Updated: January 23, 2026
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The best high-risk car insurance companies are Travelers with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 and State Farm with a score of 91.
The best high-risk car insurance company for drivers with a DUI is State Farm. It offers the best minimum coverage rates at $72 monthly, saving high-risk drivers $38 versus other top-rated insurers' premiums.
The best high-risk car insurance companies specialize in insuring drivers with violations on their record, allowing these providers to offer the cheapest high-risk policies without sacrificing quality.
Travelers is the best high-risk car insurance company after our analysis of high-risk companies. Travelers earned the highest MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 for its coverage options and affordable rates.
State Farm earns the top spot for best high-risk car insurance company overall with a score of 91. State Farm might not always be cheapest, but its rates stay competitive and its customer service beats competitors. You'll get better service when filing claims or adjusting your policy.
| Travelers | 4 | 4 | 2 | 93 |
| State Farm | 4 | 3 | 1 | 91 |
| Progressive | 3 | 4 | 0 | 90 |
| Nationwide | 3 | 4 | 1 | 81 |
| Allstate | 3 | 4 | 2 | 81 |
With a MoneyGeek score of 93, Travelers ranks first in coverage options, claims handling and financial stability. The insurer's average premium of $1,451 annually ranks second in affordability while getting 64% fewer customer complaints than the industry norm.
Travelers offers high-risk drivers specialized features like gap insurance and accident forgiveness unavailable from many competitors. The company's early quote discount helps drivers planning insurance transitions after violations, while its continuous coverage rewards create stability during high-risk coverage periods.
Discounts Offered
Travelers provides a unique early quote discount that helps high-risk drivers plan their insurance transition. Its continuous insurance discount rewards maintaining coverage without lapses, which helps reduce high-risk classification.
Travelers' discount selection helps lower your coverage costs:
With a MoneyGeek score of 91, State Farm balances quality and affordability, making it our top overall recommendation for budget-conscious high-risk drivers. At just $115 monthly ($1,381 annually), State Farm provides the best coverage for high-risk drivers while maintaining an A++ AM Best rating.
State Farm gets 30% fewer complaints than industry averages. The insurer specializes in SR-22 filing services, accommodating drivers with serious violations and making the transition to high-risk status easier.
Discounts Offered
State Farm offers high-risk drivers multiple ways to lower premiums through behavior and policy choices. Its Drive Safe & Save program provides immediate savings for safe driving habits, while its multi-policy discounts help offset higher costs from high-risk classifications.
Here's how much you can save with each State Farm discount:
With a MoneyGeek score of 81, Allstate offers advantages for homeowners through multi-policy incentives. Its coverage options match industry leaders while offering competitive affordability despite weaker claims performance than top competitors.
Allstate's personalized approach sets it apart from other high-risk options. The industry's most robust vanishing deductible program plus comprehensive accident forgiveness creates clear financial incentives for improvement. Its extensive local agent network provides face-to-face guidance through the complex high-risk process that online-only providers can't match.
Discounts Offered
Allstate's Drivewise program offers frequent reward opportunities for high-risk drivers, with feedback and savings calculated every six months. Its early signing discount helps those planning to switch from a high-risk specialist insurer to a standard carrier. Here are the savings Allstate offers:
For drivers with credit challenges, Nationwide's MoneyGeek score of 81 offers a balanced approach focusing on coverage breadth rather than penalizing financial history. While premiums averaging $1,463 place Nationwide midrange for affordability, its rating algorithms separate driving performance from credit factors, providing relief many insurers don't offer.
Nationwide's telematics program, SmartRide, bases rates on current driving habits rather than past mistakes or financial history. You improve through better driving and credit repair.
Discounts Offered
With a MoneyGeek score of 90, Progressive specializes in DUI violations and serious infractions. High-risk drivers benefit from Progressive's transparent pricing model and violation-specific policies.
Despite ranking 7th in affordability with premiums averaging $1,745 annually, the insurer's industry-leading coverage options and strong claims handling create value for drivers with poor records.
Discounts Offered
Progressive rewards current safe driving regardless of past infractions through its Snapshot program. Here are the discounts that can lower your high-risk premiums:
With a MoneyGeek score of 93, USAA provides outstanding value for military families at just $121 monthly ($1,451 annually). The insurer serves those who serve with superior financial stability and strong customer satisfaction, ranking highest among all high-risk companies we reviewed. For military families with driving infractions, USAA offers specialized discounts of approximately 15% below typical high-risk rates for service members.
The company's emergency deployment provisions and military-specific policy features show commitment to armed forces personnel that few competitors match. USAA's streamlined mobile claims technology helps service members with driving violations stationed abroad or facing deployment uncertainties.
Discounts Offered
USAA provides specialized discounts for high-risk drivers with military backgrounds or federal employment. Its emergency deployment discount helps service members who experience coverage interruptions during overseas assignments.
Here are USAA's discounts:
Poor credit, traffic violations or accidents? You need high-risk car insurance. Insurance companies evaluate different risk factors when setting rates. Premiums vary based on your situation. Whether you're a young driver, have a history of accidents or speeding tickets, a DUI conviction on your record or poor credit, certain insurers offer better rates for each risk category.
The best high-risk car insurance rates depend on several factors: age, location, vehicle make/model, violation type and severity, coverage level and credit score. Use the table below and following sections to find the best cheap high-risk car insurance company and rate for you based on violations and preferred coverage type.
| State Farm | $62 | $741 | $34 | 91 |
| Geico | $69 | $830 | $27 | 89 |
| Travelers | $70 | $835 | $26 | 94 |
| Amica | $71 | $847 | $25 | 93 |
| Chubb | $75 | $897 | $21 | 90 |
| National General | $78 | $933 | $18 | 85 |
National General is the cheapest car insurance company for high-risk drivers with a DUI. Its lowest rates start at $66 monthly or $703 annually for minimum coverage, saving drivers $660 a year compared to other high-risk companies. State Farm follows closely behind with rates only $6 per month higher, averaging $72. It received a slightly higher overall MoneyGeek score, making State Farm our recommendation as the best cheap car insurance company for drivers with a DUI.
Compare quotes from the cheapest high-risk car insurance companies carefully. Some high-risk insurers increase premiums less than others after DUI offenses:
| National General | $66 | $793 | $55 | 89 |
| State Farm | $72 | $862 | $49 | 90 |
| Travelers | $79 | $947 | $42 | 93 |
| Progressive | $85 | $1,024 | $36 | 94 |
Additional Cheap DUI Insurance Company Resources
State Farm, GEICO and Travelers are the cheapest high-risk car insurance companies for drivers caught speeding. State Farm provides the best rates for minimum coverage averaging $56 monthly, which is $13 cheaper than the most affordable high-risk insurance companies we reviewed. Compare the cheapest auto insurers below to find the lowest premium for you:
| State Farm | $56 | $672 | $27 | 91 |
| Geico | $59 | $707 | $24 | 90 |
| Travelers | $64 | $767 | $19 | 93 |
| Amica | $69 | $828 | $14 | 91 |
| Chubb | $69 | $828 | $14 | 89 |
The best cheap high-risk car insurance companies for drivers with an at-fault accident on their record are State Farm and GEICO, with just $7 separating the two insurers. State Farm offers the cheapest quotes with premiums at $62 monthly, saving drivers $420 a year. Use these savings to replace expensive deductibles after your accident.
| State Farm | $62 | $741 | $34 | 91 |
| Geico | $69 | $830 | $27 | 89 |
| Travelers | $70 | $835 | $26 | 94 |
| Amica | $71 | $847 | $25 | 93 |
| Chubb | $75 | $897 | $21 | 90 |
| National General | $78 | $933 | $18 | 85 |
High-risk drivers with accidents should prioritize companies that offer accident forgiveness programs. The best high-risk companies like State Farm and Progressive offer cheaper rates for drivers that meet certain qualifications. State Farm requires nine years of clean driving to qualify, while Progressive offers immediate accident forgiveness through its Snapshot program for eligible drivers.
For teen drivers with violations, State Farm provides the cheapest full coverage car insurance and most affordable minimum liability coverage for young high-risk drivers. Its premiums average $140 a month, saving young policyholders $91 annually. Young drivers with violations pay much higher premiums, especially for at-fault accidents and DUI convictions. Compare cheap car insurance companies specializing in high-risk insurance for young drivers:
| State Farm | $141 | $1,690 | $88 | 91 |
| National General | $155 | $1,861 | $74 | 87 |
| Travelers | $159 | $1,912 | $69 | 94 |
| Amica | $164 | $1,974 | $64 | 93 |
| Geico | $168 | $2,020 | $60 | 88 |
| Chubb | $185 | $2,218 | $44 | 88 |
| AIG | $223 | $2,674 | $6 | 83 |
Additional Cheap Car Insurance Company Resources for Teens and Young Adults
Cheapest Car Insurance for 16-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 20-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 22-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 23-Year-Olds
In most states, teens under 18 cannot buy auto insurance without an adult co-signer. To lower student insurance costs, consider driving a vehicle with a strong safety rating, being added to a family policy, using telematics programs and getting a good student discount.
Travelers is the best cheap car insurance company for drivers with poor credit. Compared to other high-risk car insurance companies, drivers with poor credit can save up to $44 annually on minimum coverage, which costs $118 monthly. Nationwide is just $4 more expensive, averaging $122 monthly. Drivers save $37 per month compared to the national average.
Compare the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with poor credit below to find the best rate:
| National General | $113 | $1,355 | $105 | 89 |
| Geico | $148 | $1,775 | $70 | 89 |
| AIG | $155 | $1,856 | $63 | 90 |
| Travelers | $163 | $1,951 | $55 | 93 |
| Chubb | $163 | $1,953 | $55 | 91 |
| Nationwide | $182 | $2,179 | $36 | 90 |
| Progressive | $212 | $2,548 | $5 | 92 |
| Allstate | $213 | $2,558 | $5 | 89 |
California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan prohibit using credit as a rating factor. In other states, improving your credit score through on-time payments and reducing debt can lower your premiums. For immediate savings, request quotes from multiple providers because some insurers weigh credit factors less heavily in their pricing models.
Insurance rates for high-risk drivers vary dramatically by location and violation type, ranging from $195 annually in Vermont to over $1,150 in Georgia. State Farm consistently offers the most affordable rates across violation types in 15 to 18 states. GEICO and regional insurers provide competitive alternatives in specific markets. Find the best and cheapest insurance providers in your state using the table below:
| Alabama | AIG | $24 | $290 |
| Alaska | Western National Insurance | $43 | $518 |
| Arizona | State Farm | $54 | $649 |
| Arkansas | Farm Bureau | $38 | $462 |
| California | Geico | $93 | $1,113 |
| Colorado | American National | $42 | $507 |
| Connecticut | State Farm | $84 | $1,008 |
| Delaware | State Farm | $88 | $1,054 |
| District of Columbia | Chubb | $59 | $705 |
| Florida | State Farm | $67 | $808 |
| Georgia | Auto Owners | $96 | $1,156 |
| Hawaii | State Farm | $38 | $456 |
| Idaho | State Farm | $19 | $228 |
| Illinois | Travelers | $66 | $791 |
| Indiana | Travelers | $49 | $593 |
| Iowa | State Farm | $21 | $251 |
| Kansas | State Farm | $43 | $514 |
| Kentucky | State Farm | $55 | $666 |
| Louisiana | State Farm | $74 | $893 |
| Maine | Progressive | $44 | $522 |
| Maryland | Geico | $56 | $674 |
| Massachusetts | Plymouth Rock Insurance | $37 | $449 |
| Michigan | Progressive | $72 | $859 |
| Minnesota | State Farm | $36 | $433 |
| Mississippi | Farm Bureau | $54 | $650 |
| Missouri | Farm Bureau | $47 | $567 |
| Montana | State Farm | $19 | $230 |
| Nebraska | Progressive | $38 | $459 |
| Nevada | Travelers | $77 | $930 |
| New Hampshire | MMG Insurance | $49 | $588 |
| New Jersey | Plymouth Rock Insurance | $79 | $945 |
| New Mexico | State Farm | $40 | $478 |
| New York | Progressive | $36 | $434 |
| North Carolina | National General | $71 | $857 |
| North Dakota | State Farm | $36 | $435 |
| Ohio | Geico | $54 | $643 |
| Oklahoma | Progressive | $35 | $422 |
| Oregon | State Farm | $41 | $486 |
| Pennsylvania | State Farm | $39 | $470 |
| Rhode Island | State Farm | $42 | $500 |
| South Carolina | Farm Bureau | $50 | $603 |
| South Dakota | Progressive | $19 | $231 |
| Tennessee | Farm Bureau | $42 | $499 |
| Texas | State Farm | $67 | $801 |
| Utah | Kemper | $71 | $852 |
| Vermont | Co-operative Insurance | $21 | $256 |
| Virginia | Farm Bureau | $39 | $462 |
| Washington | State Farm | $40 | $480 |
| West Virginia | State Farm | $52 | $628 |
| Wisconsin | Travelers | $41 | $487 |
| Wyoming | State Farm | $22 | $258 |
Finding affordable car insurance after violations requires comparison shopping and understanding your options. This guide covers essential steps to secure the best coverage at competitive rates: evaluating insurers specializing in high-risk drivers, maximizing available discounts and choosing the right coverage levels.
Our research shows comparison shopping and using available programs can save high-risk drivers up to 40% on annual premiums. Whether you're already classified as a high-risk driver or want to avoid that category, you can take specific actions to reduce your insurance cost.
Our research shows rate differences of up to 35% between companies for identical driver profiles. Compare at least five quotes when shopping for high-risk coverage. As your circumstances change, compare car insurance policies to find the best rates for your needs.
The best high-risk insurance companies reduce surcharges after six to 12 months of violation-free driving, and violations fall off your record after three years.
In most states, the best high-risk car insurance companies reward drivers for making on-time payments, reducing credit card balances and disputing inaccuracies in their credit reports. This results in savings of 15% to 20% within six to 12 months. For immediate options, check our guide to car insurance for drivers with bad credit.
Many of the best high-risk insurance companies offer 5% to 15% discounts to those who complete an approved defensive driving course. Defensive driving courses cost $25 to $75 and can be completed online in most states. SR-22 and FR-44 filers won't see lower premiums until the filing period ends.
Telematics programs like Progressive's Snapshot, Allstate's Drivewise or State Farm's Drive Safe & Save monitor your current driving habits and reduce premiums by 10% to 40% for safe driving, regardless of past infractions.
Even high-risk drivers qualify for major car insurance discounts unrelated to driving history, including:
You need a clean driving record (no moving violations or at-fault accidents) for at least three years to be eligible for a defensive driving course discount. Speak with your insurer to determine its policy and whether completing this course may help you lower your premium. — Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
Comparing the cheapest providers and average costs can help, but getting a car insurance quote is the only way to accurately estimate the cost of a high-risk car insurance policy. MoneyGeek's calculator makes company and cost comparisons easier. By entering some basic information, drivers can get car insurance quotes from multiple providers in minutes.
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Jan 26, 2026
| Insurance Carrier | MoneyGeek ScoreMG Score | Average Monthly Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Capital Insurance Group | 94 /of 100 | $87 |
| 2 |  GEICO | 82 /of 100 | $109 |
| 3 |  State Farm | 83 /of 100 | $118 |
| 4 |  Travelers | 83 /of 100 | $129 |
| 5 |  Progressive | 79 /of 100 | $133 |
| 6 |  Farmers | 77 /of 100 | $151 |
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Insurance companies classify drivers as "high-risk" based on factors that increase claim likelihood. High-risk drivers may have serious violations, such as:
This guide highlighted the best high-risk car insurance companies that offer the cheapest rates for every high-risk profile. Find suitable coverage at the best price.
High-risk drivers can take steps to reduce premiums: improve credit scores, complete defensive driving courses and maintain a clean record. Compare quotes from top insurers to find affordable coverage tailored to your needs without overspending.
We answer common questions to help you find the best and cheapest high-risk car insurance:
State Farm is the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers, but get quotes from multiple providers to find the best deal for your driver profile.
For widely available policies, State Farm offers the most affordable car insurance for high-risk drivers, with an annual average premium of $715. Travelers is another option, charging $947.
A 40-year-old driver with a clean record pays $1,220 per year for car insurance. A high-risk driver spends as much as $2,160 for the same coverage. These figures are averages. Use a car insurance calculator for a more accurate estimate of your premiums.
High-risk drivers aren't limited to those with violations on their record. Insurance companies also classify drivers as high-risk if they have poor credit histories, drive sports cars or have little or no driving experience.
DUI, DWI, OWI and OVWI all refer to impaired driving offenses, but their meanings vary by state. DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) are the most common and often used interchangeably. OWI (operating while intoxicated) and OVWI (operating a vehicle while intoxicated) are similar but focus on operating any vehicle, not just driving.
A credit score evaluates your ability to repay debts, while a credit-based insurance score assesses your risk as a policyholder. While both use your credit history, a credit score helps lenders determine creditworthiness and a credit-based insurance score predicts the likelihood of filing claims.
Six states don't allow gender as a rating factor: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Four states don't allow credit as a rating factor: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan. Also, Hawaii doesn't allow age as a rating factor.
Finding reliable car insurance after violations feels overwhelming, but MoneyGeek's research simplifies the process. We evaluated more than 68 insurance companies nationwide to identify which providers offer high-risk drivers the best combination of affordable rates, reliable service and comprehensive coverage.
We gathered data from independent sources including state insurance departments, J.D. Power ratings, NAIC complaint indexes and AM Best financial strength ratings. Our research team analyzed 210,564 quotes across 897 ZIP codes to create comprehensive rankings tailored to high-risk driver needs.
Our scoring methodology:
Customer satisfaction (35% of total score): We collected data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) customer complaint index and J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores to assess how well insurers handle policy setup and service interactions.
Affordability (20% of total score): We collected data from Quadrant Information Services and state insurance departments to analyze how premiums compare between providers for high-risk drivers.
Claims (20% of total score): We collected data from the J.D. Power Claims Study and the CRASH Report Card to determine customer satisfaction during the claim process.
Coverage (20% of total score): We collected data on coverage offerings from various insurers to determine if they provide essential coverages most high-risk drivers need, including both standard and unique coverage options.
Financial stability (5% of total score): We used AM Best financial stability ratings to determine insurers' record of meeting financial obligations with claims.
Sample driver profile used for cost analysis:
We modified the sample driver to account for these personalized factors:
Coverage details: Using our sample driver profile, we collected data on premiums for a full coverage policy with a $500 deductible meeting state minimum coverage requirements. In a collision incident or at-fault accident, the deductible is the amount you'll pay before your insurance kicks in to cover the damage to your vehicle.
Coverage requirements are set at the state level. We collected data on state-specific rates based on each state's coverage requirements to determine state and national averages for minimum coverage.
Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.
Traffic violations affect premiums based on severity and your insurer's specific rating system. Most violations affect your rates for three to five years, but the impact diminishes each year if you maintain a clean record afterward.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
