The Best Cheap Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in May 2026
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Written byEmily Guy Birken
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Emily Guy BirkenPersonal Finance Writer
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Edited byLequita Westbrooks
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Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
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Reviewed byMark Friedlander
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Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations | Insurance Information Institute
Senior Director, Media Relations, with Triple-I
30+ years of industry experience
Leadership positions at several trade organizations
Updated
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Key Takeaways
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
We sourced the data in this table from Compare.com users who indicated they're existing customers of the insurers you see here.
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.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT.
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, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT.Cheapest Quotes After a DUI
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumCountry Financial $61 Auto-Owners $68 USAA $75 State Farm $78 Erie $101 American Family $106 Allstate $107 Mile Auto $108 Commonwealth Casualty $111 The General $114 GEICO $116 National General $128 Direct Auto $134 Safeco $135 Root $136 Dairyland $137 Nationwide $137 GAINSCO $141 Travelers $141 Mercury $148 Bristol West $151 Elephant $156 Farmers $156 AssuranceAmerica $166 Anchor $168 Chubb $170 21st Century $177 Clearcover $179 Liberty Mutual $189 Shelter $196 State Auto $201 Plymouth Rock $207 CSAA $210 The Hartford $221 Amica $381 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, May 10 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 $89 Commonwealth Casualty $92 Erie $97 Allstate $100 American Family $109 National General $111 GAINSCO $112 GEICO $112 Safeco $116 Direct Auto $117 Dairyland $118 The General $121 Elephant $124 Nationwide $127 Root $132 Travelers $132 Bristol West $134 Anchor $139 Mercury $139 Farmers $142 AssuranceAmerica $149 Chubb $153 Clearcover $161 Liberty Mutual $170 Plymouth Rock $182 21st Century $184 Shelter $188 CSAA $196 The Hartford $213 State Auto $214 Amica $368 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, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT.Cheapest Quotes After an Accident
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumCountry Financial $62 Auto-Owners $62 USAA $71 State Farm $72 Erie $95 Allstate $101 Mile Auto $104 GEICO $108 Commonwealth Casualty $109 American Family $111 National General $120 The General $122 GAINSCO $122 Safeco $123 Dairyland $126 Root $128 Direct Auto $131 Nationwide $131 Travelers $135 Bristol West $139 Elephant $140 Plymouth Rock $145 Anchor $145 Farmers $146 AssuranceAmerica $154 Mercury $154 Chubb $159 Liberty Mutual $175 21st Century $187 Shelter $187 Clearcover $190 The Hartford $207 State Auto $215 CSAA $245 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, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT.Cheapest Quotes With an SR-22
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumCountry Financial $56 Auto-Owners $60 USAA $66 State Farm $68 Erie $89 Allstate $94 Mile Auto $95 American Family $103 Commonwealth Casualty $104 GEICO $104 Safeco $106 The General $108 National General $113 Mercury $117 Direct Auto $118 Root $118 Dairyland $120 Nationwide $120 GAINSCO $124 Travelers $124 Bristol West $133 Elephant $137 Farmers $137 Anchor $144 AssuranceAmerica $146 Chubb $149 Clearcover $157 Liberty Mutual $166 Plymouth Rock $166 21st Century $168 Shelter $170 The Hartford $179 CSAA $185 State Auto $193 Amica $318 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, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT.Cheapest Quotes With Poor Credit
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumCountry Financial $51 USAA $63 Auto-Owners $82 State Farm $88 Allstate $90 Mile Auto $91 American Family $94 Commonwealth Casualty $100 GEICO $100 Safeco $102 The General $104 National General $108 Mercury $110 Direct Auto $113 Root $113 Dairyland $116 Nationwide $116 Erie $118 GAINSCO $119 Travelers $119 Bristol West $128 Elephant $132 Farmers $132 Anchor $139 AssuranceAmerica $140 Liberty Mutual $150 Clearcover $151 Plymouth Rock $155 21st Century $162 Shelter $163 CSAA $178 State Auto $187 The Hartford $187 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 $260 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, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT.Cheapest Quotes for Teens
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumCountry Financial $62 USAA $98 Auto-Owners $106 State Farm $112 Erie $131 GEICO $148 The General $151 Root $154 Dairyland $158 Allstate $159 Commonwealth Casualty $159 American Family $160 Mercury $170 GAINSCO $172 Mile Auto $173 Clearcover $182 Bristol West $182 Elephant $189 Safeco $189 Direct Auto $192 National General $194 Nationwide $199 Liberty Mutual $221 Anchor $228 Travelers $231 Farmers $236 21st Century $237 Plymouth Rock $256 AssuranceAmerica $268 Chubb $272 Shelter $292 CSAA $299 The Hartford $381 State Auto $463 Amica $476
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 |
4.3
Best choiceBased on 14 verified guest reviews and ratings
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 |
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
654
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.46
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company
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.
Pros
Competitive rates for high-risk drivers
High claims satisfaction from J.D. Power
Cons
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. | $85/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. | $145/mo |
How drivers feel about Progressive
Customers appreciate the initial affordability and claim handling but dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, as well as the poor customer service.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 302 Progressive reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in Utah on April 29, 2026
The rates keep increasing even though I have no driving records and drive less than 8 miles a day.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Connecticut on April 25, 2026
Charged 10 times more than any other auto insurance.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Rhode Island on April 24, 2026
They handled a claim quickly and efficiently. Overall, a good policy and comparable to others.
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.97
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company
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).
Pros
Many customization options
Low customer complaint ratings with NAIC
Cons
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. | $89/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. | $171/mo |
3.3
A solid optionBased on 64 verified guest reviews and ratings
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 |
How drivers feel about National General Insurance
Drivers value the affordable initial rates and good coverage but dislike the unexpected price increases and poor customer service.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 27 National General Insurance reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in Ohio on April 13, 2026
My agent Rob is very personable and is always there when I need help.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Washington on April 10, 2026
It became expensive when we got a new insurance policy.
Verified Review
Reviewed in California on February 21, 2026
Too expensive, looking for cheaper insurance as we speak.
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
599
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
Not rated
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
Not rated
Why we picked this company
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.
Pros
SR-22 and FR-44 filing available
Affordable rates for high-risk drivers
Cons
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%.
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How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance If You’re a High-Risk Driver
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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.
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Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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Emily Guy BirkenPersonal Finance Writer
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations | Insurance Information Institute
Senior Director, Media Relations, with Triple-I
30+ years of industry experience
Leadership positions at several trade organizations
