Having points on your driver’s license or a history of accidents, tickets, or DUIs can make it challenging to find affordable car insurance. Insurance companies label these drivers as high-risk and hit them with steep rate hikes.
If you fall into the high-risk category, don’t despair. Here are some smart strategies to get the cheapest car insurance possible despite your driving record.
Shop Around Extensively
Don’t just get one insurance quote and call it a day. Make it your mission to get quotes from at least 10 different auto insurance providers. Rates can vary wildly, so cast your net wide to increase chances of finding a decent rate.
Comparison sites like TheZebra.com or Gabi.com make it easy to get multiple quotes quickly without repetitive form filling. Spending an hour or two could save you hundreds per year.
Ask About High-Risk Driver Discounts
Certain insurers offer discounts specifically geared to higher risk drivers. For example, National General has a “Forgive the First Accident” program that discounts rates for drivers with only one accident or violation.
Inquire with agents about high-risk driver programs or accident forgiveness to see if you qualify. Just having the discount could chop 15-20% off the annual premium.
Enroll in Defensive Driving
Defensive driving courses teach accident avoidance skills. Many states mandate discounts for high-risk drivers who complete an approved class. It shows insurers you’re actively trying to improve behind the wheel.
Search for state-approved courses in your area or complete one online. Just six hours of instruction could slash 10% or more off your next policy renewal.
Opt for a Higher Deductible
Deductibles represent what you pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage kicks in after an accident. Choosing a higher deductible like $1000 rather than $500 means higher out-of-pocket costs if you do file a claim. But it can also reduce your premiums substantially.
Crunch the numbers to see if the guaranteed premium savings outweigh the unlikely risk of needing to pay the higher deductible amount. Just don’t raise it so high you won’t have funds to cover it in an emergency.
Limit Your Miles
Insurers ask for your estimated annual mileage since the more miles you drive, the more accident risk you face. Keeping mileage super low like 5,000 or less miles per year qualifies you for a low mileage discount.
Consider using a pay-per-mile insurance option. You attach a mileage tracker device to your car and get a customized premium based on actual miles driven, saving big if you drive minimally.
Maintain Good Credit
Even high-risk drivers can qualify for good credit discounts by having responsible credit card and loan repayment history. Insurance scores derived from your credit report are a huge rating factor for most insurers.
Check your credit reports and dispute any errors to raise your scores. Improving financial responsibility signals the insurance company you’re becoming a more accountable and less risky customer.
Drop Comprehensive and Collision
Since a major accident could lead to sky-high rate hikes for high-risk drivers, removing comprehensive and collision coverage helps lower premium costs. You won’t be covered for damage to your own car, but it prevents your insurance company from raising your rates even higher after a claim.
Only go this route if you can afford repairs or replacement cost out-of-pocket. But for an older car, nixing these coverages could make insurance affordable if you have a limited budget.
Conclusion
Even one infraction can saddle you with a high-risk label for years. But don’t give up on finding reasonable rates. Follow these tips consistently and you can get cheap car insurance despite your driving history. The key is persistence and leveraging every savings opportunity available to high-risk drivers.
