• Not all insurance companies are willing to offer coverage to high-risk drivers
• High-risk auto insurance rates are likely to be more expensive than average rates in your area
• If you are a high-risk driver, you ought to shop around and compare quotes before choosing an auto insurance policy

Everyone makes mistakes, but you can expect to have difficulty finding coverage when it comes to car insurance if you’ve made too many.

High-risk car insurance — or auto insurance for people considered more of a risk because of their driving record — can be hard to find and is often more expensive than standard insurance.

Not all insurance companies will offer coverage to high-risk or non-standard drivers. However, some companies specialize in providing these types of coverage. If you are a high-risk driver, you may want to consider purchasing a policy with one of the top 10 car insurance companies for non-standard drivers.

What are the top 10 auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers?

Insurance companies willing to offer coverage to high-risk clients can be challenging to find. If you are considered high risk, you’ll want to do plenty of research before choosing an insurance policy for your vehicle.

Though you may want to consider many different insurance companies when shopping for high-risk coverage, the top 10 non-standard insurance companies in the U.S. include:

• Bristol West
• GEICO
• State Farm
• Progressive
• Hagerty
• Kemper
• The General
• National General
• Safe Auto
• Infinity Insurance

As you search for high-risk coverage, you should compare quotes from different companies, including those listed above. It’s important to carry proper coverage to drive legally in your state. Some of the companies you research may be willing to offer additional coverage for your vehicle, such as collision and comprehensive coverage.

Why do I need high-risk coverage?

If you’ve been told you need high-risk auto insurance, it’s likely because of your driving record. Unfortunately, many people who have been in accidents or had other blemishes on their driving records have to pursue non-standard auto insurance coverage.

Some of the most common reasons a person needs high-risk coverage include:

• A DUI or DWI conviction
• Multiple speeding tickets
• Multiple at-fault accidents
• Reckless driving incidents
• Poor credit
• A lapse in coverage
• A new driver
• An elderly driver

Companies consider you a high-risk driver in most situations where it objectively seems like your time behind the wheel is more of a liability and will ultimately cost the companies more money.

While some companies offer coverage to high-risk drivers, the coverage can be much more expensive than average rates for car insurance. To find appropriate coverage as a high-risk driver, you’ll want to shop around for coverage.

How much is high-risk car insurance?

If you know you’re a high-risk driver, there is still some wiggle room regarding how much you could pay for car insurance.

Someone with an excellent driving record will pay an average of $665 annually for a liability-only car insurance policy. If you’ve been in an accident or have a blemish on your driving record, rates go up significantly.

If you are at fault in a car accident, the average rate for your coverage will be just over $1,000 a year. And if you’ve been convicted of a DUI, you could pay nearly $2,000 a year for liability alone.

With so much money at stake, you should take your time as you shop for high-risk auto insurance coverage. In addition, it’s a good idea to make sure the company you purchase a policy with is one you trust and one that doesn’t overcharge for non-standard coverage.

Will I always be considered a high-risk driver?

Just because you are currently considered high risk does not mean you always will be. You can do a few things to avoid future high-risk rates on car insurance.

The most important thing you can do is drive safely. If you avoid car accidents, speeding tickets, and other infractions, insurance companies will be more likely to trust that you will be safe behind the wheel.

If your credit score is low, try to improve it by paying your bills on time and keeping low credit balances. As your credit score improves, insurance companies will trust that you will pay your insurance premiums on time.

In most states, issues on your driving record are erased after a few months or years. However, if you have severe infractions on your driving record, it may be possible to take a defensive driving course. These courses allow drivers to improve their driving records and no longer be considered high-risk drivers.

Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers: The Bottom Line

If you’re a high-risk driver, you may have a hard time finding non-standard auto insurance coverage. But certain companies, like Bristol West, GEICO, and Kemper, are known for offering high-risk coverage.

Before committing to a company, be sure to shop around and compare quotes. This will help you make sure you don’t pay too much for coverage. Additionally, you can improve your credit score and keep your driving record clean to avoid being labeled a high-risk driver in the future.