10 Best Auto Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers in 2024

Our top three winners for the best auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers include Progressive, Geico, and State Farm. Progressive stands out as our preferred option, with rates for high-risk drivers averaging $160 per month.

Finding the best auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers can be tricky and coverage will be expensive. However, finding the best auto insurance for high-risk drivers is possible if you evaluate auto insurance quotes from various companies.

Our Top 10 Picks: Best Auto Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers

When looking for the best high-risk auto insurance, shop around to see which company can offer you the best and cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers. Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool to see rates from the best auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers near you.

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#1 – Progressive: Top Pick Overall

Pros

• Specialized coverage: Progressive has specific policies for individuals who may have a history of accidents, traffic violations, or other factors that classify them as high-risk drivers (Read more: Progressive Auto Insurance Review).
• Progressive Snapshot program: For high-risk drivers looking to lower their premiums, participating in Progressive Snapshot program can lead to potential discounts and lower premiums.
• SR-22 insurance: Progressive offers SR-22 auto insurance, a certificate of financial responsibility, making it easier for high-risk drivers to reinstate their driving privileges.

Cons

• Mixed Customer Reviews: Some customers may experience challenges or delays when filing claims or dealing with customer service representatives. 
• Potential Rate Increases: Factors such as traffic violations, accidents, or changes in driving habits could lead to premium hikes for high-risk drivers. 

#2 – Geico: Competitive Pricing and Discounts

Pros

• Competitive Rates: Geico’s affordable premiums can help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with being a high-risk driver.
• Variety of Discounts: Geico’s auto insurance discounts related to maintaining a good driving record, completing defensive driving courses, or bundling insurance policies can benefit high-risk drivers. Learn more in our Geico auto insurance review.
• User-Friendly Online Platform: Geico’s user-friendly online platform makes it easy for high-risk drivers to manage their policies, access resources, and obtain support whenever needed. 

Cons

• Expensive if High Risk: While Geico is known for competitive rates, high-risk drivers should be aware that their premiums may still increase based on factors such as accidents, traffic violations, or changes in driving habits.
• Limited Programs: High-risk drivers looking for more targeted programs or coverage options may need to look elsewhere, as Geico may have fewer specialized programs compared to other insurers. 

#3 – State Farm: Exceptional Customer Service

Pros

• Excellent Customer Service: Being a high-risk driver can be stressful on its own, but State Farm’s responsive and supportive customer service representatives can make the process smoother.
• Variety of Coverage Options: State Farm provides flexibility in choosing the level of coverage that ensures adequate protection on the road. Learn more about the State Farm’s coverage types in our State Farm auto insurance review.
• Defensive Driver Discount: State Farm offers discounts for completing a defensive driving course. This discount can be particularly appealing to high-risk drivers who want to improve their driving habits and lower their insurance premiums.

Cons

• Few High-Risk Driver Programs: Compared to other insurers that offer targeted programs for high-risk drivers, State Farm’s offerings may be more generalized.
• Potential for Policy Limitations: These limitations could include coverage exclusions, higher deductibles, or stricter eligibility criteria for certain discounts or programs. 

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#4 – Allstate: Extra Value With Accident Forgiveness

Pros

• Comprehensive Coverage Options: In addition to the standard coverages, Allstate offers a variety of add-ons, enhancing the protection provided by their policies. Find more in our Allstate auto insurance review.
• Accident Forgiveness: Allstate’s optional accident forgiveness coverage allows you to avoid rate increases after their first at-fault accident. This can be beneficial for high-risk drivers who may be more prone to accidents. 
• Allstate Drivewise: Allstate Drivewise, a usage-based insurance program, provides high-risk drivers with an incentive to practice safe driving habits. 

Cons

• Higher Premiums: High-risk auto insurance rates for may be higher compared to other companies, potentially resulting in increased insurance costs for high-risk individuals.
• Dissatisfaction With Claims Handling: While Allstate generally receives positive feedback for its coverage options and discounts, some customers report challenges or delays when filing claims or dealing with claims representatives. 

#5 – Nationwide: Present in Almost Every U.S. State

Pros

• Nationwide Availability: Nationwide offers car insurance in all but three states — Alaska, Louisiana and Massachusetts. High-risk drivers should verify Nationwide’s availability in their area (Read more: Nationwide Auto Insurance Review).
• Vanishing Deductible: Nationwide’s vanishing deductible program rewards drivers for practicing safe driving habits by reducing their deductible over time for each accident-free year.
• Nationwide SmartRide: Nationwide SmartRide program encourages high-risk drivers to adopt safer driving practices and potentially qualify for discounts on their insurance premiums. 

Cons

• Premium Pricing: Nationwide may assign higher premiums to high-risk drivers to offset the increased likelihood of claims and financial losses associated with insuring them.
• Limited Coverages and Discounts: Nationwide’s limited availability restricts options for high-risk individuals who may need coverage outside of the company’s service areas.

#6 – Liberty Mutual: Nationwide Coverage

Pros

• Nationwide Availability: Liberty Mutual’s high-risk insurance is available in all 50 U.S. states, including the District of Columbia and can be acquired through their local insurance agents (Read more: Liberty Mutual auto insurance review).
• Flexible Payment Options: Liberty Mutual offers flexible payment options, including automatic, one-time, or telephone payment, allowing high-risk drivers to choose a payment plan that fits their budget and financial circumstances. 
• Liberty Mutual’s RightTrack: Liberty Mutual RightTrack is a great usage-based program for drivers with an at-fault accident or speeding ticket on their record.

Cons

• Limited Discounts: Liberty Mutual may have limited availability of discounts compared to some competitors, which could affect the overall affordability of coverage for high-risk drivers.
• Customer Service Experience: Liberty Mutual’s customer service reviews are generally positive, however there may be instances where some customers report difficulties when filing claims or inadequate support during the claims process.

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#7 – Farmers: Financial Stability

Pros

• Strong Financial Stability: Our Farmers auto insurance reviews find Farmers Insurance Company with an A rating from A.M. Best and an A+ rating from the BBB. Learn more in our Farmers auto insurance review.
• Many Coverages: Farmers Insurance provides optional coverages that high-risk drivers may find beneficial, such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, rideshare, etc.
• Farmers Signal Discount: Farmers Signal is a usage-based insurance program that encourages high-risk individuals to improve their driving habits over time, potentially lowering their auto insurance premiums.

Cons 

• No Gap Insurance: Farmers doesn’t have gap insurance (also known as Guaranteed Asset Protection), so if you want this type of coverage, you’ll have to look elsewhere. 
• Limited Availability: While Farmers generally has a broad presence across the U.S., there are a few states where its availability may be more limited or where it may not offer high-risk auto insurance coverage at all. 

#8 – Dairyland: Specializes in Non-Standard Coverage

Pros

• Specialized Coverage Options: Dairyland offers coverage tailored specifically to non-standard drivers, such as non-owner insurance or high-risk insurance with higher liability limits (Read more: Dairyland Auto Insurance Review).
• High-Risk Acceptance: Dairyland has a reputation for being more willing to insure individuals with bad driving records or those who have been denied coverage elsewhere.
• Free SR-22 and FR-44 Filings: Dairyland provides SR-22 and FR-44 insurance, which are often required for drivers with serious violations such as DUIs or multiple traffic offenses.

Cons 

• Higher Premiums: Dairyland ranks as the most expensive insurer among our list of the top auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers, with rates averaging $409 per month.
• High Complaint Level: According to the NAIC, Dairyland has a complaint index score of 3.44, which suggests that the company receives approximately three times as many complaints as the national average. 

#9 – The Hartford: Only AARP Members Qualify

Pros

• Unique Coverages: Accident forgiveness allows you to avoid rate increases after your first at-fault accident. New car replacement protects in case of a total loss of your new vehicle due to an accident or theft. 
• AARP Discounts: AARP members can enjoy a range of membership benefits and discounts. For example, AARP members save up to 10% on their insurance premiums with The Hartford as a benefit of their membership.
• Usage-Based Program: Upon enrollment to the TrueLane® by The Hartford, you can immediately receive a discount of 12% on your insurance premiums.

Cons 

• Eligibility Requirements: The Hartford auto insurance policies are available only to AARP members and are specifically tailored to drivers 50 or older. Learn more in The Hartford auto insurance review.
• Expensive for Young Drivers: Teens and young adults may find The Hartford’s premiums less affordable compared to insurers that offer more competitive rates for this age group. Find the best auto insurance companies for teens. 

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#10 – American Family: Leader in Claims Handling

Pros

• No. 1 in Claims Handling: With its personalized approach, American Family has earned a reputation for its prompt and efficient claims processing within the insurance industry.
• Strong Customer Satisfaction: Whether through phone calls, emails, or online portals, American Family ensures that customers can easily reach out for help or information and receive prompt and helpful response.
• Many Add-on Coverage Options: Beyond the standard auto insurance coverage types, American Family offers a few additional options, including: gap insurance, accidental death & dismemberment, rideshare insurance, etc.

Cons

• Limited Availability: American Family car insurance is only available in 19 states.  Learn more in this American Family auto insurance review.
• Digital Experience: While American Family excels in many areas, the company’s mobile app functionality and features may not be as comprehensive or intuitive as those offered by competitors. 

Monthly Rates From the Best High-Risk Insurance Companies

There are many factors that affect auto insurance rates, and the most significant one is your driving record. Auto insurance companies worry about risk, so high-risk drivers will pay higher rates or get denied coverage altogether, making it hard to find affordable high-risk car insurance.

Take a look at this table to understand how driving record affects high-risk auto insurance rates:

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for High-Risk Drivers

As you can see, State Farm auto insurance offers the lowest rates to drivers with accidents, tickets, and DUIs on their driving record, averaging $103 monthly. Geico high-risk insurance is also cheap, especially for drivers with speeding tickets — high-risk insurance with Geico costs around $151 monthly. Read more about the best auto insurance companies for drivers with speeding tickets.

Who Auto Insurance Companies Consider High-Risk Drivers

What is high-risk car insurance called? High-risk auto insurance is sometimes called non-standard insurance. However, your driving record isn’t the only thing that makes you a high-risk driver.

Drivers are also high risk if they meet these requirements:

• Young drivers
• Older drivers (Read more: Best Auto Insurance for Seniors)
• Have poor credit 
• Drive exotic cars
• Have allowed auto insurance to lapse

You might wonder how credit scores affect auto insurance rates and can classify you as a high-risk driver. Insurance companies believe drivers with low credit scores are more likely to miss payments and file claims.

Allowing your auto insurance to lapse is a big red flag. Insurance companies want to know that you’ll make your payments and drive legally. 

Most states require car insurance, but 13% of drivers are uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Driving without auto insurance can lead to fines, higher rates, driver’s license suspension, and even jail time. You can find the cheapest insurance for high-risk drivers to drive legally if you only need to meet state minimum auto insurance requirements.

The type of car you drive can also cause you to be considered a high-risk driver. More expensive cars to repair or replace will raise your auto insurance rates. Read more about how to get a new car auto insurance discount to lower rates for your costly vehicle.

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How Drivers Can Save on High-Risk Auto Insurance Coverage

There are many ways to lower your auto insurance rates as a high-risk driver. The easiest way is to take advantage of auto insurance discounts. Most insurance companies offer many discounts, so there’s bound to be discounts for everyone.

This table shows you the most common auto insurance discounts from some of the top companies:

Another way to save money on your high-risk insurance policy is to lower your coverage and raise your auto insurance deductibles. While you’ll save money, you should be prepared to have larger out-of-pocket costs in the event of an accident.

You can look for auto insurance companies that don’t check driving records, but that will be hard to find and expensive when you do find it.

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Drivers can also improve their credit score, drive a less expensive vehicle, or take defensive driving courses to help lower rates.

Find the Cheapest Auto Insurance for High-Risk Drivers

So, what do non-standard auto insurance companies offer? Non-standard high-risk insurance companies offer the same coverages you’d find at standard companies. The best auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers vary from driver to driver, but drivers can also take advantage of discounts to lower their high-risk insurance rates.

How can I find the best car insurance for high-risk drivers near me? Shop around and compare various companies to find the cheapest insurance for high-risk drivers. In addition, enter your ZIP code to compare free quotes from the best high-risk car insurance companies in your area.

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