Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers With Bad Driving Records


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Updated: May 20, 2024

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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.

MoneyGeek Logo IconCheapestCar Insurancefor Bad Records
2024

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.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek collected car insurance rates from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services. We used sample driver profiles across various geographic locations to discover the cheapest car insurance premiums for drivers with bad records.

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These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes as of October 2023.

2,474,515Quotes Analyzed
 
607Companies Compared
 
3,523ZIP Codes

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

State Farm

pros

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Offers cheap quotes and rates for drivers with a ticket, accident or DUI.

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Available in every state.

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Makes switching providers easy with free quotes online or over the phone.

cons

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Doesn't offer some specialized coverage options, such as accident forgiveness, new car replacement or gap insurance.

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Scored worse than the average national for customer complaints.

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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.

Read MoneyGeek's State Farm Auto Insurance Review

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.

AlabamaCompanyAllstateAnnual premium$1,412
AlaskaCompanyState FarmAnnual premium$1,247
ArizonaCompanyRoot Insurance CompanyAnnual premium$906
ArkansasCompanyLouisiana Farm BureauAnnual premium$1,157
ArkansasCompanySouthern Farm BureauAnnual premium$1,157
CaliforniaCompanyNational GeneralAnnual premium$1,667
ColoradoCompanyAmerican FamilyAnnual premium$1,128
ConnecticutCompanyState FarmAnnual premium$1,457
DelawareCompanyUSAAAnnual premium$1,410
District of ColumbiaCompanyUSAAAnnual premium$1,773
FloridaCompanyState FarmAnnual premium$1,622
GeorgiaCompanyCountry FinancialAnnual premium$1,297
HawaiiCompanyState FarmAnnual premium$761
IdahoCompanyState FarmAnnual premium$892
IllinoisCompanyAmerican FamilyAnnual premium$1,147
IndianaCompanyUSAAAnnual premium$1,027
IowaCompanyAmerican FamilyAnnual premium$1,044
KansasCompanyAmerican FamilyAnnual premium$1,345
KentuckyCompanyState FarmAnnual premium$1,525
LouisianaCompanyUSAAAnnual premium$1,758
MaineCompanyUSAAAnnual premium$1,044
MarylandCompanyProgressiveAnnual premium$1,440
MassachusettsCompanyState FarmAnnual premium$661
MichiganCompanyUSAAAnnual premium$1,828
MinnesotaCompanyAmerican FamilyAnnual premium$1,470
MississippiCompanyUSAAAnnual premium$1,393
MissouriCompanyUSAAAnnual premium$1,084
MontanaCompanyProgressiveAnnual premium$862
NebraskaCompanyAmerican National P&CAnnual premium$1,293
NevadaCompanyState FarmAnnual premium$1,522
New HampshireCompanyUSAAAnnual premium$978
New JerseyCompanyNJMAnnual premium$1,355
New MexicoCompanyUSAAAnnual premium$1,215
New YorkCompanyKemperAnnual premium$1,893
North CarolinaCompanyNationwideAnnual premium$1,546
North DakotaCompanyAmerican FamilyAnnual premium$993
OhioCompanyAmerican FamilyAnnual premium$896
OklahomaCompanyUSAAAnnual premium$1,312
OregonCompanyState FarmAnnual premium$1,297
PennsylvaniaCompanyUSAAAnnual premium$1,226
Rhode IslandCompanyState FarmAnnual premium$1,163
South CarolinaCompanyLouisiana Farm BureauAnnual premium$1,354
South CarolinaCompanySouthern Farm BureauAnnual premium$1,354
South DakotaCompanyAmerican FamilyAnnual premium$1,187
TennesseeCompanyUSAAAnnual premium$1,282
TexasCompanyAllstateAnnual premium$1,817
UtahCompanyUSAAAnnual premium$1,670
VermontCompanyState FarmAnnual premium$1,170
VirginiaCompanyState FarmAnnual premium$1,201
WashingtonCompanyPEMCOAnnual premium$851
West VirginiaCompanyUSAAAnnual premium$1,319
WisconsinCompanyAmerican FamilyAnnual premium$918
WyomingCompanyState FarmAnnual premium$1,291

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.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,008Monthly Premium$84Best Score (Out of 100)89
NationwideAnnual Premium$1,166Monthly Premium$97Best Score (Out of 100)87
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,226Monthly Premium$102Best Score (Out of 100)88
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,318Monthly Premium$110Best Score (Out of 100)86
TravelersAnnual Premium$1,412Monthly Premium$118Best Score (Out of 100)88
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,458Monthly Premium$122Best Score (Out of 100)86
FarmersAnnual Premium$1,500Monthly Premium$125Best Score (Out of 100)86

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.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
AlabamaCompanyAllstateAnnual Premium$836Monthly Premium$70
AlaskaCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$789Monthly Premium$66
ArizonaCompanyAuto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$767Monthly Premium$64
ArkansasCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$699Monthly Premium$58
CaliforniaCompanyNational GeneralAnnual Premium$1,280Monthly Premium$107
ColoradoCompanyAmerican National P&CAnnual Premium$629Monthly Premium$52
ConnecticutCompanyGEICOAnnual Premium$803Monthly Premium$67
DelawareCompanyTravelersAnnual Premium$940Monthly Premium$78
District of ColumbiaCompanyGEICOAnnual Premium$823Monthly Premium$69
FloridaCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$1,190Monthly Premium$99
GeorgiaCompanyAuto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$875Monthly Premium$73
HawaiiCompanyGEICOAnnual Premium$565Monthly Premium$47
IdahoCompanyAmerican National P&CAnnual Premium$369Monthly Premium$31
IllinoisCompanyAuto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$808Monthly Premium$67
IndianaCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$632Monthly Premium$53
IowaCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$547Monthly Premium$46
KansasCompanyNationwideAnnual Premium$792Monthly Premium$66
KentuckyCompanyAuto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$892Monthly Premium$74
LouisianaCompanyLouisiana Farm BureauAnnual Premium$1,208Monthly Premium$101
MaineCompanyVermont MutualAnnual Premium$562Monthly Premium$47
MarylandCompanyProgressiveAnnual Premium$960Monthly Premium$80
MassachusettsCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$552Monthly Premium$46
MichiganCompanyChubbAnnual Premium$961Monthly Premium$80
MinnesotaCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$862Monthly Premium$72
MississippiCompanyMississippi Farm BureauAnnual Premium$816Monthly Premium$68
MissouriCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$1,034Monthly Premium$86
MontanaCompanyProgressiveAnnual Premium$582Monthly Premium$48
NebraskaCompanyAmerican National P&CAnnual Premium$461Monthly Premium$38
NevadaCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$1,050Monthly Premium$87
New HampshireCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$540Monthly Premium$45
New JerseyCompanyGEICOAnnual Premium$937Monthly Premium$78
New MexicoCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$741Monthly Premium$62
New YorkCompanyKemperAnnual Premium$1,000Monthly Premium$83
North CarolinaCompanyNationwideAnnual Premium$898Monthly Premium$75
North DakotaCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$680Monthly Premium$57
OhioCompanyAuto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$547Monthly Premium$46
OklahomaCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$718Monthly Premium$60
OregonCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$791Monthly Premium$66
PennsylvaniaCompanyAuto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$716Monthly Premium$60
Rhode IslandCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$700Monthly Premium$58
South CarolinaCompanyAmerican National P&CAnnual Premium$581Monthly Premium$48
South DakotaCompanyAllstateAnnual Premium$804Monthly Premium$67
TennesseeCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$622Monthly Premium$52
TexasCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$699Monthly Premium$58
UtahCompanyNationwideAnnual Premium$852Monthly Premium$71
VermontCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$527Monthly Premium$44
VirginiaCompanyAuto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$760Monthly Premium$63
WashingtonCompanyPEMCOAnnual Premium$664Monthly Premium$55
West VirginiaCompanyErieAnnual Premium$853Monthly Premium$71
WisconsinCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$677Monthly Premium$56
WyomingCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$808Monthly Premium$67

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.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,091Monthly Premium$91
NationwideAnnual Premium$1,409Monthly Premium$117
TravelersAnnual Premium$1,506Monthly Premium$126
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,546Monthly Premium$129
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,584Monthly Premium$132
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,810Monthly Premium$151
FarmersAnnual Premium$1,838Monthly Premium$153

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.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
AlabamaCompanyCountry FinancialAnnual Premium$996Monthly Premium$83
AlaskaCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$861Monthly Premium$72
ArizonaCompanyRoot Insurance CompanyAnnual Premium$852Monthly Premium$71
ArkansasCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$756Monthly Premium$63
CaliforniaCompanyAAA CaliforniaAnnual Premium$1,517Monthly Premium$126
ColoradoCompanyAmerican National P&CAnnual Premium$725Monthly Premium$60
ConnecticutCompanyGEICOAnnual Premium$1,001Monthly Premium$83
DelawareCompanyTravelersAnnual Premium$904Monthly Premium$75
District of ColumbiaCompanyErieAnnual Premium$1,040Monthly Premium$87
FloridaCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$1,290Monthly Premium$107
GeorgiaCompanyCountry FinancialAnnual Premium$936Monthly Premium$78
HawaiiCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$756Monthly Premium$63
IdahoCompanyAmerican National P&CAnnual Premium$431Monthly Premium$36
IllinoisCompanyAmerican FamilyAnnual Premium$825Monthly Premium$69
IndianaCompanyAmerican FamilyAnnual Premium$735Monthly Premium$61
IowaCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$584Monthly Premium$49
KansasCompanyAmerican FamilyAnnual Premium$842Monthly Premium$70
KentuckyCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$1,005Monthly Premium$84
LouisianaCompanyLouisiana Farm BureauAnnual Premium$1,355Monthly Premium$113
MaineCompanyVermont MutualAnnual Premium$562Monthly Premium$47
MarylandCompanyProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,193Monthly Premium$99
MassachusettsCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$732Monthly Premium$61
MichiganCompanyChubbAnnual Premium$961Monthly Premium$80
MinnesotaCompanyAmerican FamilyAnnual Premium$831Monthly Premium$69
MississippiCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$1,003Monthly Premium$84
MissouriCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$1,105Monthly Premium$92
MontanaCompanyProgressiveAnnual Premium$724Monthly Premium$60
NebraskaCompanyAmerican National P&CAnnual Premium$520Monthly Premium$43
NevadaCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$1,151Monthly Premium$96
New HampshireCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$708Monthly Premium$59
New JerseyCompanyNJMAnnual Premium$938Monthly Premium$78
New MexicoCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$802Monthly Premium$67
New YorkCompanyProgressiveAnnual Premium$985Monthly Premium$82
North CarolinaCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$884Monthly Premium$74
North DakotaCompanyAmerican FamilyAnnual Premium$616Monthly Premium$51
OhioCompanyAmerican FamilyAnnual Premium$639Monthly Premium$53
OklahomaCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$768Monthly Premium$64
OregonCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$924Monthly Premium$77
PennsylvaniaCompanyTravelersAnnual Premium$811Monthly Premium$68
Rhode IslandCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$700Monthly Premium$58
South CarolinaCompanyAmerican National P&CAnnual Premium$581Monthly Premium$48
South DakotaCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$917Monthly Premium$76
TennesseeCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$673Monthly Premium$56
TexasCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$862Monthly Premium$72
UtahCompanyAmerican FamilyAnnual Premium$899Monthly Premium$75
VermontCompanyVermont MutualAnnual Premium$525Monthly Premium$44
VirginiaCompanyAuto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$689Monthly Premium$57
WashingtonCompanyPEMCOAnnual Premium$728Monthly Premium$61
West VirginiaCompanyErieAnnual Premium$945Monthly Premium$79
WisconsinCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$728Monthly Premium$61
WyomingCompanyState FarmAnnual Premium$871Monthly Premium$73

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.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,231Monthly Premium$103
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,448Monthly Premium$121
FarmersAnnual Premium$1,656Monthly Premium$138
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,695Monthly Premium$141
TravelersAnnual Premium$1,729Monthly Premium$144
NationwideAnnual Premium$1,888Monthly Premium$157
GEICOAnnual Premium$2,464Monthly Premium$205

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.

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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.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
AlabamaAnnual Premium$953Monthly Premium$79
AlaskaAnnual Premium$789Monthly Premium$66
ArizonaAnnual Premium$754Monthly Premium$63
ArkansasAnnual Premium$699Monthly Premium$58
CaliforniaAnnual Premium$1,280Monthly Premium$107
ColoradoAnnual Premium$806Monthly Premium$67
ConnecticutAnnual Premium$1,031Monthly Premium$86
DelawareAnnual Premium$1,033Monthly Premium$86
District of ColumbiaAnnual Premium$1,206Monthly Premium$101
FloridaAnnual Premium$1,190Monthly Premium$99
GeorgiaAnnual Premium$1,094Monthly Premium$91
HawaiiAnnual Premium$690Monthly Premium$57
IdahoAnnual Premium$412Monthly Premium$34
IllinoisAnnual Premium$844Monthly Premium$70
IndianaAnnual Premium$706Monthly Premium$59
IowaAnnual Premium$547Monthly Premium$46
KansasAnnual Premium$922Monthly Premium$77
KentuckyAnnual Premium$927Monthly Premium$77
LouisianaAnnual Premium$1,391Monthly Premium$116
MaineAnnual Premium$627Monthly Premium$52
MarylandAnnual Premium$1,041Monthly Premium$87
MassachusettsAnnual Premium$875Monthly Premium$73
MichiganAnnual Premium$961Monthly Premium$80
MinnesotaAnnual Premium$862Monthly Premium$72
MississippiAnnual Premium$898Monthly Premium$75
MissouriAnnual Premium$1,034Monthly Premium$86
MontanaAnnual Premium$520Monthly Premium$43
NebraskaAnnual Premium$571Monthly Premium$48
NevadaAnnual Premium$1,050Monthly Premium$87
New HampshireAnnual Premium$949Monthly Premium$79
New JerseyAnnual Premium$1,011Monthly Premium$84
New MexicoAnnual Premium$741Monthly Premium$62
New YorkAnnual Premium$1,034Monthly Premium$86
North CarolinaAnnual Premium$2,043Monthly Premium$170
North DakotaAnnual Premium$680Monthly Premium$57
OhioAnnual Premium$619Monthly Premium$52
OklahomaAnnual Premium$718Monthly Premium$60
OregonAnnual Premium$791Monthly Premium$66
PennsylvaniaAnnual Premium$827Monthly Premium$69
Rhode IslandAnnual Premium$700Monthly Premium$58
South CarolinaAnnual Premium$649Monthly Premium$54
South DakotaAnnual Premium$868Monthly Premium$72
TennesseeAnnual Premium$622Monthly Premium$52
TexasAnnual Premium$1,218Monthly Premium$101
UtahAnnual Premium$1,004Monthly Premium$84
VermontAnnual Premium$527Monthly Premium$44
VirginiaAnnual Premium$812Monthly Premium$68
WashingtonAnnual Premium$881Monthly Premium$73
West VirginiaAnnual Premium$985Monthly Premium$82
WisconsinAnnual Premium$677Monthly Premium$56
WyomingAnnual Premium$808Monthly Premium$67
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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

car
Average Driver

Annual Premium

$883
carInsurance
After a Ticket

Annual Premium

$1,008
Drivers 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

car
Average Driver

Annual Premium

$883
accident2
After an Accident

Annual Premium

$1,091
Drivers 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

car
Average Driver

Annual Premium

$883
handcuffs2
After a DUI

Annual Premium

$1,231
Drivers 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.

Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

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.

  1. Why do insurance companies charge higher rates if I have a poor driving record?
  2. What actions can I take in the near term to lower my car insurance rates after I’ve had traffic violations?
  3. What should I do if my driving record is so poor insurance companies won’t cover me?
Ryan Lee
Ryan LeeAssistant Professor of Economics at the University of La Verne
Thomas Simeone
Thomas SimeoneTrial Attorney at Simeone & Miller, LLP
Wayne Miller
Wayne MillerAdjunct Professor, Wayne Law at Wayne State University and COO, Miller & Tischler P.C.
Justin Staebler
Justin StaeblerSVP Personal and Life Insurance at Johnson Financial Group

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.

What factors contribute to being labeled as having a "bad driving record"?

A bad driving record typically includes multiple traffic violations, accidents (especially at-fault accidents ), DUIs and other serious infractions.

Can I still find affordable car insurance if I have a bad driving record?

Yes, while it might be more challenging, there are insurance providers that specialize in offering policies to high-risk drivers. It's essential to shop around and compare quotes to find the most affordable rates.

How long will violations stay on my driving record and affect my insurance rates?

The duration varies by state and the nature of the violation. Minor infractions might stay on your record for three to five years, while more serious offenses, like DUIs, can remain for a decade or more.

Are there any discounts or programs available to drivers with bad records to reduce insurance costs?

Some insurers offer discounts for completing defensive driving courses or installing safety devices in vehicles. Additionally, maintaining a period of safe driving can gradually reduce your rates over time.

What is nonstandard insurance, and is it an option for drivers with bad records?

Nonstandard insurance caters to high-risk drivers who might not qualify for standard policies due to their driving history. It's an option for those with multiple infractions, but it often comes at a higher cost.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.