If you are identified as a high-risk driver, you will likely find that obtaining auto insurance coverage is more difficult and expensive than obtaining standard insurance. Drivers may be classified as high-risk by trucking companies due to factors such as age, driving history, and claims history.

Understanding your own high-risk factors and how they affect your premiums is essential to finding the right insurance at the right price.

Understanding high-risk auto insurance

High-risk auto insurance, also known as non-standard auto insurance, is designed for drivers who are high-risk, or who are classified by their carrier as more likely to get into an accident or file a claim. It is a type of insurance. Each carrier has different definitions and thresholds for risk, but they may take into account your age, driving history, experience on the road, insurance history, and even the vehicle you drive.

Almost every state requires a minimum amount of auto insurance as a condition of owning and operating a car. However, these risk factors may force some drivers to purchase high-risk auto insurance instead of standard insurance.

Because high-risk drivers are considered more likely to make a claim or have an at-fault accident, these policies are limited in nature and can often come with higher premiums. . Not all carriers offer high-risk insurance, so you may need to shop around for insurance quotes or purchase through your state’s insurance marketplace to find the right coverage.

Why are drivers in the high-risk category?

Insurance companies may consider the following drivers to be high risk:

• Have a history of accidents and comprehensive insurance claims
• Have received multiple traffic violations or been convicted of a serious offense such as DWI (driving under the influence) or reckless driving
• The state insurance department requires you to apply for suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
• You have never had car insurance, or there are large gaps in coverage.
• Young and inexperienced drivers, usually under 20 years of age
• Age is 70 years or older
• Have a below-average credit score, completely bad credit, or a negative history
• Drive certain expensive, high-risk, or specialized vehicles, such as sports cars or antiques

Although some insurance companies, like Progressive, go out of their way to avoid labeling drivers as “high risk,” the presence of one or more of these factors can affect your auto insurance premium and the type of coverage available. influence.

Impact of high-risk classification on auto insurance costs

Insurance companies are committed to mitigating risk, so auto insurance premiums are individualized primarily based on these risk factors. If you have enough of these factors, or they are so severe that you are classified as a high-risk driver, your premiums will be even higher.

Insurance companies believe that the more accidents you are involved in, the more likely you are to make a claim in the future. The same goes for drivers with a history of DUI convictions or multiple speeding tickets. This also applies to less serious factors, such as limited driving experience or poor credit history.

A high-risk classification can last multiple years and result in multiple years of auto insurance coverage payments. To keep costs down, you can lower your insurance limits and increase your deductible, or choose liability-only insurance instead of full coverage. However, keep in mind that lower coverage levels and higher deductibles can mean higher out-of-pocket costs in the event of an accident.

When considering car insurance coverage, it’s always wise to research and compare quotes. This is even more important if you are forced to take out non-standard insurance or have factors that make you a high-risk driver.

How to reduce high-risk classification

Being classified as a high-risk driver means higher premiums, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to reduce your costs and lower your high-risk classification in the long run.

Improve (or maintain) your driving record. Your driving record includes a history of accidents, moving violations, and previous charges. If you are considered a high-risk driver due to your driving history, you will have to “wait out” many of these blemishes (most airlines will only consider the past 3-5 years). Even if your risk condition is due to other causes, maintaining a clean driving record can help reduce your insurance premiums and prevent other factors from affecting your coverage options.

Choose a practical vehicle. Unsafe, expensive, or specialized vehicles can increase your insurance premiums and even be classified as high risk. Consider switching to a safer, more practical vehicle instead. Adding safety features can also help you qualify for insurance discounts.

Keep an eye on your credit score. Although auto insurance companies cannot deny auto insurance coverage based solely on credit history, many states require you to maintain a healthy credit utilization and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and avoid difficult inquiries and new accounts. Try to limit and avoid late payments.

Take a defensive driving course. Many insurance companies offer discounts and reduced rates to drivers who complete a defensive driving course. Anything you can do to show the insurance company that you’re a safe driver is a plus.

Don’t let your coverage lapse. If you’re stuck buying high-risk insurance at higher premiums, you may be tempted to give up coverage altogether. This is especially true if you don’t own your own car or rarely drive it. However, loss of insurance coverage for any reason can actually increase your risk level and potentially increase your future premiums. Consider purchasing pay-per-mile or liability-only insurance instead of gaps in coverage, especially if you don’t drive much.

Non-standard insurance and other alternative insurance

If you’re struggling with exorbitant insurance premiums, or can’t find coverage at all, here are some alternatives to consider.

• Check out state-run insurance pools. Also known as state-run programs, the state-run program helps connect drivers with carriers who will provide coverage even after drivers have been denied coverage in another country. These policies are still expensive, but can provide coverage even if you are unable to apply directly.
• Substandard insurance company. High-risk auto insurance is sometimes called non-standard insurance, but some insurance companies classify it as non-standard insurance. These companies often advertise themselves as targeting non-standard drivers, such as drivers who require an SR-22 certificate, high-risk drivers, or. Also included.
• Add it to someone else’s policy. In some cases, especially if you don’t own a car, it may be cheaper (and easier) to take out someone else’s existing auto insurance policy as a named driver. For example, if you occasionally borrow your parents’ car, they may add you to their insurance. Their premiums may increase significantly, but they may still be less than what you would pay for your own insurance (especially if you are denied coverage).

If you’re still having trouble securing affordable rates because you’re classified as a high-risk driver, it may be time to seek professional help. Some insurance agents and brokers specialize in working with high-risk drivers to find and structure insurance that meets their needs.