Cheapest Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers

State Farm offers the most affordable high-risk driver insurance at $1,459 annually for full coverage, with Travelers ranking second at $1,649 per year. American Family provides the most affordable minimum coverage policies at just $1,183 annually. These rates are significantly lower than the national average of $2,160 for drivers with a DUI, speeding ticket, a recent accident, and young drivers. The table below compares rates from our top providers for different coverage types and ages.

Insurance rates for high-risk drivers vary dramatically by location. State Farm is the best option in 13 states based on affordability and quality ratings, while American Family provides excellent value in 12 states. 

Western National and Cincinnati Insurance are leaders in regional markets with rates as much as 40% below national averages for drivers with accidents or tickets. You can find the best and cheapest insurance providers in your state by using the table below:

Based on our analysis, Travelers excels with unique accident forgiveness even after serious violations, State Farm offers exceptional affordability with stable discounts, and Allstate's vanishing deductible program rewards improving drivers. The detailed reviews below offer valuable insights for those navigating the high-risk insurance landscape.

Insurance companies evaluate different risk factors when setting rates, and premiums vary significantly based on your specific situation. Whether you're a young driver, have a history of accidents or speeding tickets, a DUI conviction on your record, or have poor credit, certain insurers offer better rates for each risk category. The sections below highlight the most affordable options for every high-risk profile to help you find suitable coverage at the best price.

State Farm delivers the most affordable insurance for drivers with DUI convictions at an average of $4,890 per year or $408 monthly. Progressive offers the second-lowest rates at $3,291 annually, saving DUI drivers $1,422 compared to alternatives like GEICO. Compare quotes carefully, as some insurers DUI rates increase premiums less than others after a DUI offenses. Premium increases generally at least 3 years and increasing premiums by 73 percent on average depending on your state.

State Farm offers the lowest rates for drivers with speeding tickets at an average of $634 annually, saving $162 compared to the next cheapest option. This represents only a 20% increase over rates for drivers with clean records, significantly below the industry average increase of 45%. Drivers with multiple tickets should compare quotes carefully, as rates escalate more dramatically with each additional violation.

American Family provides the most affordable insurance after an accident at $691 annually for full coverage, followed by State Farm at $784 per year. For young drivers ages 25 and under with an accident, Vermont Mutual offers the lowest rates at $601 annually in states where it operates.

State Farm and GEICO offer the most affordable insurance options for young high-risk drivers, with rates varying by age, with eighteen year olds paying 118% more when classified as high risk compared to their forty year old peers. Young drivers pay significantly more than adults due to their limited experience and higher statistical risk of accidents.  You can see how age affects the cost of high-risk auto insurance below:

State Farm provides the most affordable coverage for drivers with poor credit in 21 states, followed by American Family with the lowest rates in 8 states. On average, drivers with poor credit pay $2,260 more annually — nearly three times as much as those with good credit.

Comparing the cheapest providers and average costs can help, but getting a car insurance quote is the only way to accurately estimate the cost of a high-risk car insurance policy. MoneyGeek's calculator makes company and cost comparisons easier. By entering some basic information, drivers can get car insurance quotes from multiple providers in minutes.

Standard insurance companies sometimes deny coverage to drivers with serious violations or multiple claims. If you're struggling to find coverage, look for insurers specializing in nonstandard auto insurance or a residual market plan.

Several insurers specialize in covering high-risk drivers. While rates are typically higher than standard market options, these companies are more willing to accept drivers with serious infractions:

• The General: Accepts drivers with poor credit, DUIs, and multiple violations
• Dairyland: Specializes in SR-22 filings and coverage after license suspensions
• Direct Auto: Offers flexible payment options and accepts most high-risk drivers
• Titan Insurance: Provides coverage for drivers denied by standard insurers
• Bristol West: Specializes in coverage after multiple accidents or tickets

If private companies deny you coverage, every state offers programs to ensure high-risk drivers can obtain legally required insurance. Residual market programs group high-risk drivers in the state to provide coverage without raising premiums for less-risky drivers. Every state offers programs to ensure high-risk drivers can obtain legally required insurance:

• Assigned Risk Plans: Also called "automobile insurance plans," these programs assign high-risk drivers to insurance companies that must provide coverage
• Joint Underwriting Associations (JUAs): State-created entities that pool resources to cover high-risk drivers
• State Fund Programs: Government-operated insurance programs in states like Maryland and New Hampshire

The AIPSO coordinates high-risk programs nationwide. To find your state's program:

1. Visit the AIPSO website or contact your state's insurance department
2. Complete an application with a licensed insurance agent or broker
3. Pay the required premium (typically 1.5-3 times standard market rates)
4. Maintain continuous coverage to eventually qualify for standard market rates

Depending on your state, specialized programs like the Florida high-risk auto insurance plan or the California high-risk auto insurance plan may offer more affordable options than the standard assigned risk pool.

Insurance companies classify drivers as "high-risk" based on factors that statistically correlate with increased likelihood of claims. Understanding what places you in this category can help you address specific issues and find appropriate coverage. High-risk drivers may have serious violations, such as:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Driving recklessly
• Drag racing
• At-fault accidents (especially multiple incidents)
• Excessive speeding tickets (typically 20+ mph over limit)
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Poor credit history (in states where allowed)
• Ownership of high-performance or luxury vehicles
• Limited driving experience (new drivers of any age)
• Previous lapses in insurance coverage
• Living in areas with high auto theft or accident rates
• Required SR-22 or FR-44 filing from court orders

If you have poor credit, a history of traffic violations or a high-performance vehicle, you need high-risk car insurance. Providers like State Farm and Travelers offer competitive rates, with State Farm's starting at $1,459 annually. 

High-risk drivers can take steps to reduce premiums, such as improving credit scores, completing defensive driving courses and maintaining a clean record. Compare quotes from top insurers to find affordable coverage tailored to your needs. Explore the cheapest options and discounts to get financial protection without overspending.

Below, we answer some frequently asked questions to help you find the best and cheapest high-risk car insurance:

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 involves good service when contacting your insurer or setting up a policy. To assess satisfaction, 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 analyzes how premiums compare between providers. We collected data from Quadrant Information Services and state insurance departments.
• Claims: 20%
  Claim satisfaction accounts for a customer's specific experiences during the claim process. We collected data from the J.D. Power Claims Study and the CRASH Report Card to determine customer satisfaction when making a claim.
• Coverage: 20%
  Car insurance providers may offer both standard and unique coverages. We collected data on coverage offerings from various insurers to determine if they provide the essential coverages most drivers need.
• Financial stability: 5%
  Financial stability accounts for a car insurance provider's financial strength and market share. We used AM Best financial stability ratings to determine the insurers' record of meeting financial obligations with claims.

How We Determined the Cheapest Providers

To determine average car insurance costs and rate comparisons, we collected data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services. We analyzed 210,564 quotes from 68 companies across 897 ZIP codes to establish national and state-specific rate averages.

Sample Driver Profile

To collect cost data, we used a sample driver profile with the following characteristics:

• 2010 Toyota Camry LE
• 12K 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 collected data on premiums for a full coverage policy with a $500 deductible meeting state minimum coverage requirements. In a non-collision incident or at-fault accident, the deductible is the amount you'll pay before your insurance kicks in to cover the damage to your vehicle.

Coverage requirements are set at the state level. We collected data on state-specific rates based on each state's coverage requirements to determine state and national averages for minimum coverage.

Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.