Auto Insurance for High Risk Drivers

If you are deemed to be "high risk" there are still things you can do to get low cost auto insurance.

Auto insurance can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Even those labeled as “high risk drivers” can still find affordable auto coverage (although good deals might be harder to come by). As always, shopping around for the best deal is your best bet for finding affordable auto insurance for high risk drivers.

What is a High Risk Driver?

The short explanation of a high risk driver is one who poses a high financial risk to the auto insurance company. In other words, someone that is likely to cost them money. There are typically two different classifications of high risk drivers.

The most common type of high risk drivers are younger, inexperienced drivers.  Often times, teenage drivers fit this bill.  Statistically speaking, these drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident, and the auto insurance companies know this better than anyone. Assuming you have a relatively clean driving record, you’re likely to see a rate decrease around your 25th birthday, when most auto insurance providers stop considering you to be high risk.

The second group of high risk drivers consists of DUI offenders, those with multiple speeding tickets, and accident prone drivers. If either of these groups sounds like you, the auto insurance companies may consider you a high risk driver.

Why Do High Risk Drivers Have to Pay More?

The name say it all. These drivers are very risky, and often times expensive to insure.  This is because the chance of the insurance provider having to pay for repairs, medical bills, and property damage is much higher. In order to cover themselves financially, they must charge higher rates to those more likely to wind up in an accident.

To get a better idea of who is a high risk driver and who isn’t, picture these two cases:

Driver #1

• Male aged 17
• Drives his dads old Ford Mustang
• Drives his car to school and to work. He also likes to “race” with his friends on the highway.
• Already has two speeding tickets (he has been driving for less than a year)
• Arrested for driving under the influence. Depending on the outcome of his trial, he might get his license revoked.

Driver #2

• Female aged 45
• She is an elementary school teacher
• Her children are away at college, so the only people on her policy at home are her and her husband.
• Never had a traffic violation or an accident

Now ask yourself – if you were an insurance company, who would you rather insure?

Save Money on High Risk Auto Insurance

Proving to the auto insurance companies that you are in fact a safe and responsible driver can go a long way when it comes to saving on high risk auto coverage. Luckily there are many ways to do this. The most popular and effective way to do so is to take a defensive or safe driving course, which you can find more information on from your local DMV office.

A car with a good safety reputation, and all the latest safety devices will also greatly reduce the risk you pose to your insurance provider. Such safety devices include automatic seat belts, anti-lock breaks , and airbags. Fast or “tricked out” cars are a definite no-no for high risk drivers, and driving such a car can greatly increase your premiums.

If you stand any chance of finding and affordable rate on car insurance, you must get quotes from as many companies as possible. This step is made easy by simply entering your zip code above. You’ll then be presented with the best offers auto insurance has to offer. And yes, even high risk drivers can incredible deals from the leading companies, and even providers that specialize in the field.