Bad Driving Record? Best Cheap Car Insurance After an Accident, Ticket or DUI

While one ticket over many years usually won’t trigger a huge rate increase, a bad driving record will cause your insurance rates to increase and stay high until all tickets and accidents come off your driving record. Insurance companies raise rates for people with infractions to mitigate the risks associated with drivers who make mistakes on the road. MoneyGeek analyzed auto insurance data to find the average best and cheapest coverage options for individuals with driving violations.

For most drivers, State Farm is the best and cheapest option for high-risk drivers.

In each study crafted to determine the best and cheapest car insurance for drivers with a bad record, we found that USAA and State Farm offer the best service and rates. While USAA received MoneyGeek's highest best car insurance score and may offer cheaper rates, it is only available to veterans, current military, and their families.

We found that State Farm offered the cheapest car insurance quotes after an accident for every age group:

• Drivers aged 22-29: $1,347
• Drivers aged 30-59: $1,091
• Drivers aged 60+: $1004

If you aren’t eligible for USAA, State Farm is a great option to start comparison shopping with top insurance providers. Every insurance company uses a unique rating system to determine your quote, so rates can vary between providers. Shopping around and getting at least three quotes to compare before renewing your policy through the same company is an excellent way to find cheap car insurance after an accident.

USAA and State Farm have the lowest rates, on average, for drivers with a speeding ticket. USAA is only available to military members and their families, so not all drivers are eligible.

We found that, aside from USAA, State Farm offered the cheapest car insurance quotes after a speeding ticket for every age group:

• Drivers aged 22-29: $1,243
• Drivers aged 30-59: $1,008
• Drivers aged 60+: $925

Insurance companies use several factors to determine their rates, so finding the best car insurance with a bad driving record may depend on criteria such as age, gender, the type of car you drive and your previous driving history. If you’ve had a good driving record up until getting a speeding ticket, you may still be able to find cheap car insurance.

Getting a DUI can result in a steep increase in your car insurance premium. Some companies charge thousands of dollars more to insure a driver with a DUI than a driver with a clean driving record, and having a DUI on your record could make it challenging to find coverage through a standard auto insurer.

A stand-out winner with cheaper rates than USAA, State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance quotes after a DUI for every age group:

• Drivers aged 22-29: $1,514
• Drivers aged 30-59: $1,231
• Drivers aged 60+: $1,129

While you're likely to see a rate hike for several years after being convicted of a DUI, shopping around for car insurance after a DUI can help you save as you work to improve your driving record.

Active-duty military members, veterans and their families may have access to special military discounts with select insurance companies. USAA is consistently considered the gold standard for insurance, earning a score of 93 out of 100 in MoneyGeek's best car insurance comparison study. Even for people with driving violations, USAA typically provides the lowest rates for those associated with the U.S. Armed Forces.

With USAA, drivers with a ticket on their record paid an average of $801 a year for a full coverage policy. The average rate for a driver with an accident was $953, and the average rate for a DUI was $1,258.

Car insurance premiums often go up after an at-fault accident because insurance companies see drivers with poor driving records as riskier to insure. According to MoneyGeek’s in-depth analysis of car insurance rates, full coverage policy costs increase by 44% after an at-fault accident, which amounts to an average of $509.

If you receive a driving citation, there’s a good chance that your car insurance rates will increase. MoneyGeek analyzed rates for the average driver who received a ticket and found an average premium increase of $389, or 34%. This additional cost will apply to your premium as a surcharge for a minimum of three years.

Switching car insurance after getting a ticket or causing an accident isn’t hard, but it does require some legwork.

• Learn how car insurance works, including how rates are determined and what coverages are available.
• Shop around and compare car insurance rates online.
• Find the provider offering the lowest rate.
• Purchase your policy with the new provider at your lower rate.
• Cancel or don’t renew your old policy, but be sure that you have your new policy before you do this. If you cancel, you may be due a refund.
• Be sure to get proof of insurance to keep with your records and in your vehicle, as required by law.

If you're considered a high-risk driver based on your record, it may be worthwhile to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best rates. If you’re having difficulty getting car insurance after a policy cancellation, contact your previous provider and clear up possible misunderstandings. Discuss whether it’s possible to have your policy reinstated. If insurance companies refuse to cover you, you may be able to purchase a residual market plan, which is a state-backed program for high-risk drivers.

If you have a really bad driving record — either due to multiple at-fault accidents or a higher-risk citation, like a DUI — you will face higher insurance rates and may have to shop around to find a company that will insure you.

Depending on the severity of the violation or the number of violations you've received, you may be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form. An SR-22 (also known as a “Certificate of Financial Responsibility”) is a document on file with your state that proves you have insurance that meets the minimum legal requirement.

If you are facing a rate increase due to a bad driving record, there are a few ways you can get your premium back in your budget:

• Take a defensive driving course. Many insurance providers will offer a discount after completing a defensive driving course. Taking a defensive driving course shows that you are committed to driving more safely and helps reassure others that you have the necessary skills to be behind the wheel. You typically need a clean driving record (no at-fault accidents or moving violations) for at least three years before qualifying for this discount. Speak with your insurance provider to learn when you could take the course and how to find an approved course near you.
• Trade your car in for a safer model. The type of car you drive can impact your insurance rate, and a bad driving record won’t help. If you are facing an increase in your policy, consider trading your car in for a vehicle with better safety features to see a decrease in your policy.
• Keep track of your driving record. Most insurance providers will reevaluate your rate after a few years without a traffic violation. Keeping a clean driving record for three years can help decrease your rate.
• Have your driving monitored. Some companies provide discounts for customers who allow their driving to be monitored via telematics programs. Using a mobile app or installed GPS device, your insurance provider can track your driving behavior to set rates based on your safe driving habits. However, keep in mind that rates could potentially increase if your driving habits are not considered safe.