Cheapest Car Insurance For High-Risk Drivers: Best 2025 Rates

Our analysis reveals that State Farm consistently offers the best rates for most driving violations, while GEICO specializes in not at-fault accident saving drivers around $21 monthly compared to the average. The differences between insurers are substantial - choosing the right company can reduce your premiums by $300-500 per year compared to more expensive options.

State Farm consistently offers some of the most competitive rates for DUI drivers across states, with minimum coverage starting as low as $19 monthly in Idaho ($228 annually). Progressive and GEICO also provide affordable options in many markets. 

However, rates vary dramatically by location — minimum coverage for DUI drivers ranges from $215 annually in South Dakota to over $1,100 in California and Georgia.

Premium increases from DUI convictions generally last at least three years and boost rates by 73% on average, depending on your state. Compare quotes carefully, as some insurers increase premiums less than others after DUI offenses.

State Farm, GEICO, and Auto Owners consistently offer some of the most competitive rates across states for drivers with speeding tickets. State Farm provides particularly low rates in states like Idaho ($228 annually) and Iowa ($251 annually). GEICO offers strong options in multiple markets, including Hawaii ($292 annually) and Wisconsin ($316 annually).

The most affordable options vary by state — Farmers Mutual offers the lowest rates in Vermont ($195) and South Dakota ($205), while AIG provides the cheapest coverage in Alabama ($285). This represents only a 20% increase over rates for drivers with clean records, significantly below the industry average increase of 45%.

GEICO, State Farm and Travelers consistently offer competitive rates across multiple states for drivers with accidents. State Farm provides particularly strong options in states like Idaho ($248 annually), Iowa ($273 annually), and Montana ($253 annually). GEICO offers low rates in markets like Vermont ($195), Wyoming ($251), and Wisconsin ($379).

The most affordable coverage varies dramatically by state — Union Mutual offers the lowest rates in Vermont ($195), while AIG provides the cheapest option in Alabama ($328). American Family and regional insurers like Farmers Mutual also offer competitive rates in states where they operate.

State Farm and GEICO consistently offer the most affordable rates for young drivers with violations, with State Farm averaging around $140 monthly across violation types. Travelers also provides competitive options. Young drivers with violations face significantly higher premiums, especially for at-fault accidents and DUI convictions.

GEICO offers the most affordable coverage for drivers with poor credit, providing competitive rates in 10 states including California ($889 annually), Hawaii ($558), and Louisiana ($945). Regional insurers like Farmers Mutual offer exceptional value in Nebraska ($295) and South Dakota ($323), while Westfield Insurance provides low rates across multiple markets. Rates vary dramatically by location, ranging from $295 annually in Nebraska to over $1,500 in Washington, D.C.

Insurance rates for high-risk drivers vary dramatically by location and violation type, ranging from $195 annually in Vermont to over $1,150 in Georgia. State Farm consistently offers the most affordable rates across violation types in 15-18 states, while GEICO and regional insurers provide competitive alternatives in specific markets. You can find the best and cheapest insurance providers in your state by using the table below:

Based on our analysis, State Farm leads as the best overall value for high-risk drivers with a MoneyGeek score of 91, offering exceptional affordability and consistent coverage. USAA ranks highest for military members with high-risk profiles (score of 97), while Progressive excels for DUI convictions (score of 94). Nationwide provides the best option for drivers with poor credit (score of 90), and Farmers offers superior coverage options for high-risk situations (score of 81). The following sections offer valuable insights for those looking for the best affordable high-risk insurance coverage.

Finding affordable car insurance after violations requires strategic comparison shopping and understanding your options. This guide walks you through essential steps to secure the best coverage at competitive rates, from evaluating insurers that specialize in high-risk drivers to maximizing available discounts and choosing optimal coverage levels.

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. 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.

Providers like State Farm and Travelers offer competitive rates, with State Farm's starting at $1,459 annually. This guide highlights the most affordable options offered by our top-rated providers for every high-risk profile to help you find suitable coverage at the best price.

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 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:

• 2012 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.