Updated: November 1, 2026
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Travelers and State Farm are the best for high-risk car insurance. Travelers earns a MoneyGeek score of 4.66 out of 5, and State Farm scores 4.53 out of 5.
State Farm is the best high-risk car insurance company for drivers with a DUI. Its minimum coverage runs $72 per month, which is $38 less than other top-rated insurers charge for the same coverage.
The best high-risk car insurance companies specialize in insuring drivers with violations on their record. This allows these providers to offer affordable high-risk policies without sacrificing quality.
Travelers is the best high-risk car insurance company after our analysis of high-risk companies. Travelers earned the highest MoneyGeek score of 4.66 out of 5 for its coverage options and affordable rates.
State Farm leads on affordability for high-risk drivers and has an overall MoneyGeek score of 4.53. State Farm isn’t always the cheapest, but its rates stay competitive, and its customer service beats competitors. You'll get better service when filing claims or adjusting your policy.
| Travelers | 4.66 | 2 | 3.75 | 3.57 |
| State Farm | 4.53 | 1.44 | 2.5 | 3.91 |
| Progressive | 4.51 | 0.18 | 3.75 | 3.27 |
| Nationwide | 4.07 | 0.81 | 3.75 | 2.99 |
| Allstate | 4.04 | 1.67 | 3.75 | 3.2 |
Overview
Travelers earns a 4.66 out of 5 on MoneyGeek's rating, the highest score among the insurers in this analysis. That score comes from top ratings for coverage options and claims handling. Financial stability adds another high mark. Travelers’ average premium costs $121 a month, or $1,451 a year, the second-most affordable rate here. Travelers also logs 64% fewer customer complaints than the industry average.
High-risk drivers get access to features some competitors skip. Gap insurance and accident forgiveness are both included. The early quote discount lets drivers lock in new coverage before a policy change takes effect after a violation. Continuous coverage rewards give drivers stability during that high-risk stretch.
Pros
Cons
Discounts Offered
Travelers' early quote discount rewards drivers for shopping ahead of their renewal date, which can soften the cost increase after a violation. Its continuous insurance discount rewards uninterrupted coverage, which helps keep high-risk classification down over time.
Travelers' discount selection helps lower your coverage costs:
Overview
State Farm scores 4.53 on MoneyGeek's rating. Its premium averages $115 a month, or $1,380 a year, the most affordable rate among top-rated insurers for high-risk drivers. The insurer also holds an A++ AM Best rating. State Farm logs 30% fewer complaints than the industry average.
SR-22 filing is one of State Farm's core specialties. This service helps drivers with serious violations meet state requirements. It also serves as their entry point into high-risk coverage.
Pros
Cons
Discounts Offered
State Farm gives high-risk drivers several ways to lower premiums through behavior and policy choices. Its Drive Safe & Save program rewards safe driving habits with immediate savings. Multi-policy discounts help offset higher costs from high-risk classifications.
Here's how much you can save with each State Farm discount:
Overview
Allstate scores 4.04 on MoneyGeek's rating and offers an advantage for homeowners through multi-policy discounts. Coverage options are on par with industry leaders, and pricing stays competitive, though claims performance trails top competitors. The average Allstate policy costs $182 a month, or $2,184 a year.
A vanishing deductible program pairs with full accident forgiveness to give high-risk drivers a financial incentive to improve their driving record. Allstate's local agent network also offers in-person guidance through the high-risk process, an option online-only providers don't have.
Pros
Cons
Discounts Offered
Allstate's Drivewise program tracks driving habits and rewards high-risk drivers with feedback and savings every six months. An early signing discount helps drivers move from a high-risk specialist insurer to a standard carrier.
Here are the savings Allstate offers:
Overview
Nationwide scores 4.07 on MoneyGeek's rating. The insurer focuses on coverage breadth rather than penalizing drivers for credit history. Premiums average $180 a month, or $2,160 a year. That puts Nationwide in the midrange for affordability. The insurer's rating algorithm separates driving performance from credit factors.
SmartRide, Nationwide's telematics program, bases rates on current driving habits instead of past mistakes or financial history. Safer driving lowers your rate over time. Improving your credit works the same way.
Pros
Cons
Discounts Offered
Overview
Progressive scores 4.51 on MoneyGeek's rating. The insurer specializes in DUI violations and other serious infractions. High-risk drivers get transparent pricing, plus policies built around their violation type.
Progressive ranks seventh in affordability, with premiums averaging $145 a month, or $1,740 a year. That rank doesn't reflect coverage quality. Its coverage options and claims handling make it a sound choice for drivers with poor records.
Pros
Cons
Discounts Offered
Progressive's Snapshot program rewards current safe driving, regardless of past infractions. These discounts can lower high-risk premiums:
Overview
USAA scores 4.66 on MoneyGeek's rating. It also holds the lowest premium among the high-risk companies reviewed, at $121 a month, or $1,452 a year. USAA ranks high for financial stability and customer satisfaction. Military discounts can bring high-risk rates down by around 15% for eligible service members.
The insurer offers military-specific policy features, including emergency deployment provisions that address coverage gaps during overseas assignments. Drivers stationed abroad or facing a sudden deployment can file and track claims through USAA's mobile app.
Pros
Cons
Discounts Offered
USAA offers specialized discounts for high-risk drivers with military backgrounds or federal employment. Service members who experience coverage interruptions during overseas assignments can use its emergency deployment discount.
Poor credit, traffic violations or accidents? You need high-risk car insurance. Insurance companies evaluate different risk factors when setting rates, and reading car insurance company reviews helps you identify which insurers specialize in your particular risk category. Premiums vary based on your situation. Whether you're a young driver, have a history of accidents or speeding tickets, a DUI conviction on your record or poor credit, certain insurers offer better rates for each risk category.
The best high-risk car insurance rates depend on several factors: age, location, vehicle make/model, violation type and severity, coverage level and credit score. Use the table below and following sections to find the best cheap high-risk car insurance company and rate for you based on violations and preferred coverage type.
| State Farm | $62 | $741 | $34 | 4.57 |
| Geico | $69 | $830 | $27 | 4.47 |
| Travelers | $70 | $835 | $26 | 4.69 |
| Amica | $71 | $847 | $25 | 4.66 |
| Chubb | $75 | $897 | $21 | 4.52 |
| National General | $78 | $933 | $18 | 4.25 |
National General is the cheapest car insurance company for high-risk drivers with a DUI. Its lowest rates start at $66 a month or $703 a year for minimum coverage. That saves drivers $660 a year compared to other high-risk companies. State Farm follows closely behind with rates only $6 per month higher, averaging $72. State Farm earned a slightly higher overall MoneyGeek score. That makes it our recommendation as the best cheap car insurance company for drivers with a DUI.
Compare quotes from the cheapest high-risk car insurance companies carefully. Some high-risk insurers increase premiums less than others after DUI offenses:
| National General | $66 | $793 | $55 | 4.45 |
| State Farm | $72 | $862 | $49 | 4.51 |
| Travelers | $79 | $947 | $42 | 4.65 |
| Progressive | $85 | $1,024 | $36 | 4.7 |
Additional Cheap DUI Insurance Company Resources
State Farm, GEICO and Travelers are the cheapest high-risk car insurance companies for drivers caught speeding. State Farm provides the best rates for minimum coverage averaging $56 monthly, which is $13 cheaper than the next cheapest high-risk insurer we reviewed. Compare the cheapest auto insurers below to find the lowest premium for you:
| State Farm | $56 | $672 | $27 | 4.57 |
| Geico | $59 | $707 | $24 | 4.51 |
| Travelers | $64 | $767 | $19 | 4.65 |
| Amica | $69 | $828 | $14 | 4.55 |
| Chubb | $69 | $828 | $14 | 4.45 |
A speeding ticket raises your premium for three to five years depending on your state. Learn exactly how long a speeding ticket stays on your record and when rates return to normal.
The best cheap high-risk car insurance companies for drivers with an at-fault accident on their record are State Farm and GEICO, with $7 separating the two insurers. State Farm offers the cheapest quotes at $62 monthly. That saves drivers $420 a year. Use these savings to cover your deductible after an accident.
| State Farm | $62 | $741 | $34 | 4.57 |
| Geico | $69 | $830 | $27 | 4.47 |
| Travelers | $70 | $835 | $26 | 4.69 |
| Amica | $71 | $847 | $25 | 4.66 |
| Chubb | $75 | $897 | $21 | 4.52 |
| National General | $78 | $933 | $18 | 4.25 |
An at-fault accident stays on your record for three to five years and triggers the steepest rate increases. See how long an accident stays on your record and which insurers forgive it fastest.
Accident forgiveness programs help drivers with at-fault accidents on their record most. State Farm requires nine years of clean driving to qualify. Progressive takes a different approach: its Snapshot program offers immediate accident forgiveness for eligible drivers.
For teen drivers with violations, State Farm offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance and the most affordable minimum liability coverage among high-risk insurers. Its premiums average $141 a month, $88 less per year than the next cheapest option for young drivers. Young drivers with violations pay considerably more, especially after at-fault accidents or DUI convictions. These companies offer the cheapest rates for high-risk young drivers:
| State Farm | $141 | $1,690 | $88 | 4.57 |
| National General | $155 | $1,861 | $74 | 4.37 |
| Travelers | $159 | $1,912 | $69 | 4.68 |
| Amica | $164 | $1,974 | $64 | 4.64 |
| Geico | $168 | $2,020 | $60 | 4.4 |
| Chubb | $185 | $2,218 | $44 | 4.42 |
Additional Cheap Car Insurance Company Resources for Teens and Young Adults
Cheapest Car Insurance for 16-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 20-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 22-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 23-Year-Olds
In most states, teens under 18 cannot buy auto insurance without an adult co-signer. To lower student insurance costs, consider driving a vehicle with a strong safety rating, being added to a family policy, using telematics programs and getting a good student discount.
Travelers is the best cheap car insurance company for drivers with poor credit. Compared to other high-risk car insurance companies, drivers with poor credit can save up to $37 annually on minimum coverage, which costs $118 monthly. Nationwide is $4 more expensive, averaging $122 monthly. Drivers save $33 per month compared to the national average.
Compare the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with poor credit below to find the best rate:
| National General | $73 | $874 | $82 | 4.45 |
| Geico | $96 | $1,150 | $59 | 4.45 |
| AIG | $111 | $1,329 | $44 | 4.44 |
| Travelers | $118 | $1,411 | $37 | 4.58 |
| Nationwide | $122 | $1,463 | $33 | 4.5 |
| Chubb | $130 | $1,558 | $25 | 4.42 |
| Progressive | $142 | $1,709 | $12 | 4.58 |
| Allstate | $148 | $1,772 | $7 | 4.41 |
California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan don't allow insurers to use your credit score when setting rates. In other states, paying bills on time and lowering your debt can bring your premiums down over time. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers can also help, since some companies put less weight on credit than others.
Car insurance rates for high-risk drivers range from $195 a year in Vermont to over $1,150 in Georgia. Where you live and what violations you have affect your rate. State Farm has the lowest rates for high-risk drivers in 15 to 18 states. GEICO and local insurers are worth comparing in certain states. The table below shows the cheapest option by state:
| Alabama | AIG | $24 | $290 |
| Alaska | Western National Insurance | $43 | $518 |
| Arizona | State Farm | $54 | $649 |
| Arkansas | Farm Bureau | $38 | $462 |
| California | Geico | $93 | $1,113 |
| Colorado | American National | $42 | $507 |
| Connecticut | State Farm | $84 | $1,008 |
| Delaware | State Farm | $88 | $1,054 |
| District of Columbia | Chubb | $59 | $705 |
| Florida | State Farm | $67 | $808 |
| Georgia | Auto Owners | $96 | $1,156 |
| Hawaii | State Farm | $38 | $456 |
| Idaho | State Farm | $19 | $228 |
| Illinois | Travelers | $66 | $791 |
| Indiana | Travelers | $49 | $593 |
| Iowa | State Farm | $21 | $251 |
| Kansas | State Farm | $43 | $514 |
| Kentucky | State Farm | $55 | $666 |
| Louisiana | State Farm | $74 | $893 |
| Maine | Progressive | $44 | $522 |
| Maryland | Geico | $56 | $674 |
| Massachusetts | Plymouth Rock Insurance | $37 | $449 |
| Michigan | Progressive | $72 | $859 |
| Minnesota | State Farm | $36 | $433 |
| Mississippi | Farm Bureau | $54 | $650 |
| Missouri | Farm Bureau | $47 | $567 |
| Montana | State Farm | $19 | $230 |
| Nebraska | Progressive | $38 | $459 |
| Nevada | Travelers | $77 | $930 |
| New Hampshire | MMG Insurance | $49 | $588 |
| New Jersey | Plymouth Rock Insurance | $79 | $945 |
| New Mexico | State Farm | $40 | $478 |
| New York | Progressive | $36 | $434 |
| North Carolina | National General | $71 | $857 |
| North Dakota | State Farm | $36 | $435 |
| Ohio | Geico | $54 | $643 |
| Oklahoma | Progressive | $35 | $422 |
| Oregon | State Farm | $41 | $486 |
| Pennsylvania | State Farm | $39 | $470 |
| Rhode Island | State Farm | $42 | $500 |
| South Carolina | Farm Bureau | $50 | $603 |
| South Dakota | Progressive | $19 | $231 |
| Tennessee | Farm Bureau | $42 | $499 |
| Texas | State Farm | $67 | $801 |
| Utah | Kemper | $71 | $852 |
| Vermont | Co-operative Insurance | $21 | $256 |
| Virginia | Farm Bureau | $39 | $462 |
| Washington | State Farm | $40 | $480 |
| West Virginia | State Farm | $52 | $628 |
| Wisconsin | Travelers | $41 | $487 |
| Wyoming | State Farm | $22 | $258 |
Where you live affects your rate as much as your choice of insurer. State Farm leads in more states than any other carrier. Its rates still vary widely by location. The average State Farm policy costs $228 a year in Idaho versus $1,008 in Connecticut, a difference of $780 a year.
Car insurance costs more after violations. Getting multiple quotes can still bring the price down. Look for insurers that specialize in high-risk drivers. Ask about every discount you qualify for. Confirm your coverage levels match your actual needs.
Our research shows that getting quotes from multiple insurers can save high-risk drivers up to 40% on annual premiums. Discount programs add further savings. Whether you're already classified as a high-risk driver or want to avoid that category, you can take steps to lower your cost.
Our research shows rate differences of up to 35% between companies for identical driver profiles. Compare at least five quotes when shopping for high-risk coverage. As your circumstances change, compare car insurance policies to find the best rates for your needs.
The best high-risk insurance companies reduce surcharges after six to 12 months of violation-free driving, and violations fall off your record after three years.
In most states, the best high-risk car insurance companies reward drivers for making on-time payments, reducing credit card balances and disputing inaccuracies in their credit reports. This results in savings of 15% to 20% within six to 12 months. For immediate options, check our guide to car insurance for drivers with bad credit.
Many of the best high-risk insurance companies offer 5% to 15% discounts to those who complete an approved defensive driving course. Defensive driving courses cost $25 to $75 and can be completed online in most states. SR-22 and FR-44 filers won't see lower premiums until the filing period ends.
Telematics programs like Progressive's Snapshot, Allstate's Drivewise or State Farm's Drive Safe & Save monitor your current driving habits and reduce premiums by 10% to 40% for safe driving, regardless of past infractions.
Even high-risk drivers qualify for major car insurance discounts unrelated to driving history, including:
You need a clean driving record (no moving violations or at-fault accidents) for at least three years to be eligible for a defensive driving course discount. Speak with your insurer to determine its policy and whether completing this course may help you lower your premium. — Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
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.
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Nov 07, 2026
| Insurance Provider | Insurance Carrier | MoneyGeek ScoreMG Score | Average Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Capital Insurance Group | 94 /of 100 | $87 |
| 2 |  GEICO | 82 /of 100 | $109 |
| 3 |  State Farm | 83 /of 100 | $118 |
| 4 |  Travelers | 83 /of 100 | $129 |
| 5 |  Progressive | 79 /of 100 | $133 |
| 6 |  Farmers | 77 /of 100 | $151 |
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Insurers use several factors to decide whether a driver counts as "high-risk," including a history of serious violations. These violations include:
Traffic violations affect premiums based on severity and your insurer's specific rating system. Most violations affect your rates for three to five years, but the impact diminishes each year if you keep a clean record afterward.
High-risk drivers pay more, but the gap between insurers is often hundreds of dollars a year for the same coverage. Compare quotes from top insurers, and pair them with steps that lower your risk profile over time, like raising your credit score, completing a defensive driving course or keeping your record clean for the next few years.
State Farm is the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers, but get quotes from multiple providers to find the best deal for your driver profile.
For widely available policies, State Farm offers the most affordable car insurance for high-risk drivers, with an annual average premium of $1,138. Travelers is another option, charging $947.
A 40-year-old driver with a clean record pays $1,495 per year for full coverage car insurance. A high-risk driver spends as much as $2,179 for the same coverage. These figures are averages. Use a car insurance calculator for a more accurate estimate of your premiums.
High-risk drivers aren't limited to those with violations on their record. Insurance companies also classify drivers as high-risk if they have poor credit histories, drive sports cars or have little or no driving experience.
DUI, DWI, OWI and OVWI all refer to impaired driving offenses, but their meanings vary by state. DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) are the most common and often used interchangeably. OWI (operating while intoxicated) and OVWI (operating a vehicle while intoxicated) are similar but focus on operating any vehicle, not just driving.
A credit score evaluates your ability to repay debts, while a credit-based insurance score assesses your risk as a policyholder. While both use your credit history, a credit score helps lenders determine creditworthiness and a credit-based insurance score predicts the likelihood of filing claims.
Six states don't allow gender as a rating factor: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Four states don't allow credit as a rating factor: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan. Also, Hawaii doesn't allow age as a rating factor.
MoneyGeek evaluated more than 68 insurance companies nationwide to identify which providers offer high-risk drivers the best rates, service and coverage after a violation.
We gathered data from independent sources, including state insurance departments, J.D. Power ratings, NAIC complaint indexes and AM Best financial strength ratings. Our research team analyzed 210,564 quotes across 897 ZIP codes to build rankings for high-risk drivers.
Our scoring methodology:
Sample driver profile used for cost analysis:
We modified the sample driver to account for:
Coverage details: 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 collision incident or at-fault accident, the deductible is the amount you'll pay before your insurance starts covering 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.
Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's resident expert in insurance and economics. In nearly a decade covering the insurance market at LendingTree and MoneyGeek, he's analyzed hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.
His work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR. He draws on independent cost and consumer experience data, and no insurance company partnerships affect his recommendations.
Mark studied at Boston College and later earned a master's in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University. He worked in financial risk management at State Street before joining MoneyGeek. He's also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.
