Updated: June 1, 2026
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GEICO charges the least for drivers with bad records at $45 monthly for minimum coverage after a not-at-fault accident. State Farm posts some of the lowest rates across other violation types, including $56 after a speeding ticket, $62 after an at-fault accident and $73 after a DUI.
Travelers offers one of the lowest rates for full coverage at $129 monthly after a speeding ticket, while GEICO charges $126 after a texting violation.
$45 | $546 | ||
$56 | $676 | ||
$62 | $746 | ||
$66 | $792 | ||
$55 | $660 |
*We analyzed 210,564 quotes from 68 companies across 897 ZIP codes, using data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services
State Farm has the cheapest rate for bad-record drivers at $60 a month for high-risk coverage, an A++ AM Best rating and 30% fewer complaints than the industry average. It files SR-22s quickly after serious violations, and stacking discounts can cut high-risk premiums further.
State Farm and GEICO charge the least for speeding tickets at $56 monthly minimum coverage. Both beat competitors by $12 monthly ($144 yearly savings). USAA costs less but only covers military members, veterans, and their families.
Travelers charges the least for full coverage: $129 monthly (23% below national median). State Farm: $131. GEICO: $132. All three stay competitive after speeding tickets across liability and comprehensive.
Compare quotes 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% |
State Farm and GEICO charge the least for at-fault accidents: $4 separates them on minimum coverage. State Farm: $62 monthly. Save $336 yearly versus national median (covers most deductibles).
For full coverage, Travelers charges $137 monthly (26% below national median). State Farm: $141. Minimum coverage prices vary between State Farm and Travelers, but both beat competitors across all coverage levels after at-fault crashes.
Rates after an at-fault accident vary widely by insurer:
| 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.
National General is the cheapest car insurance company for drivers with a DUI, with minimum coverage starting at $66 a month or $792 annually. National General's rates are 29% cheaper than the national median, cutting costs considerably for drivers with a DUI on their record.
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% |
*National General offers the lowest minimum coverage rate for non-military-affiliated drivers with a DUI. USAA is the most affordable option for military-affiliated drivers.
GEICO has the cheapest rates for drivers with texting violations at $55 a month for minimum coverage, $3 less than State Farm and $10 or more below most other insurers. At 29% below the national median, that gap adds up to $360 a year in savings.
For full coverage, GEICO charges $126 a month versus State Farm's $132. Drivers willing to forgo agent-based service will find GEICO the lowest-cost option after a distracted driving ticket.
Insurers penalize texting violations differently:
| Geico | $55 | $126 | 29% |
| State Farm | $58 | $132 | 25% |
| National General | $65 | $146 | 17% |
| Travelers | $69 | $138 | 18% |
| Chubb | $71 | $166 | 7% |
*GEICO has the lowest minimum coverage rate among non-military insurers. Military-affiliated drivers pay less with USAA.
Drivers with a not-at-fault accident on their record still see rate differences between insurers. GEICO offers the cheapest minimum coverage at $45 a month, compared to $51 with State Farm and $54 with Travelers. That’s 29% below the national median, or $432 a year.
For full coverage, GEICO charges $103 a month. Travelers comes closest at $107. Most insurers still raise premiums after not-at-fault accidents, but GEICO’s increase stays relatively low across both coverage levels.
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.
Young drivers with violations pay some of the highest premiums in any category. State Farm posts the lowest rates in four of the five violation types MoneyGeek analyzed.
State Farm charges $128 a month for minimum coverage after a speeding ticket, 31% below the national median, and holds that pattern across violation types: $131 a month after a texting ticket, $141 after an at-fault accident. After a DUI, State Farm's minimum coverage rate of $163 a month and full coverage rate of $348 are 42% below the national median, a difference of more than $3,000 a year for young drivers.
GEICO has the cheapest rate for not-at-fault accidents at $111 a month for minimum coverage. State Farm's pricing stays more consistent across violation types, which limits premium swings as a driving record changes. Rates vary widely by insurer for young drivers with violations:
| 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% |
The price advantage over the national median gets larger as violations become more serious. For a not-at-fault accident, the cheapest option in MoneyGeek's analysis runs 25% below the median. For a DUI, that gap reaches 42%. Shopping around matters more after serious violations, not less.
Find the best insurance after a bad driving record with tips on cheap rates, coverage options and discounts for high-risk drivers.
Shop around because new insurers cut costs. A defensive driving course can qualify you for discounts, erase some violations and prove you're serious about safety. Review your policy yearly and renegotiate as your record cleans up.
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.
Insurance companies catering to high-risk drivers offer rates tailored to those with poor records.
Take a defensive driving course to show your commitment to safety and potentially qualify for discounts. In some states, the course can also remove an infraction from your record and help you avoid rate hikes.
For older vehicles, dropping comprehensive or collision coverage reduces premiums. Liability-only coverage is the most affordable option if your vehicle meets your state's minimum requirements, though it raises out-of-pocket costs after an accident.
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.
As infractions age, they carry less weight. Regularly review your record, and when points drop off, consider renegotiating your rates.
After demonstrating improved driving habits over time, request a review from your insurer to reduce rates based on your positive changes.
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.
Complete an approved defensive driving course to potentially lower your premium by 5% to 15%.
Some insurers offer discounts after maintaining a clean driving record for a set period (often three to five years), even if past infractions are still affecting your rates.
Programs like State Farm's Drive Safe & Save track driving habits and reward safe behaviors with discounts up to 30%.
Bundle auto, home or renters insurance policies to potentially lower your rates by 10% to 25%.
Insure more than one car under the same policy to potentially save 10% to 20%.
Cars equipped with anti-lock brakes, airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-theft systems may be eligible for lower premiums.
Young drivers with a history of violations can still receive good student discounts of 10% to 25% by maintaining a B average or higher.
Many insurers offer lower rates if you choose to pay your entire premium at once for a six-month or annual policy term. Availability and savings vary by insurer.
Most insurers cover drivers with speeding tickets or at-fault accidents, though premiums rise after either violation. A DUI conviction narrows options further, pushing many drivers into nonstandard policies that cost more and carry fewer benefits.
Aspect | Nonstandard Auto Insurance | Standard Auto Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Designed For | Drivers deemed high-risk due to major 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 |
You need nonstandard insurance if you have:
As violations age off your record, standard insurance becomes available at lower rates. Most drivers qualify within three to five years of clean driving. Request standard quotes every six months while in nonstandard coverage and switch as soon as you qualify.
State Farm charges $56 monthly after a speeding ticket, $62 after an at-fault accident and $73 after a DUI. GEICO costs $45 monthly for not-at-fault accidents and $55 for texting violations. Defensive driving courses, clean driving records and usage-based programs lower premiums.
For most drivers with one violation, start with State Farm and GEICO. They lead in four of five violation categories for non-military drivers. Military-affiliated drivers should quote USAA first.
Find answers to common questions about insurance options for drivers with violations, from finding affordable coverage to improving your driving record.
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.
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 (usually three to five years for most infractions).
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.
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.
A DUI raises car insurance premiums by an average of 86%, though increases can reach 100% or more with some insurers. This rate increase often 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.
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.
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 steepest increases occurring in the first year. Speeding tickets 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 drop once you have a clean record again.
Your insurer 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 your rate jumps at renewal. You're not locked into accepting higher rates from your current insurer.
Not-at-fault accidents cause smaller rate increases than at-fault accidents, averaging 0% to 15% compared to 40% to 50% for at-fault accidents. But 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.
You can't buy active auto insurance while your license is suspended, as you can't legally drive. But you can buy 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 runs higher than standard coverage. Shop with multiple insurers specializing in high-risk drivers to find the most affordable rates.
How we rated insurers for high-risk drivers. High-risk drivers need both affordable rates and reliable claims handling. We gathered data from independent sources and created a weighted scoring system across five categories.
Customer satisfaction (35%): Service quality when contacting your insurer or setting up a policy. We reviewed NAIC customer complaint index data and J.D. Power scores.
Affordability (20%): Premiums from Quadrant Information Services and state insurance departments determine this score.
Claims handling (20%): Customer experience during the claims process. We analyzed J.D. Power Claims Study data and the CRASH Report Card.
Coverage options (20%): We evaluated whether insurers offer essential coverages and unique options most drivers need.
Financial stability (5%): AM Best ratings show each insurer's strength to pay claims.
How we determined cheapest rates. We analyzed 210,564 quotes from 68 companies across 897 ZIP codes using data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services. This established national and state-specific rate averages for high-risk drivers.
Sample driver profile: 2010 Toyota Camry LE, 12,000 annual miles. We adjusted for age, location, state and driving record factors including speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs.
Minimum coverage policies analyzed: We gathered rates for $500 deductible policies meeting state requirements. The deductible is what you pay before insurance covers vehicle damage. State minimums vary, so we calculated both state and national averages.
Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has spent nearly a decade analyzing the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he has produced original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.
He covers economics and insurance at MoneyGeek, and his work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other outlets.
Like all MoneyGeek analysts, he draws on independent cost and consumer experience data. No insurance company partnership influences his recommendations.
Fitzpatrick earned his degrees from Johns Hopkins University (M.A. Economics and International Relations) and Boston College (B.A.). He began his career in financial risk management at State Street. He's also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.
