Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers (2024)

COUNTRY Financial, NJM, and Auto-Owners offer the cheapest liability rates for high-risk drivers.

Amy Beardsley
Written byAmy Beardsley
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Amy BeardsleyInsurance Writer
  • 3+ years writing about auto, home, and life insurance

  • 7+ years in personal finance and technology

Amy specializes in insurance and technology writing and has a talent for transforming complex topics into easy-to-understand stories.

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Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
  • 3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content

  • Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score

Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

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Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark Friedlander
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications
  • Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Updated March 14, 2024

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Cheapest recent rates

Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $34/mo for liability only and $46/mo for full coverage.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 14, 2024

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from March 14, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 14, 2024

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from March 14, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Drivers in the high-risk category often grapple with finding car insurance due to factors like speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or a DUI conviction. Yet it’s more than these obvious indicators that can land you in the high-risk category. Age, credit history, and other factors can also make you riskier to insure, making the search for high-risk car insurance companies even more important.

But non-standard insurance companies specialize in insuring high-risk drivers. Comparing car insurance quotes can help you find companies that offer competitively priced policies tailored to accommodate high-risk circumstances.

Quick Facts
  • The average liability car insurance rates for high-risk drivers start at $138 per month, according to Insurify data.

  • High-risk policyholders can qualify for discounts to lower costs.

  • State-sponsored auto insurance plans can help high-risk drivers find coverage if private market insurers have turned them down.

Cheapest car insurance rates for high-risk drivers

High-risk drivers can find themselves navigating the challenges of car insurance rates. The increased liability they pose to insurance companies translates into higher premiums. Here’s a snapshot of average monthly quotes from various insurance companies for high-risk coverage.

You’ll notice a range of quotes, averaging $138 per month for liability and $285 for full coverage.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Insurance CompanyLiability OnlyFull Coverage
COUNTRY Financial2454
Auto-Owners4597
USAA51112
NJM5688
State Farm58126
GEICO61134
Hugo6473
Allstate69155
Erie77129
Mile Auto86159
American Family89202
National General91208
Root93147
Safeco95179
Nationwide97214
Progressive100177
Dairyland101277
Travelers104230
Elephant110197
Metromile113174
CSAA119189
Direct Auto119247
Liberty Mutual120253
Farmers125283
Mercury132242
GAINSCO132286
Chubb134290
Clearcover135226
Anchor138352
Commonwealth Casualty138363
The General139304
AssuranceAmerica146254
State Auto147298
Bristol West148334
21st Century150334
Shelter155278
The Hartford186290
Infinity230391
Amica266433
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Who is considered a high-risk driver?

High-risk car insurance companies don’t have an industry-standard definition for a high-risk driver. It usually involves a poor driving record, a low credit-based insurance score, or a lack of experience.

You can also be riskier to insure if you have insurance violations such as not having proof of insurance or lapses for non-payment, live in an area with high vehicle theft and vandalism rates, or own a custom or high-performance car.[1]

Best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers

When you need a high-risk policy, finding a high-risk auto insurance company is crucial. Here are some of the best car insurance companies that cover drivers with a spotty history.

National General

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3.2
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
829
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$79/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$181/mo

National General became part of Allstate in 2021. It has an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best for financial stability, offers many discounts you’d expect, and pays most minor claims within 48 hours.

It’s a non-standard car insurance company that provides SR-22 forms — a requirement for some drivers with serious infractions. Additionally, National General offers a usage-based telematics program that rewards safe driving with lower rates, making it an attractive option for high-risk drivers who are working to improve their records.

Pros
  • Non-standard policies for high-risk drivers

  • Multiple add-on choices

Cons
  • Numerous online complaints

  • Quotes may be higher than some competitors

Low prices.

Chad - November 18, 2023
Verified

Horrible service and does not appreciate customer loyalty.

Tiffany - October 31, 2023
Verified

Good insurance. Always on time.

Silvio A - October 16, 2023
Verified
Read our National General review

GEICO

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IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.3
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
835
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$54/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$119/mo

While GEICO is typically a standard insurer, it also provides coverage for high-risk drivers, making it a versatile choice. GEICO has superior financial stability and is among the 5% of property and casualty companies that earned an A++ from AM Best, the highest possible rating. J.D. Power also ranks it above average for customer satisfaction in claims handling, according to a 2022 study.[2]

GEICO offers competitive rates and can file an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate with your state’s department of motor vehicles if needed. You’ll also find a variety of discounts to help lower your premium, including a 23% discount if your car has an airbag and additional savings if you take a defensive driving course.

Pros
  • Good rates for good drivers, seniors, and young drivers

  • Accident forgiveness available

Cons
  • High rates for drivers with certain violations, like DUIs

  • No rideshare or new car replacement coverage available

Everything good except the price.

RAY - December 4, 2023
Verified

I have not had problems; prices just remain high with little to no customer service and little benefit from 26+ years of customer loyalty.

Elizabeth - December 3, 2023
Verified

I had been with them a few years until they started raising my rates every time I was up for renewal. I got a new quote from another company that was $50 less than GEICO for the same coverage. That's not how to show customer loyalty, and it's the reason GEICO lost me as a customer.

Denise - December 3, 2023
Verified
Read our GEICO review

American Family

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.2
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
840
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$77/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$174/mo

American Family is an excellent choice for high-risk car insurance because it offers a variety of coverage options and discounts. You can customize your policy to suit your needs, giving you more control over what you pay.

The company has an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best, indicating a solid financial standing. Additionally, J.D. Power ranked American Family second in customer satisfaction in the central U.S. for 2023. However, it has a smaller footprint. American Family car insurance is available in only 19 states.

Pros
  • High rates of customer satisfaction

  • Numerous discount and coverage options

Cons
  • Only available in 18 states

  • Rates are merely moderate compared to other insurers

Prices are higher than expected.

Tyrone - October 9, 2023
Verified

They're OK but too expensive.

Sally - July 21, 2023
Verified

They are nice people to do business with, just kind of expensive

Pat - February 1, 2023
Verified
Read our American Family review

Dairyland

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3.3
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$84/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$231/mo

Dairyland offers low down payments and flexible payment options for the budget-conscious driver. It offers SR-22, FR-44, and non-owner coverage, catering to drivers who need proof of insurance or who don’t own a vehicle but still drive.

You can choose from different customization options, such as basic liability, comprehensive and collision coverage, personal injury protection, non-owner insurance, and even SR-22 coverage. Dairyland has an A+ rating from AM Best, indicating long-term stability.

Pros
  • Many positive customer reviews

  • Provides coverage to drivers who may not be able to get it elsewhere

Cons
  • More complaints than expected with the NAIC

  • Rates tend to be higher than competitors

They have been good to my family.

Jonna - November 27, 2023
Verified

I'm not too happy with the price.

christal - November 13, 2023
Verified

Not willing to work with me on anything.

Wendy - July 29, 2023
Verified
Read our Dairyland review

The General

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3.4
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$115/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$251/mo

If you have driving violations or let your insurance lapse or expire, you can turn to The General for non-standard car insurance. The General is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Family, has an A- rating from AM Best, and is available in 46 states plus Washington, D.C., making it a great choice for drivers in most locations.

The General offers SR-22 and FR-44 insurance and can even file the certificate for you with your state’s motor vehicles department. It has limited discounts, but you’ll have a chance to save if you pay your policy in full, take driving training courses, or earn good grades.

Pros
  • Competitively priced options for high-risk drivers or those with violations

  • SR-22 filing available in most states

Cons
  • Not available in all states

  • Mixed reviews for customer service

Prices are way to high for good drivers with no violations in over 30 years.

Timothy - December 2, 2023
Verified

Best convenience.

Jennifer - November 22, 2023
Verified

They are the only insurance company I know of that covers for a whole year, and I like that because it makes my insurance payments more affordable.

LaDonna - November 21, 2023
Verified
Read our The General review

How to find cheaper car insurance rates as a high-risk driver

Finding cheaper car insurance rates when you’re in the high-risk category isn’t a walk in the park. Exploring a few strategies and taking proactive steps can help you lower your cost without sacrificing the coverage you need.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/64a2fc54c7/good-driver.svg

    Improve your driving record

    One of the most effective ways to lower your car insurance bill as a high-risk driver is to improve your driving record. Start by following traffic laws, practicing safe driving habits, and avoiding accidents. A usage-based policy that uses telemetrics to monitor driving could help you save some money. Over time, your driving history will improve, and you’ll notice cheaper coverage options.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/ba9869f2f9/defensive-driving.svg

    Take a defensive driving course

    Taking a defensive driving course can signal to an insurance company that you’re working to improve your driving skills. Your insurance company may offer a discount for taking a defensive driving course, which may lead to lower premiums.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/100x100/4d03c561b5/declaration-page.svg

    Re-evaluate your insurance coverage

    Take a closer look at your current insurance coverage to re-evaluate your policy details. You may find opportunities to save money without compromising the protection you need. Consider your policy limits first. You don’t want to drop coverage altogether, but you can talk with your insurance company to understand the options for your specific situation.

    Also, review the extras you might be paying for. If you have roadside assistance through your auto warranty, auto club membership, or credit card, for example, you may want to drop it from your auto policy to cut costs.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/9f249b61b8/bundling.svg

    Bundle your policies

    Bundling is a tried-and-true method to lower your overall insurance costs. Buying your home or renters insurance from the same company as your car insurance can unlock a bundling discount — sometimes as much as 25%. Be sure to compare rates and coverage to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/c822f20cb3/billing-related.svg

    Raise your deductible

    The deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay toward the repair costs when filing a claim. Typically, the higher your deductible, the lower your premiums will be. However, it’s crucial to find a balance and select a deductible you can comfortably afford in case you need to make a collision or comprehensive claim. Setting it too high may lead to financial strain in the event of an accident, since you’ll have to pay the deductible amount out of pocket.

Learn More: Car Insurance Minimum Requirements by State

Learn More: Car Insurance Minimum Requirements by State

What to do if you’re denied coverage

An insurance company denying you car insurance coverage can be disheartening, but it doesn’t mean you’re completely out of options. You might qualify for coverage through a state-sponsored auto insurance plan. Requirements can vary from state to state, but they generally include not being able to get coverage through the voluntary market.

You can’t choose which insurance company you get a policy from, and you’ll need an agent to help you apply for the program. Keep in mind that going through a state program will likely result in higher rates than what standard auto insurers typically offer.

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High-risk car insurance companies FAQs

Understanding the ins and outs of high-risk car insurance companies is crucial to securing coverage. Here are answers to common questions to provide clarity.

  • How long are you considered a high-risk driver?

    You’ll generally keep your high-risk designation for at least three years, and some insurance companies look back much further than that. Each state sets its own timeline for how long traffic infractions stay on your record. For instance, Nevada and Michigan use a points system. Nevada deletes points after 12 months, while Michigan keeps them on your record for two years.[1] And some states keep DUI convictions on your motor vehicle record permanently.

  • How can you lower your premium as a high-risk driver?

    To lower your car insurance costs as a high-risk driver, keeping a clean driving record is essential. Improving your credit score can also help since auto insurers often consider your credit history when setting rates. It’s also a good idea to compare insurance quotes regularly, especially during policy renewals, since rates can vary significantly.

  • What do insurance companies consider high-risk?

    Insurance companies assess multiple factors when identifying a high-risk driver. A few considerations that could earn you that label are a history of at-fault accidents or traffic violations, a bad credit score, limited driving experience, prior insurance violations or lapses, living in high vehicle theft or vandalism-prone areas, or owning a custom or high-performance vehicle.[2]

  • What is the best car insurance for people with a bad driving history?

    National General, GEICO, American Family, Dairyland, and The General specialize in non-standard car insurance for high-risk drivers. Each has a solid financial rating from AM Best and offers various coverage options to customize your policy and control your overall cost.

Methodology

Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.

Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).

Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:

  • Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
  • Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
  • No additional coverage
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
  • Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
  • Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible

Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.

Sources

  1. Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. "Demerit Point System." Accessed June 14, 2023
  2. III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?." Accessed June 14, 2023
Amy Beardsley
Amy BeardsleyInsurance Writer

Amy is a personal finance and technology writer. With a background in the legal field and a bachelor's degree from Ferris State University, she has a talent for transforming complex topics into content that’s easy to understand. Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.

Courtney Mikulski
Edited byCourtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
  • 3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content

  • Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score

Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

Featured in

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Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications
  • Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

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