A recent ticket, at-fault accident, or driving under the influence (DUI) conviction on your record causes average rates to jump from $140 to $170 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 $202 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
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, gender, ZIP code, 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 |
|---|
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 $202 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.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT.Cheapest Quotes After a DUI
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumCountry Financial $61 Auto-Owners $61 USAA $75 State Farm $78 Erie $101 Allstate $107 American Family $108 Mile Auto $108 Commonwealth Casualty $112 The General $115 GEICO $117 National General $127 Direct Auto $133 Safeco $136 Nationwide $137 Dairyland $139 GAINSCO $142 Travelers $142 Mercury $151 Bristol West $152 Elephant $155 Farmers $156 Root $159 Clearcover $162 AssuranceAmerica $162 Anchor $171 Chubb $172 21st Century $178 Liberty Mutual $188 Plymouth Rock $193 Shelter $197 State Auto $204 The Hartford $222 CSAA $228 Amica $382 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 $182 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.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT.Cheapest Quotes After a Ticket
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumAuto-Owners $64 Country Financial $64 USAA $69 State Farm $69 Mile Auto $88 Commonwealth Casualty $93 Erie $97 Allstate $100 National General $109 American Family $110 GEICO $112 GAINSCO $112 Safeco $115 Direct Auto $116 Dairyland $119 The General $121 Elephant $124 Root $125 Nationwide $127 Travelers $132 Bristol West $133 Anchor $139 Mercury $141 Farmers $141 AssuranceAmerica $145 Chubb $154 Clearcover $159 Liberty Mutual $169 Plymouth Rock $177 21st Century $184 Shelter $188 The Hartford $213 State Auto $215 CSAA $216 Amica $367 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 $187 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.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT.Cheapest Quotes After an Accident
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumCountry Financial $62 Auto-Owners $63 USAA $71 State Farm $72 Erie $95 Allstate $101 Mile Auto $103 GEICO $108 Commonwealth Casualty $109 American Family $112 National General $118 GAINSCO $122 The General $122 Safeco $123 Dairyland $127 Direct Auto $129 Nationwide $131 Root $131 Travelers $135 Elephant $138 Bristol West $139 Plymouth Rock $142 Anchor $146 Farmers $147 AssuranceAmerica $150 Mercury $155 Chubb $160 Liberty Mutual $174 Clearcover $186 21st Century $187 Shelter $188 The Hartford $208 State Auto $217 CSAA $239 Amica $357 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.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT.Cheapest Quotes With an SR-22
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumCountry Financial $56 Auto-Owners $60 USAA $66 State Farm $69 Erie $89 Allstate $94 Mile Auto $95 American Family $104 Commonwealth Casualty $104 GEICO $104 Safeco $107 The General $108 National General $112 Direct Auto $117 Mercury $118 Nationwide $121 Dairyland $122 GAINSCO $124 Travelers $124 Bristol West $133 Elephant $136 Farmers $137 Root $140 AssuranceAmerica $142 Anchor $145 Chubb $151 Clearcover $155 Plymouth Rock $162 Liberty Mutual $165 21st Century $169 Shelter $170 The Hartford $179 State Auto $194 CSAA $201 Amica $317 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 $171 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.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT.Cheapest Quotes With Poor Credit
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumCountry Financial $51 USAA $63 Auto-Owners $82 State Farm $88 Allstate $91 Mile Auto $92 American Family $95 Commonwealth Casualty $100 GEICO $100 Safeco $103 The General $104 National General $108 Mercury $111 Direct Auto $113 Nationwide $116 Dairyland $117 Erie $118 GAINSCO $120 Travelers $120 Bristol West $128 Elephant $131 Farmers $132 Root $135 AssuranceAmerica $137 Anchor $139 Plymouth Rock $148 Liberty Mutual $149 Clearcover $149 21st Century $163 Shelter $164 The Hartford $187 State Auto $188 CSAA $193 Chubb $230 Amica $306 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 $262 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.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM PDT.Cheapest Quotes for Teens
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumCountry Financial $62 USAA $97 Auto-Owners $105 State Farm $111 Erie $130 Root $132 GEICO $147 The General $152 Allstate $158 Commonwealth Casualty $159 Dairyland $160 American Family $161 GAINSCO $169 Mercury $171 Mile Auto $172 Clearcover $179 Bristol West $181 Safeco $189 Elephant $189 Direct Auto $190 National General $191 Nationwide $197 Liberty Mutual $219 Anchor $228 Travelers $230 21st Century $236 Farmers $236 Plymouth Rock $243 AssuranceAmerica $260 Chubb $273 Shelter $290 The Hartford $379 CSAA $407 State Auto $464 Amica $470
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. | $88/mo |
Auto-Owners Insurance's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.7 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.7 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.4 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.8 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.5 | 2.9 |
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 or online policy purchasing, which can be inconvenient for drivers who value strong digital tools.
Competitive rates for high-risk drivers
High claims satisfaction from J.D. Power
Must obtain quotes and purchase policies through Auto-Owners
Coverage only available in 26 states
| J.D. Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 622 |
|---|---|
| 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. | $82/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. | $140/mo |
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 National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Many customization options
Low customer complaint ratings with NAIC
Below-average claims satisfaction score from J.D. Power
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. | $88/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. | $170/mo |
National General Insurance's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.2 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 2.8 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.1 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.1 | 2.9 |
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 from J.D. Power
High complaint index ratings from NAIC
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.
Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Clean record | $1,644 |
| Poor credit | $2,004 |
| Speeding ticket | $2,136 |
| At-fault accident | $2,196 |
| DUI conviction | $2,436 |
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%.
Find Cheap Car Insurance
Compare rates for high-risk drivers from top insurance companies.
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 lower average 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 $170 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.
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."
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.
Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
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