance companies based on discounts, coverage, online resources, financial strength, and customer satisfaction to create our best car insurance reviews. To compare car insurance companies with other providers across the board, we analyzed the following:
- Discounts: Most auto insurance companies offer discounts, so we analyzed each carrier’s discounts in relation to their impact on high-risk drivers.
- Financial Stability: We utilized AM Best ratings to assess each insurance company’s financial stability.
- Claims Satisfaction: J.D. Power ranks car insurance companies by customer satisfaction, so we used its 2021 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study to compare the average rating of insurers.
- Coverage: We reviewed each company’s coverage offerings and analyzed which options, including endorsements, were most helpful for high-risk policyholders.
- Online Resources: We reviewed the digital resources of each car insurance company, including mobile claim estimates, digital insurance cards, and more.
About the Authors
Cate Deventer is a writer and licensed insurance agent. She has a Bachelor’s degree in theatre and is currently pursuing a degree in English with a concentration in professional and technical writing from Indiana University East. Her work has been featured on Reviews.com and Bankrate.com, and she’s passionate about helping people take charge of their finances. In her free time, she likes to read thrillers and sci-fi novels, garden, and toss tennis balls for her dog.
