Auto Insurance
CheapestCar Insurancefor Bad RecordsCheapest Car Insurance for Drivers With Bad Driving Records
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By , Content Director
Fact Checked
By , Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
Updated: Oct 10, 2023
State Farm consistently offers the lowest-cost car insurance for drivers with bad driving records across all age groups, whether it's for drivers with a speeding ticket ($84 monthly), an at-fault accident ($91 monthly) or a DUI ($103 monthly).
Because many of these driving offenses stay on your record for several years, finding affordable auto coverage is crucial. A ticket or an accident might only remain on your record for a minimum of three years, depending on your state. In contrast, a DUI conviction can stay on your record for 10 years or longer. Additionally, the cost of insurance can vary significantly based on the state and the nature of the violation. While some states naturally have higher insurance costs, the penalty for a bad driving record can further amplify these rates.
CheapestCar Insurancefor Bad RecordsCheapest Car Insurance for Drivers with a Bad Record
Overall Cheapest for Bad Driving Records - State Farm
Cheapest With a Ticket on Record - State Farm
Cheapest With an Accident on Record - State Farm
Cheapest With a DUI on Record - State Farm
Key Takeaways
State Farm offers the most affordable rates for drivers with tickets, accidents and DUIs. Except for drivers with DUIs, USAA has the cheapest rates for military members.
If you're at fault in an accident or receive a ticket, your insurance rates are likely to increase.
Even with a bad driving record, you may qualify for discounts that lower your car insurance rates. Shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best rates.
Cheapest Car Insurance for a Bad Driving Record
State Farm stands out for offering the cheapest car insurance rates for drivers navigating the aftermath of an at-fault accident, ticket or DUI. The company provides affordable premiums and ensures that customers can capitalize on additional discounts, enhancing overall savings and financial management.
Finding affordable insurance after a bad driving record is crucial to avoid soaring premiums and protect your budget. It ensures you maintain necessary coverage without financial strain, safeguarding both your wallet and your future on the roads.
Cheapest for Bad Driving Records: State Farm
pros
Offers cheap quotes and rates for drivers with a ticket, accident or DUI.
Available in every state.
Makes switching providers easy with free quotes online or over the phone.
cons
Doesn't offer some specialized coverage options, such as accident forgiveness, new car replacement or gap insurance.
Scored worse than the average national for customer complaints.
Doesn't offer rideshare insurance.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
If you have a history of at-fault accidents, tickets or DUIs, State Farm might be a cost-effective solution for your car insurance needs. The company doesn't just offer competitive rates; it also provides an array of discounts that can help you lower your premium. And if you're considering making a switch, State Farm makes the process straightforward with no-cost quotes available online and over the phone.
Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers With Bad Driving Record by State
Your location plays a significant role in your car insurance rates. Different states have their own rules and see risks differently; because of this, a bad driving record might cost you more in some states than in others. View the table below to find the most affordable car insurance provider available in your state.
Cheapest Car Insurance After a Speeding Ticket
We found that State Farm offered the cheapest car insurance quotes after a speeding ticket for every age group, including:
- Drivers aged 22-29: $1,243
- Drivers aged 30-59: $1,008
- Drivers aged 60+: $925
The table below lists companies providing car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket. Browse by your age range and desired coverage to find the most affordable option for you.
Cheapest Car Insurance After a Speeding Ticket by State
Getting a speeding ticket can raise your car insurance, and the increase varies by state. With a speeding ticket on their record, California drivers face the steepest rates, paying around $1,280 annually. In contrast, drivers in Idaho with a similar ticket pay much less, around $369 more yearly for coverage.
View the table below to find the cheapest average insurance rate and provider in your state. Keep in mind that these are just sample rates, and your "garage" location — or where you park and keep your car — also affects your rates. Different areas, even within a state, can have different insurance costs.
Cheapest Car Insurance After an At-Fault Accident
We found that State Farm offered the cheapest car insurance quotes after an at-fault accident for every age group, including:
- Drivers aged 22-29: $1,347
- Drivers aged 30-59: $1,091
- Drivers aged 60+: $1,004
The table below highlights insurers offering coverage for drivers with an at-fault accident. Filter by age and coverage type to find the cheapest sample coverage rates for you.
If you cause an accident, your insurance costs will usually increase. How much your premium goes up depends on the accident, your past driving record, the state where you live and your insurance company. In most cases, higher rates last for three to five years. Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness coverage, meaning your first accident might not raise costs.
Cheapest Car Insurance After an At-Fault Accident by State
When figuring out insurance costs after an accident, two main factors come into play: the average cost of insurance in your state and how that state penalizes at-fault accidents. Even if your state generally has lower insurance rates, the price hike after an accident might be steeper than in other states.
Use the filters below to find the most affordable provider in your area. Adjust them based on your age and the coverage you want, and view the best options for your driver characteristics.
Cheapest Car Insurance After a DUI
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance quotes after a DUI for every age group, including:
- Drivers aged 22-29: $1,514
- Drivers aged 30-59: $1,231
- Drivers aged 60+: $1,129
Below is a selection of insurers for drivers with a DUI. Adjust by age and coverage type to find your best fit.
After a DUI, your insurance can significantly increase — even doubling or tripling — depending on your insurer and location. Some companies may not renew your policy, making it challenging to find new coverage. Many avoid insuring drivers with a DUI.
Taking a defensive driving course can help demonstrate to insurers that you're serious about safe driving, which could result in lower rates. Be sure to compare quotes from many insurance companies, especially those specializing in high-risk car insurance.
DO YOU NEED SR-22 INSURANCE?
In many states, drivers are required to submit an SR-22 form to the state's Department of Motor Vehicles after receiving a DUI conviction. An SR-22 form isn't insurance; it's a certificate proving you meet the state's minimum car insurance requirements. If you face challenges getting insured with an SR-22 requirement, consider exploring nonstandard auto insurance.
Cheapest Car Insurance After a DUI by State
While your car insurance costs will always increase after a DUI, how much more you'll pay can vary depending on where you live. Drivers with DUIs in North Carolina can pay up to $2,043 for insurance, reflecting the state's naturally high coverage costs. Meanwhile, in Idaho, those with a DUI might pay just $412 annually, consistent with its generally lower insurance rates. Browse the table below to find the most affordable insurer in your state after a DUI.
WHAT IF I HAVE MULTIPLE VIOLATIONS?
Multiple violations on your driving record can make getting car insurance harder. Insurance companies see drivers with many tickets as risky, leading to higher costs or denial of coverage. Your rates depend on how severe the violations are, how many you have and where you live. Depending on your state, a violation might be removed from your record in three years.
If your rates go up significantly because of driving violations, there are still steps you can take to lower your costs. Look for better deals and switch insurers if needed. To save money, consider dropping some coverages or choosing a higher deductible, especially for older cars. Keep a clean record from now on to lower your rates over time.
Cheapest Car Insurance for Military Members
Active-duty military members, veterans and their families may have access to special military discounts with select insurance companies. With USAA, drivers with a ticket on their record paid an average of $801 a year for a full coverage policy. The average annual premium for a driver with an accident was $953, and the average rate for a DUI was $1,258.
USAA
USAA
USAA is considered the gold standard of insurance, offering consistently affordable rates and even earning a score of 93 out of 100 in MoneyGeek's best car insurance comparison study.
Serving active-duty military members, veterans and their families, USAA provides affordable rates for drivers. Even with a speeding ticket or at-fault accident on record, USAA members can expect to save hundreds of dollars a year on car insurance.
Car Insurance Cost Increases After Driving Violations
Regardless of the driving offense, a violation will typically cause your car insurance rates to increase. However, how much more you pay can vary widely depending on the type of traffic citation incurred. MoneyGeek explored the average premium increases after a ticket, accident and DUI to show you how much your costs could increase after these offenses.
How Much Average Car Insurance Costs Increase After a Ticket
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 $125, or 13%. This additional cost will apply to your premium as a surcharge for at least three years.
Premium Increase After a Ticket
Average Driver
Annual Premium
$883
After a Ticket
Annual Premium
$1,008Drivers with a ticket pay:$125 more
This is 14% more expensive.
How Much Average Car Insurance Costs Increase After an Accident
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 21% after an at-fault accident, which amounts to an average of $208.
Premium Increase After an Accident
Average Driver
Annual Premium
$883After an Accident
Annual Premium
$1,091Drivers with an accident pay:$208 more
This is 24% more expensive.
How Much Average Car Insurance Costs Increase After a DUI
The average length of time a DUI stays on your record ranges from five to 10 years, depending on local jurisdiction regulations. However, in some cases, it can remain on a driving profile indefinitely. To insurers, a DUI indicates a higher financial risk for claims, so those with DUIs are likely to pay signficantly higher premiums for car insurance than drivers with a clean record or less severe infractions. MoneyGeek analyzed rates for the average driver with a DUI on record and found an average rate increase of $348, or 33%.
Premium Increase After DUI
Average Driver
Annual Premium
$883
After a DUI
Annual Premium
$1,231Drivers with a DUI pay:$348 more
This is 39% more expensive.
How to Lower Car Insurance After an Accident, Ticket or DUI
While it's true that driving violations can significantly increase the cost of car insurance coverage, keeping an eye out for opportunities for potential savings can help lower your premium. Many insurers offer discounts for factors unrelated to your driving history, such as having safety features in your car, paying your premiums in full or bundling your home and auto policies. Taking the following steps can help you secure lower rates:
1
Consider multiple providers
Insurance companies vary widely in how they assess and price risk. While some insurers might overlook a single ticket on your record, others could increase your premiums after just one infraction. Some providers might offer accident forgiveness to new policyholders — even if they have a violation on their record — while others might reserve this benefit only for those with clean driving histories.
By comparing different providers and switching car insurance companies after an accident, you can find the insurer that best aligns with your specific situation and offers the most favorable rates.
In cases of severe violations, it may be difficult to find a provider willing to cover you. 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.
2
Seek out other discounts
Just because you have a ticket or accident on your record doesn’t mean you or the other drivers on your policy won’t qualify for different ways to save money. Many discounts are available for actions like paying for your policy in full, installing security or safety devices in your vehicle or enrolling in a telematics program.
3
Bundle your home and car insurance policies
Many car insurance providers also offer home insurance, so consider bundling your home and auto insurance for a lower rate. Some insurance providers will also give a discount if you insure more than one vehicle with them.
4
Switch to a less expensive vehicle
While this option might not be immediately feasible, consider switching the type of car you drive. Some vehicles are more expensive to insure, even before an accident. If you can, shop around for a safer car that's less costly to insure.
5
Improve your credit
Some car insurance companies view drivers with poor credit as riskier clients to insure. To compensate for that risk, providers will increase their rates. If you’re trying to lower your rate after a ticket or accident, improving your credit score could help.
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Expert Advice: Finding Auto Insurance After an Accident or Ticket
MoneyGeek consulted with industry experts to explore why insurance companies raise rates after accidents, what drivers can do to find affordable coverage after receiving a violation and how drivers with extensive violations can secure coverage.
- Why do insurance companies charge higher rates if I have a poor driving record?
- What actions can I take in the near term to lower my car insurance rates after I’ve had traffic violations?
- What should I do if my driving record is so poor insurance companies won’t cover me?
Ryan Lee
Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of La Verne
Thomas Simeone
Trial Attorney, Simeone & Miller, LLP
Wayne Miller
Adjunct Professor, Wayne Law at Wayne State University and COO, Miller & Tischler P.C.
Justin Staebler
SVP Personal and Life Insurance at Johnson Financial Group
Learn More About Car Insurance
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Frequently Asked Questions
Finding affordable car insurance with a violation on your driving record can be challenging. Many drivers with multiple infractions or serious violations wonder how their record will impact their insurance rates and if affordable coverage is still within reach. To help clarify these concerns, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you find cheap car insurance with a bad driving record.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
