WHAT IS HIGH RISK CAR INSURANCE?
High risk insurance is auto insurance coverage for drivers with poor driving records, little driving history, or vehicles considered more likely to be involved in accident by insurance providers. When a driver is deemed high risk by auto insurance companies, they need high risk car insurance.
WHAT FACTORS DEEM A DRIVER TO BE HIGH RISK?
There are multiple factors that play into how car insurance for high risk drivers is determined, with the biggest one being one’s driving and claims record.
A driving and claims record are the primary factors that auto insurance companies use to determine a drivers’ ‘risk level’. However, there are many other specific factors that are considered for high risk driver insurance, that include the following:
DUI/DWI
Driving under the influence is the most severe driving violation a driver can receive. DUIs can lead to more property damage, bodily injuries, and death benefit payouts than any other driving citation. Drivers With A DUI, regardless of the location, could see a raise in premiums by approximately 70 percent, not to mention any additional fees or legal ramifications.
Racing
Due to the dangers associated with racing, this driving citation carries very costly consequences. Drivers that are charged with a racing violation can see their car insurance premiums rise to paying out an additional $1,000 or more per year.
Speeding Tickets
On average, a driver with a speeding ticket could expect an increase in their insurance cost by $337 per year after a ticket. Depending on the severity of the violation, the insurance consequences can vary. However, speeding tickets can still play a role in your insurance rate.
At-Fault Accidents
If an insurance company deems you responsible for causing an accident, you are listed as the at-fault party. This, in addition to any other citation you’ve received, may impact an increase in your insurance premium.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving, or driving dangerously or without care, that can result in bodily harm or property damage, is considered a major violation. In fact, a reckless driving citation can affect your insurance rate by as much as $500 per six-month policy period.
Bad Credit
For an insurance company, a person’s credit score can help determine a driver’s habits. For drivers who have bad credit, they need Bad Credit Car Insurance . FTC studies show that drivers with low credit scores are more likely to file a claim that a driver with better credit. Thus, when a driver with bad credit files a claim, this leads to higher payouts.
Insurance History
Insurance gaps or lapses in auto insurance coverage can be classified as a red flag by insurance companies. In fact, drivers with uninterrupted histories of carrying car insurance with high coverage levels are viewed as being more financially responsible than drivers that have had coverage lapses.
Vehicle Use
The way in which your vehicle is used can also impact your insurance rates. If your vehicle is used for business purposes, such as ridesharing or commercial purposes, your insurance company may not cover you. The more you use your vehicle, the higher the risk is that it could be damaged. Additionally, the density of your area that you drive in as well as the number of miles you drive can also impact your premium.
Vehicle Type
If a driver were to own a high-performance vehicle, it can be classified as higher risk to the insurance company. Vehicles that are capable of off-roading or hitting high speeds can be a risky investment for an auto insurance company, which can result in higher premiums.
Age
As far as driving is concerned, the younger a driver is – the more inexperienced they are. Thus, the more inexperienced a driver is, the more risk they carry. Additionally, when it comes to insurance premiums, your rate starts going up again once you hit the age of 65.
Location
It may be surprising to know that insurance is also priced by zip code. Therefore, the address where you live can impact your premium amount, regardless of your unique driving record. Every state has their own regulations, which may also impact car insurance rates.
Do You Need SR-22 Insurance?
An SR-22 certificate is issued by car insurance companies to the state notifying that a driver has car insurance through them. SR-22 insurance also acts as proof that a driver is carrying the minimum coverage required by their state. An SR-22 is often required for drivers that have either been found to be driving without car insurance, caught driving with a suspended or revoked license, received a major moving violation conviction such as a DUI or reckless driving, or have been responsible for an at-fault accident where someone was injured.
HOW CAN I LOWER MY HIGH RISK INSURANCE COST?
First things first – get your free, online insurance quote to get a clear picture of what your cost could be, based on your recent driving history.
If you have been deemed a high risk driver, there are a few things you can do to help lower your risk classification with auto insurance companies:
- Take a defensive driving course. You can check with a SafeAuto agent for approved courses.
- Wait for your violations to expire and do your best to not acquire any more. Let time do its thing, and in the meantime, be sure to follow all traffic laws. If you reach three years without a ticket, it may result in a decrease in your premium amount.
- Improve your credit score. Although it’s not an easy feat, it’s worth the work. In time, a significant positive change in your credit score can result in a decrease towards your premium amount.
SafeAuto Can Help!
If you are looking for affordable car insurance for high risk drivers, SafeAuto is here for you! At SafeAuto, we understand how important it is to have your car, so we specialize in providing Insurance for high risk drivers for those of us who have less-than-stellar driving records. We can help you obtain high risk auto insurance. Get a quote online or call us at 1-800-SAFEAUTO(1-800-723-3288) today!