Best Car Insurance for Drivers With a Bad Driving Record
GEICO, State Farm, and Travelers offer some of the lowest rates for drivers with accidents or tickets on their records.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Excellent
)
Written bySarah Brodsky
)
Sarah Brodsky
15 years writing about personal finance
Created content for Credit Karma, KeyBank, and Thrivent
Sarah is a freelance writer who covers personal finance and economics. She enjoys delving into the details of insurance, credit, loans, and the labor market.
Featured in
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
Edited byEvelyn Pimplaskar
)
Evelyn PimplaskarEditor-in-Chief, Director of Content
10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
Featured in
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
Reviewed byDaniel Roccato
)
Daniel RoccatoAdvisor
30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.
Updated
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
Advertiser Disclosure
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
Speeding tickets, accidents, DUIs, and other moving violations will make it difficult to find affordable car insurance. For example, a speeding ticket pushes the monthly average cost of minimum-coverage car insurance from $98 to $127, according to Insurify data.
The more serious the violation, the more expensive your high-risk auto insurance will become. Some situations, like a DUI, can make it difficult to find coverage at all.
But some car insurance companies cater to people with incidents on their driving records. Comparing car insurance rates from multiple companies can help you find the coverage you need at the lowest price available to you.
Quick Facts
On average, full-coverage insurance costs $186 per month for a driver with a clean record, $267 for someone with a DUI, and $249 for a driver with an at-fault accident.
If you have a bad record, comparing car insurance quotes from different insurance companies will help you find the best rates.
Taking a defensive driving course or looking for vehicle-based or policy discounts might decrease your insurance rates.
Best for drivers with one at-fault accident: GEICO
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.2 /10 |
| 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. | $80/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. | $149/mo |
3.9
A solid optionBased on 17,544 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
How drivers feel about GEICO
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Showing recent national reviews - See all 7,639 GEICO reviews
Herbert
Verified Review
I'm just saying
Reviewed in Maryland on April 22, 2026
No issues other than I feel I'm being overcharged. I think every year without a claim or violation should be rewarded with a discount on the premium.
Harendra
Verified Review
Auto Insurance Review
Reviewed in Virginia on April 22, 2026
The price is high, and the service is not very good.
Brenda
Verified Review
I will never say a good word or use Homesite or Geico again
Reviewed in Massachusetts on April 22, 2026
Horrible customer service and no resolution to them understanding my checking account was hacked and they didn't receive the automatic payment where all my accounts were affected and had to change my billing information. Called a few times and got all kinds of conflicting bills. The girl who first helped me was very nice and told me she was reluctant to take a payment over the phone from me. She reported, "I'm afraid that they won't get it right!" This company disrespected my words and chose not to try and understand the truth. I would like to know a supervisor I could talk to even though I will never use them again. They charge three times as much as other agencies, no thanks.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
637NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59A.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++Why we picked this company
If you’ve been a GEICO customer for five years and accident-free during that time, you may be able to buy or earn accident forgiveness, depending on the state where you live.[1] The catch is you’ll have to add accident forgiveness before something happens — you can’t add it after an accident.
Even with a bad driving record, you may qualify for certain GEICO discounts by taking a defensive driving course, using seat belts, and having a car with built-in safety features. You might also qualify for a membership or employee discount if you belong to one of more than 500 organizations that GEICO partners with.
Pros
Good rates for good drivers, seniors, and young drivers
Accident forgiveness available
A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
Cons
High rates for drivers with certain violations, like DUIs
No rideshare or new car replacement coverage available
Lower customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power
Best for drivers with DUI or DWI: State Farm
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| 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. | $53/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. | $109/mo |
4.0
Best choiceBased on 17,303 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Showing recent national reviews - See all 7,420 State Farm reviews
Candice
Verified Review
Bad Communication, No Real Care for the Customer
Reviewed in South Carolina on April 22, 2026
Horrible experience with claims. Every step was delayed by 2 to 3 days. They allowed my vehicle to stay at a tow yard until the very last day that storage fees would be covered, and the only reason I was able to catch it was because I called them myself. My claims representative told me it would only take two to three days for her to get back to me, but it actually took her a little over a week, and I had to call her myself to hear anything. My claims representative also didn’t send me everything I needed to receive my settlement and never tried to follow up with me. I had to call her, and then she tried to make it seem like I never sent it on my end when it was actually her fault. I’m very frustrated and disappointed with this whole experience. I understand there can be delays in the process, but please don’t tell me something’s going to be done by a certain time if you already know there’s going to be a delay. As soon as this claim is processed, I will be getting new car insurance.
Isaac
Verified Review
Cost
Reviewed in Georgia on April 22, 2026
Get the best price you can.
Jacqueline
Verified Review
Unhappy Customer
Reviewed in New York on April 22, 2026
Unfortunately, State Farm raised my monthly premium twice with no real explanation.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
657NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84A.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++Why we picked this company
State Farm offers some of the lowest rates for drivers with a DUI or DWI on their record. If you’ve been convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or driving while intoxicated, maintaining a clean record going forward should be your top priority for decreasing future premiums. State Farm can help you practice good driving habits and earn a potential discount with its Drive Safe & Save app. The app monitors your driving and alerts you to dangerous behaviors, including turning corners too fast and hard braking.
A DUI can also lead to driver’s license suspension, and your state may require you to file an SR-22 document — as proof of financial responsibility — to get it reinstated. Your State Farm insurance agent should be able to help you with this process.
Pros
High rates of customer satisfaction
Rideshare insurance available
Savings for bundling auto with home, renters, condo, or life insurance
Cons
No gap insurance offering
May not be the cheapest choice for drivers with violations
Accident forgiveness limited to longtime customers with clean driving records
Best for drivers with speeding tickets: Travelers
| User Reviews | 4.6 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.5 /10 |
| 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. | $96/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. | $194/mo |
4.6
Best choiceBased on 1,407 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Travelers
Customers appreciate the insurer’s communicative customer service and efficient claims process. But they’re dissatisfied with the consistent and sometimes significant price increases, even for those with clean driving records.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Numerous discounts
Gap insurance
Rideshare coverage
How drivers feel about Travelers
Customers appreciate the insurer’s communicative customer service and efficient claims process. But they’re dissatisfied with the consistent and sometimes significant price increases, even for those with clean driving records.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Numerous discounts
Gap insurance
Rideshare coverage
Showing recent national reviews - See all 589 Travelers reviews
Monica
Verified Review
Expensive Travelers
Reviewed in Arizona on April 22, 2026
I'm with Travelers and they are just too expensive for the coverage.
Susan
Verified Review
Find another insurance company
Reviewed in Oklahoma on April 22, 2026
My tip would be to find a different car insurance company. Travelers is not that great for what I am paying. The app only shows I have one policy, but I have two cars insured. I have tried to fix that, but it still says one car. I need my ID cards mailed to me, but that never happens. So I called, and they said they would mail them, and I should receive them in 7 to 10 days. They never arrived, so I called back and still have not received them.
Jack
Verified Review
Excellent but expensive.
Reviewed in Florida on April 21, 2026
The company is excellent in most ways. Unfortunately, the premiums are exorbitant.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
616NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0A.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++Why we picked this company
If you’ve received a speeding ticket, Travelers is one of your best options for affordable auto coverage. You might benefit from purchasing a Responsible Driver Plan from Travelers. These plans provide qualifying drivers with optional insurance coverage features, like accident and minor violation forgiveness. But it’s not clear from the Travelers website what you need to do to qualify for this coverage, so you should talk to an agent to see if you might qualify.
You can also receive discounts for signing up for the company’s telematics program (IntelliDrive), receiving a quote before your current auto policy ends, paying your premium up front, and making consistent, on-time payments.
Pros
Accident forgiveness available
Offers discount for hybrid and electric cars
A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
Cons
Rideshare coverage not available in all states
High number of negative customer reviews with the Better Business Bureau
Higher-than-average number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
Best for teen drivers with an incident: Auto-Owners
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.2 /10 |
| 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. | $45/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. | $88/mo |
4.3
Best choiceBased on 331 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
Showing recent national reviews - See all 150 Auto-Owners reviews
James
Verified Review
Does not take care of business. People they send for damage repair are way off base on their pricing
Reviewed in Nebraska on April 12, 2026
Not a local company anymore. I haven’t had a claim for years, and my insurance keeps going up.
Twitty
Verified Review
Good company, just the rates are too expensive
Reviewed in Florida on April 4, 2026
Uneventful.
Darryl
Verified Review
Insurance Shopping
Reviewed in Missouri on March 22, 2026
Good, but I've never had a claim with them on this vehicle, and the rate has more than doubled. That's the reason for finding a cheaper policy.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
654NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.46A.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++Why we picked this company
Auto-Owners has some of the lowest overall car insurance rates for teens. While an incident on their record can raise teens’ rates, Auto-Owners offers several ways to help teens and their parents lower costs.
The insurer offers discounts for good students, students away at school, and teens who enroll in Auto-Owners’ Teen Driver Monitoring system. Multi-car, multi-policy, and safety feature discounts, and available accident forgiveness coverage can also help reduce car insurance costs.
Pros
Many teen- and family-friendly discounts
Competitive rates for teen drivers
Cons
Not available in every U.S. state
Only a 2.1 star (out of 5) rating, and few reviews, on Trustpilot
Cheapest car insurance with a bad driving record
The cheapest car insurance company for you depends on several factors, including whether you have an at-fault accident, speeding ticket, or driving under the influence (DUI) conviction on your driving record.
Below, you’ll find several insurers that offer low rates, along with their average monthly premiums for three main types of driving violations. Country Financial, Auto-Owners, and USAA offer some of the lowest average liability-only quotes for drivers with bad records.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, April 22 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company  | At-Fault Accident | DUI/DWI | Speeding Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country Financial | $59 | $58 | $61 |
| Auto-Owners | $60 | $65 | $61 |
| USAA | $70 | $73 | $68 |
| State Farm | $71 | $76 | $68 |
| Erie | $93 | $99 | $96 |
| Allstate | $98 | $103 | $97 |
| Mile Auto | $101 | $105 | $87 |
| GEICO | $104 | $113 | $109 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $107 | $109 | $91 |
| American Family | $108 | $113 | $106 |
| National General | $117 | $125 | $108 |
| GAINSCO | $122 | $141 | $112 |
| The General | $122 | $114 | $121 |
| Safeco | $123 | $135 | $116 |
| Dairyland | $123 | $134 | $115 |
| Root | $124 | $133 | $129 |
| Nationwide | $128 | $134 | $125 |
| Direct Auto | $128 | $131 | $115 |
| Travelers | $132 | $138 | $129 |
| Bristol West | $136 | $148 | $131 |
| Elephant | $139 | $155 | $124 |
| Farmers | $142 | $151 | $138 |
| Anchor | $143 | $166 | $139 |
| Plymouth Rock | $153 | $218 | $193 |
| Mercury | $153 | $146 | $138 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $154 | $165 | $149 |
| Chubb | $154 | $165 | $149 |
| Liberty Mutual | $175 | $188 | $169 |
| 21st Century | $181 | $171 | $179 |
| Shelter | $183 | $192 | $184 |
| Clearcover | $193 | $180 | $162 |
| The Hartford | $202 | $216 | $209 |
| State Auto | $208 | $194 | $207 |
| CSAA | $237 | $203 | $192 |
| Hugo | $254 | $273 | $245 |
| Amica | $347 | $372 | $360 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
How to get car insurance with a bad driving record
Generally, people with poor driving records face higher car insurance costs than people with a clean driving record. But you can take steps to find the most affordable coverage available to you.
Research non-standard insurers. If you’re having trouble finding coverage from a standard insurance company, you can look for ones that specialize in high-risk car insurance. For example, The General says it can cover different types of high-risk drivers, from drivers who have never been insured before to ones with accidents or moving violations.
Check your state’s assigned-risk insurance pool. States that have assigned-risk pools require every insurer operating in the state to participate. When you apply for coverage through the pool, the state will assign your policy to a participating insurer that must offer you coverage.[2] But not every state has an assigned-risk pool, and you’ll generally pay higher rates if you get coverage this way.
Consider pay-per-mile or telematics insurance. Usage-based insurance may be an option worth considering if you don’t drive many miles or are focused on improving your driving skills. Pay-per-mile coverage allows you to pay only for the miles you drive, while telematics policies usually reward good driving with lower rates.
How does a bad driving record affect car insurance?
If you have a bad driving record, you may have trouble finding an insurer that’ll cover your vehicle. And when you do find coverage, it’s almost certainly going to cost more than what a driver with a good record would pay.
Insurers that cover higher-risk drivers take on a higher chance of having to pay out claims for those drivers, so they charge more.
Below, you’ll find national average monthly quotes for liability-only car insurance by driving history and the average increase after each type of incident. Drivers with a DUI or at-fault accident pay the highest average rates.
Liability-Only Rates by Driving History
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
How to get cheaper car insurance with a bad record
You’ll typically face higher car insurance costs if you have a bad record, but you can take some steps to get the best rate possible for your situation:
Bundle car and home insurance. Some insurers may look more favorably on your record if you have multiple policies with them. So you should consider insurers that can also provide homeowners coverage.
Complete a defensive driving course. Depending on your state, you may be able to get points removed from your record if you go to driving school and pass a defensive driving course. Plus, brushing up on your defensive driving skills might help you drive more safely in the future.
Wait for offenses to leave your record. If a past ticket is due for removal from your record soon, you may be better off waiting until your record is clean before shopping for a new policy.
Talk to a broker or agent. If you have a complex driving history, you may want to talk to a professional who can help you explore your options and speak to an underwriting department on your behalf. Be completely honest with them about your record so they have accurate information to work with.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers. Comparison shopping is a good way to find the lowest rates available to you as a high-risk driver. You can use a comparison website to see quotes from multiple companies.
What is considered a bad driving record?
Specifics vary, but insurers generally view driving records as bad if they include major offenses or a pattern of repeated traffic violations. The severity of the infractions on your record also matters.
“Totaling a car is very different from knocking off a mirror,” says Ben Guttman, an insurance broker at North Central Insurance Agency. “Having a speeding ticket for 10 miles over the limit is very different from having a speeding ticket for 30 miles over the limit, where you’re bordering on reckless driving.”
These are the main types of offenses that appear on a driving record:
DUI or DWI: Driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated can lead to fines, license suspension, a prison sentence, and other consequences. You can receive a DUI conviction if you drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Even if you seem to be driving normally, you can receive a DUI conviction if the police pull you over and tests show that the concentration of drugs or alcohol in your body exceeds your state’s legal limit.[3]
At-fault accident: If your actions or negligence cause a crash, it appears on your record as an at-fault accident. Potential indications of fault include speeding, texting while driving, driving while intoxicated, failing to respect right of way, rear-ending another vehicle, and not keeping your car in working order. Multiple drivers can be responsible for the same accident if they each contributed to causing it.
Speeding ticket: This is the most common type of traffic violation. You can receive a speeding ticket if a police officer finds that you’re driving above the posted speed limit. You can also get a speeding ticket if you drive faster than an officer finds reasonable given the traffic or weather conditions on the road.[4]
Drivers with bad records FAQs
Learn more about buying insurance with a bad driving record below.
What are the best insurance companies for drivers with bad records?
Some of the best car insurance companies for drivers with bad records are GEICO, State Farm, and Travelers. These insurers offer some of the lowest rates for drivers with traffic violations.
What is the cheapest insurance company for a bad driving record?
Country Financial, Auto-Owners, and USAA are the three cheapest insurance companies for drivers with bad records. Country Financial offers liability-only policies that start as low as $60 per month. Auto-Owners and USAA have monthly liability rates of $60 and $67, respectively, for drivers with incidents on their motor vehicle records.
Do all insurance companies check your driving record?
Yes. All car insurance companies check your driving record when you apply because they need to know how risky it is to provide coverage for you. Generally, bad drivers present a higher risk that insurers will have to pay a claim for them.
Why is car insurance more expensive with a bad record?
Car insurance costs more for drivers with bad records because insurers charge higher premiums to higher-risk drivers. Auto insurance companies charge higher premiums to offset the risk of that driver’s behavior leading to claims.
How long will your record be bad after an accident, speeding ticket, or DUI?
How long offenses stay on your record varies by state. Accidents and speeding tickets typically remain on your record for up to five years. A DUI is a more serious violation, and it could stay on your record for 10–15 years or for your entire life, depending on where you live.
What should you do if an insurer denies coverage because of a bad record?
If an insurer denies coverage, you should check with other insurers to see if any of them will sell you a policy. If you can’t find insurance on the private market, your state might have an exchange that will cover you. This option will likely be very expensive.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 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 500+ 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
- 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.
Related articles
)
How Long a Speeding Ticket Stays on Your Record
April 22, 2026
)
How to Get Car Insurance With a Suspended License
April 22, 2026
)
How to Get Cheap Car Insurance: 9 Expert Tips to Save Big
April 22, 2026
)
Tickets vs. Citations: What’s the Difference?
April 22, 2026
)
Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Your Car Insurance?
April 22, 2026
)
Best Car Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers
April 22, 2026
)
Find the Cheapest Car Insurance After a DUI
April 22, 2026
)
How Driver’s License Points Affect Car Insurance Rates
April 22, 2026
Sources
- GEICO. "GEICO Good Driver Plan."
- International Risk Management Institute. "assigned risk plan (AR)."
- Nolo. "DUI and DWI Overview."
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "Speeding."
)
Written bySarah Brodsky
Sarah Brodsky
15 years writing about personal finance
Created content for Credit Karma, KeyBank, and Thrivent
Sarah is a freelance writer who covers personal finance and economics. She enjoys delving into the details of insurance, credit, loans, and the labor market.
Featured in
Sarah is a freelance writer who covers personal finance and economics. She enjoys delving into the details of insurance, credit, loans, and the labor market.
Evelyn PimplaskarEditor-in-Chief, Director of Content
10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
Featured in
Daniel RoccatoAdvisor
30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.
