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Emily Guy Birken is a former educator, lifelong money nerd, and a Plutus Award-winning freelance writer who specializes in the scientific research behind irrational money behaviors. Her work has appeared on The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Kiplinger’s, MSN Money, and The Washington Post, and she’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her background in education allows her to help people relate to and understand complex financial topics.
She’s the author of several books, including The 5 Years Before You Retire, End Financial Stress Now, and the brand-new book, Stacked: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management, written with Joe Saul-Sehy.
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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
John Leach is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. John has several years of experience reviewing and editing various insurance topics, and he also holds a valid personal lines producer license from the California Department of Insurance (NPN #20461358).
Updated
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In This Article
A recent ticket, accident, or driving under the influence (DUI) conviction on your record causes average rates to jump from $137 to $166 per month.
COUNTRY Financial, Auto-Owners, and USAA offer some of the cheapest average rates for high-risk drivers.
A DUI causes the sharpest rate increase of any driving incident, raising average premiums to $201 per month.
Insurance companies consider drivers with at-fault accidents, DUIs, and speeding tickets to be high-risk. But your driving record isn’t the only thing that matters. Teen drivers, people with poor credit, and those with limited driving experience may also face higher premiums.
That’s because these factors signal a greater likelihood of filing a claim — and insurers charge more to account for the risk. For example, a single speeding ticket can increase premiums by nearly 30% for drivers with a previously clean record, according to Compare.com data.
Still, finding affordable auto insurance coverage is possible. We’ll explain what you need to know to get coverage and lower your premium as a high-risk driver.
Compare the Best High-Risk Car Insurance Companies Head-to-Head
Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $65/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $82/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $133/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $161/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $134/mo* |
Overall Rating 4.3 | Overall Rating 3.9 | Overall Rating 3.3 | Overall Rating 4.0 | Overall Rating 3.8 |
Value 3.5/5 | Value 4.0/5 | Value 3.1/5 | Value 3.0/5 | Value 3.0/5 |
Customer Service 3.7/5 | Customer Service 4.4/5 | Customer Service 3.1/5 | Customer Service 3.0/5 | Customer Service 3.0/5 |
Claims Handling 3.7/5 | Claims Handling 3.9/5 | Claims Handling 3.1/5 | Claims Handling 3.2/5 | Claims Handling 3.0/5 |
Special Highlight Low ratesAI-generated from 9 user reviews | Special Highlight Usage-based savingsAI-generated from 307 user reviews | Special Highlight SR-22 filingAI-generated from 24 user reviews | Special Highlight No-frills coverageAI-generated from 2 user reviews | Special Highlight Accepts risky driversAI-generated from 12 user reviews |
The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers
Insurers consider high-risk drivers as more likely to cause an accident or file an insurance claim. But insurance companies can use other factors to determine if you’re a high-risk driver, including your credit history and age.
On average, drivers with DUIs, at-fault accidents, or speeding tickets pay 38% more for insurance than drivers with clean records, according to Compare.com data.
The table below lists the cheapest car insurance companies for high-risk drivers, according to our data. But remember that rates vary depending on the infraction.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| COUNTRY Financial | $347 |
| USAA | $507 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $631 |
| Dairyland | $654 |
| Mile Auto | $698 |
| GAINSCO | $701 |
| Elephant | $709 |
| State Farm | $722 |
| Auto-Owners | $749 |
| GEICO | $790 |
| American Family | $801 |
| Bristol West | $805 |
| Allstate | $860 |
| Anchor | $892 |
| Root | $905 |
| National General | $924 |
| The General | $940 |
| Direct Auto | $994 |
| Nationwide | $1,081 |
| Erie | $1,098 |
| NJM | $1,147 |
| Liberty Mutual | $1,152 |
| Farmers | $1,185 |
| Travelers | $1,238 |
| Clearcover | $1,331 |
| CSAA | $1,366 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $1,369 |
| 21st Century | $1,374 |
| Plymouth Rock | $1,408 |
| Safeco | $1,531 |
| Mercury | $1,850 |
| Shelter | $1,879 |
| Chubb | $2,160 |
| State Auto | $2,818 |
| Amica | $3,509 |
| The Hartford | $3,518 |
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a severe offense that insurers take very seriously. On average, drivers with a DUI pay 59% more for auto insurance than drivers with clean records, according to our data. The national average premium rate for drivers with a DUI is $201 per month.
Although you’ll pay higher rates with a DUI than a driver with a clean record, you can still find affordable car insurance. The table below lists the insurance companies offering the cheapest average premiums to drivers with DUIs, according to Compare.com data.
Cheapest Quotes After a DUI
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Getting a speeding ticket can also increase your insurance premium. Drivers with speeding tickets pay 27% more for car insurance than drivers with clean records, according to our data. The national average rate for a driver with a recent speeding ticket is $177 per month.
But you can still find affordable car insurance if you have a speeding violation on your record. The companies in the table below offer lower rates for drivers with recent speeding tickets, according to Compare.com data.
Cheapest Quotes After a Ticket
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Causing an accident can lead to higher insurance premiums because it indicates risky driving behavior to insurers.
Drivers with at-fault accidents pay 31% more for insurance than drivers with clean records, according to our data. The national average insurance rate for drivers with at-fault accidents is $184 per month.
You’ll pay higher rates if you have an at-fault accident on your driving record, but comparing quotes from several companies can help you find cheaper car insurance. The table below highlights insurers with the cheapest rates for drivers with an accident on their record, according to Compare.com data.
Cheapest Quotes After an Accident
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.In many states, drivers with serious traffic violations must file an SR-22 form proving they meet the minimum insurance requirements. Drivers usually need to file an SR-22 after driving uninsured, driving without a license, repeat traffic violations, or a DUI.
Our research shows that drivers with an SR-22 requirement pay 88% more for car insurance than drivers with clean records. But the companies in the table below offer rates below the average for drivers with an SR-22, according to Compare.com data.
Cheapest Quotes With an SR-22
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Most states allow insurers to consider your credit history when setting your rates.[1] But California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Michigan prohibit or restrict the use of credit history.[2]
Drivers with poor credit pay 40% more for car insurance than drivers with excellent credit, according to Compare.com’s data. The national average cost of auto insurance for drivers with poor credit is $166 per month, according to our data.
The car insurance companies in the list below offer the cheapest rates for drivers with poor credit, according to Compare.com data.
Cheapest Quotes With Poor Credit
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Young drivers are less experienced behind the wheel, which explains why they’re more than twice as likely as older drivers to be in a fatal crash.[3]
Teen drivers have the highest rates of any age demographic, paying 78% more for car insurance than older drivers, according to our data. The national average rate for teens is $263 per month.
While teen drivers may pay higher rates, many insurers offer discounts to help them save money on premiums. The table below lists the insurers with the cheapest rates for teen drivers, according to Compare.com data.
Cheapest Quotes for Teens
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Our Picks for the Best High-Risk Car Insurance Companies
Finding the right insurer at an affordable price can be challenging for high-risk drivers, especially those with driving violations or other risk factors that may result in higher premiums. While no single insurer is the best fit for everyone, some companies are a better fit for high-risk drivers.
To help you narrow down your choices, we selected three companies that offer competitive pricing, coverage options, and specialized support to help you get the best coverage at the best price.
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.1 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $47/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $82/mo |
Drivers value the excellent customer service and coverage but feel the prices, especially for homeowners, can be high.
Drivers value the excellent customer service and coverage but feel the prices, especially for homeowners, can be high.
Auto-Owners is one of the most affordable companies, particularly for high-risk drivers. It also offers a solid range of coverage options and discounts to help lower your costs.
The insurer has an above-average claims satisfaction rating and a low National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index rating.[4] But the company doesn’t offer online quotes, which can be inconvenient for drivers who value strong digital tools.
Competitive rates for high-risk drivers
High claims satisfaction
Doesn’t offer online quoting
Limited availability
| User Reviews | 3.2 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.3 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $97/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $162/mo |
Customers appreciate the initial affordability and claim handling but dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, as well as the poor customer service.
Customers appreciate the initial affordability and claim handling but dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, as well as the poor customer service.
Progressive offers flexible coverage options and a wide range of add-ons. High-risk drivers can save through the company’s Deductible Savings Bank, accident forgiveness, and its telematics program, Snapshot. But keep in mind that if you use Snapshot, risky driving behavior can increase your rates.
The insurer also received a low complaint rating from the NAIC.
Many customization options
Low complaint ratings
Below-average claims satisfaction
Rate increases are possible with Snapshot
| User Reviews | 3.3 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 3.5 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $93/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $172/mo |
Drivers value the affordable initial rates and good coverage but dislike the unexpected price increases and poor customer service.
Drivers value the affordable initial rates and good coverage but dislike the unexpected price increases and poor customer service.
High-risk drivers, especially those with a DUI, can find affordable rates with National General. Another benefit is that if you need to file an SR-22, the insurer will take care of that for you. While the company’s pricing and coverage options stand out, it lags behind competitors in terms of claims satisfaction, according to J.D. Power.
SR-22 and FR-44 filing available
Affordable rates for high-risk drivers
Below-average claims satisfaction
High complaint index ratings
Why Insurers Charge High-Risk Drivers More
High-risk drivers pay more for car insurance because insurers consider them more likely to file claims than drivers with clean records. The top factors insurers look at when determining your risk level include your driving history, age, and even your credit history.
But insurance rates for high-risk drivers can vary significantly depending on the type and severity of the infraction.
The chart below shows how average annual premiums increase based on the driver profile, according to Compare.com data.
A driver with poor credit pays an average of about 22% more than someone with a clean driving record, while a speeding ticket increases rates by about 30%. An at-fault accident increases premiums by roughly 34%, and a DUI leads to the steepest increase of nearly 50%.
How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance If You’re a High-Risk Driver
If you’re a high-risk driver and need to lower the cost of insurance, consider these strategies:
Be a savvy shopper
All drivers, including high-risk drivers, can reduce their insurance costs by comparing quotes, taking advantage of discounts, and bundling policies.
Commit to safe driving
Safe driving is the best long-term solution for high-risk drivers. Over time, improving your driving record can lower your insurance costs.
Enroll in a defensive driving course
Completing a state-approved defensive driving course can help reduce your auto insurance costs and may remove points from your license, depending on your traffic violation.
Improve your credit
Because drivers with poor credit pay more for insurance, improving your credit can help you lower your costs.
Cheap High-Risk Car Insurance FAQs
If you’re trying to find cheap car insurance as a high-risk driver, the answers to the following common questions can help.
Who is considered a high-risk driver?
Insurers consider drivers with traffic infractions, such as speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs, as high-risk. Companies also consider drivers with poor credit and teen drivers as high-risk.
What’s the best insurance company for high-risk drivers?
GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive offer some of the lowest rates to high-risk drivers. Keep in mind that one company won’t be the best for every high-risk driver. Comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies will help you find the right insurer for your needs.
How much does high-risk car insurance cost?
Our data shows that high-risk car insurance costs an average of $166 per month. But the type of infraction matters. For context, drivers with a clean record pay an annual average premium of $1,644, but that rate jumps to $2,004 if you have poor credit and $2,196 after an at-fault accident.
What’s the best way to get car insurance if you’re high-risk?
Comparing quotes from multiple companies, especially those specializing in high-risk drivers, is one of the most effective ways to get car insurance. Aside from that, improving your credit and driving habits, asking about discounts, and enrolling in a telematics program are great ways to lower your premiums.
What types of drivers do insurance companies consider the highest-risk?
Insurers generally view drivers with DUI or DWI convictions, multiple accidents, or SR-22 filing requirements as the highest risk. They’ll typically charge these drivers more than anyone else to offset that added risk.
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Sources
- III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Credit-Based Insurance Scores. "Insurance Topics."
- NHTSA. "Teen Safe Driving: How Teens Can Be Safer Drivers."
- Jdpower.com. "2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study."
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Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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Emily Guy Birken is a former educator, lifelong money nerd, and a Plutus Award-winning freelance writer who specializes in the scientific research behind irrational money behaviors. Her work has appeared on The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Kiplinger’s, MSN Money, and The Washington Post, and she’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her background in education allows her to help people relate to and understand complex financial topics.
She’s the author of several books, including The 5 Years Before You Retire, End Financial Stress Now, and the brand-new book, Stacked: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management, written with Joe Saul-Sehy.
)
)
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
)
)
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
John Leach is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. John has several years of experience reviewing and editing various insurance topics, and he also holds a valid personal lines producer license from the California Department of Insurance (NPN #20461358).
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