State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for drivers with a bad record, at $45 per month for budget-friendly minimum coverage, while GEICO provides the most affordable full coverage at $128 per month. Switching to State Farm for minimum coverage could save you $540 annually compared to the state average. State Farm might not have the flashiest discounts, but its rates stay competitive even after violations, and its extensive agent network makes it easier to navigate coverage options when your driving history is working against you.
Cheap Car Insurance After a Bad Driving Record
Updated: November 10, 2025
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Cheapest Car Insurance Companies After a Bad Driving Record
$45 | $546 | ||
$56 | $676 | ||
$62 | $746 | ||
$73 | $877 | ||
$55 | $660 |
State Farm
State Farm earns our top recommendation for drivers with bad records, offering quality coverage at $60 monthly for high-risk profiles. The company maintains strong financial stability with an A++ AM Best rating and receives 30% fewer customer complaints than industry averages.
State Farm handles SR-22 filings efficiently, helping drivers with serious violations navigate requirements without added stress. The company provides multiple discount opportunities to reduce costs typically associated with high-risk coverage.
Cheapest Car Insurance After a Speeding Ticket
State Farm and GEICO offer the best rates for drivers with speeding tickets, with minimum coverage at just $56 monthly. Both insurers undercut competitors by $12 per month, saving drivers with speeding violations $144 annually. USAA beats these rates but only serves military members, veterans and their families.
Travelers provides the most affordable full coverage at $129 monthly, 23% below the national median, while State Farm and GEICO remain competitive at $131 and $132. These three insurers maintain reasonable rates even after speeding tickets, making them strong options whether you need basic liability or comprehensive protection.
Compare quotes from the insurers below to find your lowest rate after a speeding ticket:
| State Farm | $56 | $131 | 25% |
| Geico | $56 | $132 | 24% |
| Travelers | $63 | $129 | 23% |
| Amica | $69 | $142 | 15% |
| National General | $68 | $153 | 11% |
Cheapest Car Insurance After an At-Fault Accident
State Farm and GEICO offer the best cheap car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident, with just $4 separating the two insurers for minimum coverage. State Farm leads with premiums at $62 monthly, saving drivers $336 annually compared to the national median—funds that could help cover your deductible after an accident.
For full coverage, Travelers offers the most affordable rates at $137 per month, 26% below the national median, with State Farm close behind at $141. State Farm and Travelers might not always have identical minimum coverage prices. Still, both deliver strong value across coverage levels and maintain competitive rates even after at-fault accidents appear on your record.
Compare quotes from insurers carefully after an at-fault accident, as some companies increase premiums less than others:
| State Farm | $62 | $141 | 27% |
| Travelers | $69 | $137 | 26% |
| Amica | $71 | $144 | 23% |
| Geico | $66 | $153 | 21% |
| National General | $78 | $163 | 14% |
*State Farm offers the lowest minimum coverage rate for non-military-affiliated at-fault drivers. USAA is the most affordable option for military-affiliated drivers.
Cheapest Car Insurance After a DUI
National General is the cheapest car insurance company for drivers with a DUI, with minimum coverage starting at $66 monthly or $792 annually. National General's rates are 29% cheaper than the national median, saving drivers with a DUI significant money on basic coverage.
State Farm and Travelers follow closely behind at $73 and $78 per month for minimum coverage, but both excel at full coverage with rates of $159 and $158 monthly, 37% and 36% below the national median, respectively. State Farm and Travelers might cost slightly more for minimum coverage. Still, their superior full coverage value and customer service make them better choices if you need more than just liability protection after a DUI.
Compare quotes from high-risk car insurance companies carefully, as some insurers penalize DUI offenses less than others:
| National General | $66 | $197 | 29% |
| State Farm | $73 | $159 | 37% |
| Travelers | $78 | $158 | 36% |
| Progressive | $83 | $161 | 34% |
| Geico | $102 | $231 | 10% |
*State Farm offers the lowest minimum coverage rate for non-military-affiliated drivers with a DUI. USAA is the most affordable option for military-affiliated drivers.
Cheapest Car Insurance After Texting While Driving Violation
GEICO offers the best rates for drivers with texting while driving violations at $55 monthly for minimum coverage, undercutting State Farm by $3 and beating most competitors by $10 or more. At 29% below the national median, GEICO saves drivers with texting tickets $360 annually—money that could offset increased premiums elsewhere.
GEICO maintains its lead with full coverage at $126 monthly, while State Farm follows at $132. GEICO's rates stay competitive across both coverage types, making it the strongest option for drivers trying to keep costs down after a distracted driving violation, even without the personal service of agent-based insurers.
Compare quotes carefully below, as different insurers penalize texting violations very differently:
| Geico | $55 | $126 | 29% |
| State Farm | $58 | $132 | 25% |
| National General | $65 | $146 | 17% |
| Travelers | $69 | $138 | 18% |
| Chubb | $71 | $166 | 7% |
*GEICO offers the lowest minimum coverage rate for non-military-affiliated drivers with a texting while driving violation. USAA is the most affordable option for military-affiliated drivers.
Cheapest Car Insurance After a Not At-Fault Accident Violation
GEICO provides drivers with cheap coverage after not-at-fault accidents, charging just $45 monthly for minimum liability protection while competitors like State Farm and Travelers charge $51 and $54. At 29% below the national median, GEICO saves you $432 annually—important when you're already frustrated about paying more for an accident that wasn't your fault.
GEICO's full coverage rates follow the same pattern at $103 monthly, though Travelers comes close at $107. Most insurers still raise your premiums after not-at-fault accidents, but GEICO keeps the increase modest and maintains strong value whether you carry basic liability or comprehensive coverage.
Compare quotes below to see how different insurers treat not-at-fault accidents:
| Geico | $45 | $103 | 29% |
| State Farm | $51 | $121 | 18% |
| Travelers | $54 | $107 | 24% |
| National General | $55 | $117 | 18% |
| Amica | $56 | $115 | 19% |
*GEICO offers the lowest minimum coverage rate for non-military-affiliated drivers with a not-at-fault accident. USAA is the most affordable option for military-affiliated drivers.
Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers With Bad Driving Records
State Farm offers the best rates for young drivers with violations, leading in four out of five categories we analyzed. Young drivers already face premium increases that older drivers avoid, making it critical to find insurers that don't compound the problem with excessive penalties.
State Farm charges $128 monthly for minimum coverage after a speeding ticket—31% below the national median—and maintains competitive rates across violations from texting ($131 monthly) to at-fault accidents ($141 monthly). Even after a DUI, State Farm's rates of $163 for minimum coverage and $348 for full coverage stay 42% below the national median, saving young drivers over $3,000 annually when they can least afford inflated premiums.
GEICO beats State Farm for not-at-fault accidents at $111 monthly for minimum coverage, but State Farm's consistency across violation types makes it the smarter choice for young drivers who need reliable rates regardless of what appears on their record.
Compare quotes below, as some insurers penalize young drivers with violations far more harshly than others:
| Not At Fault Accident | Geico | $111 | $255 | 25% |
| Speeding Ticket | State Farm | $128 | $289 | 31% |
| Texting While Driving | State Farm | $131 | $293 | 32% |
| At Fault Accident | State Farm | $141 | $313 | 34% |
| DUI | State Farm | $163 | $348 | 42% |
Auto Insurance After a Bad Driving Record: Buying Guide
Review the sections below for tips on balancing cost and coverage to find the best insurance for drivers with a bad record. Learn about insurers offering affordable rates and discounts tailored to high-risk drivers.
How to Get Cheap Car Insurance for Drivers With Bad Driving Records
Shopping for a new provider can significantly lower insurance costs. Completing a defensive driving course may qualify you for discounts, clear some infractions from your record and show a commitment to safe driving. Over time, revisit your policy to negotiate better premiums as your record improves.
Shop around and switch insurers
Don’t accept a higher rate post-renewal without exploring options. Shop around before your policy ends, as insurers have different pricing for the same offense. You can switch car insurance providers anytime during your policy, potentially saving hundreds of dollars.
Choose specialized providers
Insurance companies catering to high-risk drivers offer rates tailored to those with poor records.
Take defensive driving courses
Taking a defensive driving course shows your commitment to safety and may earn you discounts. In some states, it can also remove an infraction from your record, helping you avoid rate hikes.
Adjust your coverage
For older vehicles, consider dropping comprehensive or collision coverage to reduce premiums. You can also switch to liability-only coverage if you meet your state's minimum requirements and want the most affordable option. This can reduce premiums but increases out-of-pocket costs if you have an accident.
Explore usage-based insurance
Telematics, or usage-based insurance, tracks driving habits in real-time. Safe driving with this technology can lead to discounts, even if you have past violations.
Re-evaluate your record yearly
As infractions age, they carry less weight. Regularly review your record, and when points drop off, consider renegotiating your rates.
Request policy reviews
After demonstrating improved driving habits over time, request a review from your insurer to reduce rates based on your positive changes.
Car Insurance Discounts for Drivers With Violations
A history of accidents, tickets or DUIs raises insurance rates, but you may still qualify for discounts that help lower costs. Many insurers offer savings based on vehicle safety features, policy bundling and defensive driving programs.
Defensive driving course discount
Completing an approved defensive driving course may result in a 5% to 15% reduction in your premium.
Accident-free discount
Some insurers offer discounts after maintaining a clean driving record for a set period (typically 3-5 years), even if past infractions are still affecting your rates.
Telematics discount
Programs like State Farm's Drive Safe & Save track driving habits and reward safe behaviors with discounts up to 30%.
Multi-policy discount
Bundling auto, home or renters insurance can lower rates by 10% to 25%.
Multi-vehicle discount
Insuring more than one car under the same policy often results in savings of 10% to 20%.
Vehicle safety discount
Cars equipped with anti-lock brakes, airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-theft systems may be eligible for lower premiums.
Good Student Discount
Young drivers with violations can still save 10% to 25% by maintaining a B average or higher. Young drivers with a history of violations can still receive good student discounts of 10% to 25% by maintaining a B average or higher.
Pay-in-Full Discount
What to Do if No One Will Insure You After a Bad Driving Record
Most insurers cover drivers with speeding tickets or at-fault accidents at higher rates. DUI convictions make finding coverage harder, often requiring nonstandard policies. These cost more and offer fewer benefits but ensure essential coverage for high-risk drivers.
Aspect | Nonstandard Auto Insurance | Standard Auto Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Designed For | Drivers deemed high-risk due to significant violations or serious infractions like DUI | Drivers with a clean or minor driving record |
Premiums | Higher due to increased risk | More affordable and competitive for most drivers |
Coverage Limitations | Includes more restrictions or specific conditions | Standard coverages with broader options and fewer restrictions |
Duration | Temporary solution for most drivers who transition back to standard insurance as infractions clear from their record | Long-term solution for most drivers |
Availability | Some specialized providers focus on nonstandard insurance for high-risk drivers | Available from most insurance companies |
When You'll Need Nonstandard Insurance
You'll likely need nonstandard insurance if you have:
- Multiple DUI convictions
- Several at-fault accidents within three years
- Numerous speeding tickets or moving violations
- A suspended or revoked license being reinstated
- A lapse in insurance coverage exceeding 30 days
Transitioning Back to Standard Insurance
As infractions age and drop off your record, you can switch to standard insurance providers for lower, more competitive rates. Most drivers can transition back to standard coverage within three to five years of maintaining a clean record.
Shop for standard insurance quotes every six months once you're in nonstandard coverage. As soon as you qualify for standard rates, switch immediately to start saving.
Bad Driving Record Cheap Car Insurance: Bottom Line
State Farm offers the best combination of affordability and service for high-risk drivers, with rates starting at $56 monthly after a speeding ticket, $62 monthly after an at-fault accident and $73 monthly after a DUI. GEICO provides competitive alternatives, especially for not-at-fault accidents ($45 monthly) and texting violations ($55 monthly).
Drivers can lower their premiums by taking defensive driving courses, maintaining a clean driving record, and exploring usage-based insurance programs. Compare quotes from at least three insurers annually to ensure you're not overpaying as your violations age and eventually drop off your record.
Auto Insurance for Drivers with Bad Records: FAQ
Find answers to common questions about insurance options for drivers with violations, from finding affordable coverage to improving your driving record.
Which is the best car insurance company for drivers with bad driving records?
State Farm is the best overall car insurance provider for drivers with bad records, earning a MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100. It offers monthly minimum coverage rates of $56 with a speeding ticket, $62 after an accident and $73 with a DUI.
GEICO offers competitive alternatives with the lowest rates for not-at-fault accidents ($45 monthly) and texting violations ($55 monthly). USAA offers the lowest rates for all violation types, but limits coverage to military members, veterans, and their families.
How can I lower my insurance costs with a bad record?
Lower your insurance costs by comparing quotes from multiple insurers—companies price violations differently, and you could save hundreds by switching. Take a defensive driving course to earn 5% to 15% discounts and potentially remove violations from your record in some states.
Enroll in usage-based insurance programs like Progressive's Snapshot or State Farm's Drive Safe & Save to earn up to 30% discounts for safe driving. Raise your deductible from $500 to $1,000 to cut premiums by 15% to 30%. Bundle your auto policy with home or renters insurance for 10% to 25% savings.
Review your driving record annually—as violations age, they carry less weight. Shop for new quotes when violations drop off your record (typically three to five years for most infractions)
What's the difference between nonstandard and standard auto insurance?
Nonstandard insurance serves high-risk drivers with serious violations like DUIs or multiple at-fault accidents. It costs 50% to 100% more than standard insurance and offers fewer coverage options with more restrictions.
Standard insurance is available to drivers with clean or minor records at competitive rates, offering broader coverage options. Most drivers with a single violation (speeding ticket or minor accident) can still get standard insurance, though at higher rates.
You'll need nonstandard insurance if you have multiple DUIs, several at-fault accidents within three years, numerous moving violations or a recently reinstated license after suspension. Nonstandard insurance is temporary—as violations age and are removed from your record, you can transition back to standard coverage at lower rates.
Can I be denied car insurance due to my driving record?
Yes, some insurers deny coverage to drivers with severe violations like recent DUIs, multiple at-fault accidents or suspended licenses. However, you can always find coverage through nonstandard insurance providers specializing in high-risk drivers.
Every state requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. If you can't find coverage through traditional insurers, your state may offer assigned risk plans that guarantee coverage at higher rates. These state programs ensure that everyone can obtain legally required insurance, regardless of their driving history.
How does a DUI affect my insurance rates and coverage?
A DUI raises car insurance premiums by an average of 86%, though increases can reach 100% or more with some insurers. This rate increase typically lasts three to five years but can affect your rates for up to 10 years, depending on state laws.
A DUI also triggers SR-22 filing requirements, which means your insurer must file a certificate with your state proving you carry required coverage. The SR-22 filing itself costs $15 to $50, but the associated insurance rate increases can cost thousands annually. You'll need SR-22 coverage for three years without lapses in most states.
Many standard insurers won't cover drivers with recent DUI convictions, forcing them into nonstandard insurance markets with limited options and higher premiums. Some insurers drop existing customers after DUI convictions, requiring you to find new coverage immediately.
Can defensive driving courses affect my record and insurance?
Defensive driving courses can reduce your insurance premiums by 5% to 15% and may remove minor violations from your record in some states. Course completion shows insurers your commitment to safe driving, qualifying you for additional discounts.
State laws vary on whether courses remove violations from your record. Some states allow one violation to be removed every three years through approved defensive driving courses, while others offer discounts without requiring the removal of the violation. Check with your state's DMV to find approved courses and understand their benefits.
Most approved defensive driving courses last four to eight hours and cost between $25 and $75. Many insurers require course completion from state-approved providers, so verify approval before enrolling.
How long do violations stay on my driving record?
Most violations remain on your driving record for three to five years, though serious violations like DUI can stay for 10 years or longer. The impact on your insurance rates decreases as violations age, with the most significant increases occurring in the first year.
Speeding tickets typically affect your rates for three years in most states. At-fault accidents remain on your record for three to five years. DUI convictions can impact your insurance for five to 10 years depending on state laws and insurer policies.
Once violations are removed from your record, shop for new insurance quotes immediately. Your rates should decrease significantly once you have a clean record again.
Will my insurance company notify me before raising my rates after a violation?
Your insurer typically notifies you of rate increases 30 to 60 days before your policy renewal. The increase takes effect at renewal, not immediately after the violation. This gives you time to shop for better rates before the increase hits.
Some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs that prevent your first violation from increasing rates. If you have this benefit, your insurer won't raise your rates after your first at-fault accident or minor violation.
Read your renewal notice carefully and compare quotes from at least three other insurers if you see a significant rate increase. You're not locked into accepting higher rates from your current insurer.
Does filing a not-at-fault claim raise my insurance rates?
Not-at-fault accidents typically cause smaller rate increases than at-fault accidents—averaging 0% to 15% compared to 40% to 50% for at-fault accidents. However, insurers still view drivers who file frequent claims as higher risk, regardless of fault.
Some insurers don't increase rates at all for not-at-fault accidents, especially if you have accident forgiveness coverage. Check your policy terms to understand how your specific insurer handles not-at-fault claims.
Filing multiple not-at-fault claims within a short period can lead to rate increases or policy non-renewal. Consider paying for minor damage out of pocket if the repair costs are close to your deductible, to avoid potential rate increases.
Can I get insurance if I have a suspended license?
You can't buy active auto insurance while your license is suspended, as you can't legally drive. However, you can purchase non-owner car insurance or parked car insurance to maintain continuous coverage and avoid gaps that further increase rates when your license is reinstated.
Maintaining coverage during suspension helps you avoid lapse-in-coverage penalties when you can drive again. Insurance gaps can raise your rates 30% to 50% when you restart coverage, compounding the rate increases from your violations.
Once your license is reinstated, you'll likely need SR-22 insurance, which costs significantly more than standard coverage. Shop with multiple insurers specializing in high-risk drivers to find the most affordable rates.
Low-Cost Insurance After a Bad Driving Record: Methodology
How We Determined the Best Providers
We gathered data from independent sources to determine the best car insurance providers for high-risk drivers and created a weighted scoring system.
- Customer satisfaction: 35%
Customer satisfaction measures service quality when contacting your insurer or setting up a policy. We collected data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) customer complaint index and J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores. - Affordability: 20%
Affordability scoring compares premiums between providers. We collected data from Quadrant Information Services and state insurance departments. - Claims: 20%
Claim satisfaction measures customer experiences during the claim process. We collected data from the J.D. Power Claims Study and the CRASH Report Card for claims handling. - Coverage: 20%
Car insurance providers offer standard and unique coverages. We collected data on coverage offerings from various insurers, evaluating whether insurers provide essential coverages most drivers need. - Financial stability: 5%
Financial stability measures a car insurance provider's financial strength and market share. We used AM Best financial stability ratings, evaluating insurers' track records for meeting financial obligations with claims.
How We Determined the Cheapest Providers
We collected data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services to determine average car insurance costs and rate comparisons. We analyzed 210,564 quotes from 68 companies across 897 ZIP codes to establish national and state-specific rate averages.
Sample Driver Profile
We collected cost data using a sample driver with these characteristics:
- 2010 Toyota Camry LE
- 12,000 miles driven annually
- A male or female driver
We modified the sample driver to account for these personalized factors:
- Age
- Geographic location and state
- Driving record: speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs (or similar offenses, depending on the state) on record
Policies, Coverages and Deductibles Explained
Using our sample driver profile, we gathered premium data for minimum coverage policies with a $500 deductible, meeting state minimum coverage requirements. In at-fault accidents or non-collision incidents, the deductible is the amount you must pay before insurance covers vehicle damage.
State-specific coverage requirements set the baseline for insurance. We analyzed rates for each state to calculate state and national averages for minimum coverage premiums.
Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.
Insurance for Bad Driving Record: Related Articles
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like 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.