Are you surprised that your insurance company has listed you as a “high-risk” driver? Well, to avoid any insurance-related surprises, you must learn how insurance companies categorize drivers and how each category affects your premiums. You also need to identify the best high-risk auto insurance on the market. You’re in luck because we cover all this in the article below.
What Does It Mean to Be a “High-Risk’ Driver?
A “high-risk” driver is an individual who is likely to file a claim. Insurers consider several factors before they categorize someone as a “high-risk” driver. Some common factors include:
- Number of accidents within the last three years
- Credit history
- Speeding tickets and traffic-related citations
- When you received your driver’s license
- A DWI or DUI
- The value of owning a sports car
- A requirement by the state to file an SR-22 or FR-44
- Where you live
While the insurance rates may seem too high for you, the insurer usually believes you contribute to the highest amount of expenditure. If you find yourself on the “high-risk” driver list and want to consider the best high-risk auto insurance, here are options you can choose from.
The General
The General is a low-cost, “high-risk” auto insurance company that allows “high-risk” drivers to get insurance policies, including those convicted for driving under the influence. The company insures just about everyone and provides low down payment options.
According to rating agency AM Best, The General has one of the best financial “strengths.” Should you file a claim, the company can quickly pay out the claim. The General provides coverage in most states except Michigan, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
The company lets you handle everything by yourself, from the quote process to filing the claim. You can either fill your claim through their website, smartphone app, or phone call.
Average Annual Premium
The following average annual premiums are for a:
21-year-old male: $2,824
21-year-old male with an accident: $3,981
45-year-old female: $909
65-year-old female: $1,316
Pros
- The company welcomes “high-risk” drivers
- Flexible payment options
- Transparent quotes
- Instant online access
- SR-22 Filing available
Cons
- Limited discounts
- The website lacks specific information about coverage
- No-frills policy
Geico
Geico is the second-largest insurance company in the United States. The company has “excellent” financial strength and scores highly when it comes to customer satisfaction. Geico offers competitive rates, even for individuals with accident records and speeding tickets.
The insurance provider offers discounts based on your vehicle’s safety features as well as your driving habits. Geico doesn’t use an agent network and depends on centralized call centers and technology to connect with its customers. This company is an excellent choice for new drivers and middle-income families.
Some auto insurance coverage you can get from Geico include:
- Collisions
- Bodily injury liability
- Emergency roadside services
- Uninsured motorists
- Property damage liability
Average Annual Premium
The following premiums are for drivers with a:
Clean driving record: $2,146
One accident on their record: $3,193
One DUI on their record: $4,876
A speeding violation: $2,645
Pros
- Easy repair process
- Many standard discounts
- Innovative mobile app
Cons
- All claims are handled online
State Farm
Founded in 1922, State Farm is one of the leading auto insurance companies in the U.S. today. Besides auto insurance, the company provides several insurance choices such as health, life, home, and a wide selection of other financial services. Moreover, the company is more tolerant of “high-risk”drivers and offers steep discounts.
Some auto insurance discounts offered by State Farm include:
- Good driving discount
- Accident-free discount
- Vehicle safety discount
- Anti-theft device installation discount
- Driver safety course discount
In 2019, the company earned a three-star rating in J.D. Power’s Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. With this, it was rated the best auto insurance company in New York and the Mid-Atlantic region. Whether you’ve been convicted of a DWI or have multiple speeding tickets, State Farm can cover you.
Average Annual Premium
The following premiums are for drivers with a:
Clean driving record: $2,821
One accident on their record: $3,296
One DUI on their record: $3,637
A speeding violation: $3,186
Pros
- Several discount plans
- Wide variety of insurance policies
- Available nationwide
- High claims satisfaction rating
Cons
- Few coverage options
- No senior or military discounts
Amica Mutual
Amica Mutual is a high-risk auto insurance company that is popular for its customer support rating. The company was ranked as the best in the New England region according to the J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. The company is among the top five cheapest auto insurance providers with annual premiums of about $1,500.
Here are some coverages offered by the company:
- Personal injury protection
- Underinsured motorist
- Glass coverage
- Roadside assistance coverage
Average Annual Premium
The following premiums are for drivers with:
Reckless driving: $2,761
One DUI: $3,356
A speeding violation: $1,390
Pros
- A low number of customer complaints
- Many discounts and policies
- There is a potential of earning dividends
Cons
- Few local offices
- Not available in some states
- No military or senior discounts
Progressive
Unlike other insurance companies, Progressive provides customers with the most control regarding the amount of premium they pay.
Another benefit to working with the company is its simplicity. When setting up your profile, customers only have to provide the necessary information. This includes the vehicle model, address, and whether you lease or own the car. You’ll then be required to state the amount of money you want to spend.
The Progressive site is easy to use, making the process of reporting claims simple. Some unique features of Progressive Insurance include:
- Roadside assistance
- Pet injury protection
- Snapshot
- Rideshare insurance
Average Annual Premium
The following premiums are for drivers with a:
Clean driving Record: $3,393
One accident: $4,777
A DUI: $3,970
A speeding violation: $4,002
Pros
- The third-largest auto insurance company
Cons
- High customer complaint
