Cheap Auto Insurance for a Bad Driving Record in 2024 (Save Big With These 9 Companies!)
State Farm is the best provider of cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record, followed by Progressive and American Family. While DUIs, tickets, and accidents will raise rates, State Farm's average auto insurance rates for a bad driving record are only $45/mo for a minimum coverage policy.
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Heidi Mertlich
Licensed Insurance Agent
Heidi works with top-rated insurance carriers to bring her clients the highest quality protection at the most competitive prices. She founded NoPhysicalTermLife.com, specializing in life insurance that doesn’t require a medical exam. Heidi is a regular contributor to several insurance websites, including FinanceBuzz.com, Insurist.com, and Forbes. As a parent herself, she understands the need ...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 25, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 25, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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2,180 reviewsThe top provider of cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record is State Farm, followed by Progressive and American Family.
For even more options of the cheapest auto insurance companies for bad driving records, take a look at the table below.
Our Top 9 Company Picks: Cheapest Auto Insurance for Bad Driving Records
| Company | Rank | Monthly Rates | Multi-Policy Discount | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | #1 | $45 | 17% | Cheap Rates | State Farm |
 | #2 | $52 | 12% | Budgeting Tools | Progressive |
 | #3 | $72 | 25% | Bundling Policies | American Family |
 | #4 | $73 | 15% | Add-on Coverages | Farmers |
 | #5 | $78 | 13% | Roadside Assistance | Travelers |
 | #6 | $81 | 25% | Online Convenience | Geico |
 | #7 | $90 | 20% | Vanishing Deductibles | Nationwide |
 | #8 | $106 | 25% | Customizable Policies | Allstate |
 | #9 | $124 | 20% | Usage Discount | Liberty Mutual |
To help you find savings on your car insurance with a bad driving record, we will go over what the cheapest car insurance companies are for bad drivers, as well as discounts for bad drivers. You can also enter your ZIP code above to compare quotes.
- At-fault accidents, traffic tickets, and DUIs will raise drivers’ auto insurance rates
- Drivers with bad driving records should shop around to find cheaper rates
- Keeping a clean driving record in the future will help reduce your rates over time
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#1 – State Farm: Top Pick Overall
Pros
- Affordable rates: On average, State Farm has the most affordable bad driving record insurance rates.
- Large agent network: State Farm has a large agent network, so drivers can get in-person advice on how to save with a bad driving record.
- Various coverage options: State Farm 0ffers a good selection of auto insurance coverages for drivers to choose from.
Cons
- Mixed customer service reviews: State Farm has some negative reviews regarding claims processing, but bear in mind this is typical of most large companies. You can read more about State Farm ratings in our State Farm auto insurance review.
- Limited availability in some regions: State Farm’s discount programs don’t apply in all regions, so additional savings may be limited for some drivers.
#2 – Progressive: Best for Budgeting Tools
Pros
- Budgeting tool: Progressive’s Name Your Price tool allows drivers to see how much coverage they can get on their set budget.
- Usage-based discount: Progressive’s Snapshot usage-based program offers discounts to drivers who drive safely during the tracking period. Learn more about the program in our Progressive Snapshot review.
- Good coverage selection: Progressive has a good selection of auto insurance coverages for drivers to pick from.
Cons
- Mixed customer service reviews: Progressive has mixed reviews regarding customer service. You can read more about Progressive’s customer service ratings in our Progressive auto insurance review.
- Lack of local agents: Progressive doesn’t have many agents from which drivers with bad driving records can get in-person assistance.
#3 – American Family: Best for Bundling Policies
Pros
- Good customer satisfaction ratings: American Family has good customer satisfaction ratings, which you can read more about in our American Family auto insurance review.
- Usage-based discount: American Family’s KnowYourDrive discounts drivers’ policies if they drive safely on the app (read about the program in our American Family KnowYourDrive review).
- Local agent network: American Family has local agents whom drivers with bad driving records can get personalized assistance from.
Cons
- Limited region availability: American Family doesn’t offer auto insurance coverage in every state, as it sells insurance in only about half of the U.S.
- Fewer add-on coverages: American Family doesn’t have as many add-on coverages as other companies, such as roadside assistance.
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#4 – Farmers: Best for Add-on Coverages
Pros
- Numerous add-on coverages: Farmers has a number of great add-coverages, such as spare parts coverage, roadside assistance, rideshare insurance, and many more.
- Usage-based discount: Farmers’ Signal app rewards drivers who track safe driving habits with a discount (learn more in our Farmers Signal review).
- Strong financial stability: Our Farmers auto insurance review shows that Farmers has great financial stability ratings and is a well-established auto insurance company.
Cons
- Mixed customer service reviews: Farmers has mixed reviews when it comes to the ease of filing a claim and the claims processing services.
- Limited region availability: Not all Farmers’ services and discounts are available in every region.
#5 – Travelers: Best for Roadside Assistance
Pros
- Add-on coverage options: Travelers has some great add-ons, such as roadside assistance coverage (learn about Travelers’ other coverages in our Travelers auto insurance review).
- Usage-based discount: Travelers’ Intellidrive program will reward drivers with a discount for safe driving habits.
- Strong financial stability: Travelers has great financial ratings and is well-established as one of the top auto insurance companies.
Cons
- Limited availability in some states: Travelers’ discounts and coverages are limited in some regions.
- Varying customer service reviews: Like other companies on our list, Travelers has mixed reviews about customer service for claims and more.
#6 – Geico: Best for Online Convenience
Pros
- Easy to use app: Geico’s mobile app is highly rated, and its website is also user-friendly.
- Various discounts: Geico offers a number of discounts that can help even drivers with bad driving records save on their policies.
- Competitive rates: Geico’s rates are usually competitive with a number of other affordable companies (read more about Geico’s rates in our Geico auto insurance review).
Cons
- Limited local agents: Geico doesn’t offer many local agents, so most drivers won’t get in-person assistance.
- Mixed customer reviews: Geico’s customer service reviews regarding claims are mixed.
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#7 – Nationwide: Best for Vanishing Deductibles
Pros
- Usage-based discount: Nationwides’s SmartRide will reward drivers who do well in the program with discounts (read more in our Nationwide SmartRide app review).
- Vanishing deductibles: Nationwide’s vanishing deductible program allows drivers with bad driving records to save if they stay accident and ticket-free in the future.
- Good coverage options: Nationwide offers a good selection of auto insurance coverages for drivers to choose from.
Cons
- Mixed customer service reviews: Nationwide has mixed reviews about its customer service for claims. Learn more about this in our Nationwide auto insurance review.
- Limited availability in some regions: Nationwide’s discount and program availability may be limited in some states.
#8 – Allstate: Best for Customizable Policies
Pros
- Multiple coverage options: Allstate’s coverage options make it easy for drivers to customize a policy to meet their needs. Read more in our Allstate auto insurance review.
- Usage-based discount: Allstate’s Drivewise program rewards drivers with a discount for demonstrating safe driving skills (learn more: Allstate Drivewise Review).
- Strong financial stability: Allstate is one of the largest auto insurance companies on the market and has strong financial stability.
Cons
- Mixed customer service reviews: Like other companies, Allstate has mixed customer service reviews regarding claims.
- Few local agents: Drivers with bad driving records will find it hard to get in-person assistance with their policies.
#9 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Usage Discount
Pros
- Usage-based discount: Liberty Mutual’s RightTrack program is a great way for drivers with bad driving records to earn a discount. Learn more in our Liberty Mutual RightTrack review.
- Multiple coverage options: Liberty Mutual offers a great selection of auto insurance coverages to drivers.
- User-friendly app: Liberty Mutual’s apps have good ratings, and its website is easily navigated.
Cons
- Mixed customer service reviews: Liberty Mutual’s customer service reviews for claims are mixed (read more: Liberty Mutual auto insurance review).
- Discount availability: Liberty Mutual’s discount amounts and availability vary by state.
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Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Bad Drivers
Some of the more affordable car insurance companies for bad drivers are companies like State Farm and Progressive, although there may be cheaper companies depending on your driving offense.
Any moving violation will raise your auto insurance rates. Some examples are speeding, failure to yield, and reckless driving tickets. DUIs and accidents will also raise your rates.
Some companies may charge more for a DUI than an at-fault accident, so comparing rates based on your driving offense is important.
How a Bad Driving Record Affects Drivers’ Rates
A bad driving record is an indicator to insurance companies that you are more likely to participate in poor driving behaviors in the future, which could lead to crashes. And since your insurance company will pay out the claim, your company will raise your auto insurance rates to offset future predicted costs.
However, another factor affecting how much you pay is your state’s average rates and how long offenses stay on your record.
Average rates for major driving offenses vary by state. You may be charged hundreds of dollars more after an accident in some states compared to cheaper states.
How to Buy Car Insurance When You Have a Bad Driving Record
If you have a bad driving record, shopping around for auto insurance quotes at our top companies will help you see if you can find a cheaper rate elsewhere.
You can also take advantage of discounts at the top companies for bad driving records.
Bad Driving Records Auto Insurance Discounts Comparison by Provider
| Insurance Company | Safe Driver | Bad Records | Vanishing Deductible | Accident Forgiveness | Multi-Policy | Defensive Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | 14% | 10% | 5% | 12% | 11% | 8% |
| American Family | 14% | 8% | 4% | 12% | 11% | 10% |
| Farmers | 13% | 9% | 7% | 9% | 9% | 6% |
| Geico | 16% | 7% | 4% | 8% | 11% | 9% |
| Liberty Mutual | 13% | 9% | 7% | 11% | 10% | 9% |
| Nationwide | 15% | 8% | 6% | 10% | 12% | 7% |
| Progressive | 12% | 6% | 6% | 8% | 10% | 7% |
| State Farm | 15% | 7% | 5% | 10% | 12% | 8% |
| Travelers | 14% | 10% | 5% | 11% | 13% | 8% |
As well, if you have an especially bad driving record and are required by your state to have an SR-22 certificate that proves you have insurance as a high-risk driver, it may be harder to find an auto insurance company willing to insure you. If this is the case, you may have to purchase auto insurance through your state.
Because guaranteed auto insurance through your state is more expensive, this should be a last resort for high-risk drivers. You should exhaust all other car insurance companies before applying through your state.
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The Final Word on Bad Driving Record Car Insurance
Because bad driving records raise your rates, the best thing you can do is look into the cheapest companies for your particular driving record. Just because a company is cheap for at-fault accidents doesn’t mean it will be cheap for DUIs or traffic tickets.
To get started on finding cheaper car insurance for bad driving records today, use our free quote comparison tool. It will help you find cheap insurance for bad driving records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have a terrible driving record?
If you have a terrible driving record and are denied coverage, you may have to apply through your state’s guaranteed auto insurance program for insurance. If you can find insurance companies willing to insure you, you should shop around and compare costs to see if you can find a cheaper rate.
How much will car insurance cost after an at-fault accident?
How much car insurance will cost after an at-fault accident depends upon your insurance company. Generally, your insurance rates can increase a few hundred dollars a year unless your auto insurance company offers accident forgiveness.
How much will car insurance cost after a traffic ticket?
It depends upon your auto insurance company and the level of severity of the traffic ticket. If you find your rates have increased significantly after a ticket, you should get quotes from a few different auto insurance providers to see if anyone else has a cheaper rate.
How many insurance claims can you make in a year?
If you are wondering how many insurance claims you can file in a year, the answer is that you can file as many claims as you need to. However, it is recommended that you should never file more than one claim a year, if possible, as multiple claims in a short period of time will drastically increase your auto insurance rates.
What is Progressive’s PIP claims address?
There isn’t a physical address to which you should send a claim to Progressive. Instead, you should file your PIP claim online or over the phone with an agent.
Can I still get auto insurance with a bad driving record?
Yes, you can generally still obtain auto insurance with a bad driving record. However, it may be more challenging to find affordable coverage, and insurance premiums are likely to be higher due to the increased risk associated with your driving history.
Are there insurance companies that specialize in providing coverage for drivers with a bad driving record?
Yes, there are insurance companies that specialize in providing coverage for drivers with a bad driving record. These companies often cater to high-risk drivers and may be more willing to offer coverage despite a problematic driving history. However, it’s important to note that premiums may still be higher compared to drivers with clean records.
How can I find affordable auto insurance with a bad driving record?
Finding affordable auto insurance with a bad driving record can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Some strategies to explore include shopping around and obtaining quotes from multiple insurance companies, considering higher deductibles to lower premiums, looking for available discounts, and improving your driving habits to demonstrate a commitment to safer driving over time.
What is the best car insurance for someone with a bad driving record?
The best car insurance for bad drivers is a full coverage policy, even though it costs more, as it provides full financial protection in case of an accident.
What is the cheapest car insurance for people with bad driving records?
The best company for cheap auto insurance for bad driving records is State Farm. Other good companies for cheap car insurance for bad driving records are Progressive and American Family.
How do you get around a bad driving record?
You can’t erase your record, but you can work to reduce rates and get cheap car insurance for bad driving records by shopping around.
Is there auto insurance that doesn’t check driving records?
No, there are no insurance companies that don’t check driving records.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Heidi Mertlich
Licensed Insurance Agent
Heidi works with top-rated insurance carriers to bring her clients the highest quality protection at the most competitive prices. She founded NoPhysicalTermLife.com, specializing in life insurance that doesn’t require a medical exam. Heidi is a regular contributor to several insurance websites, including FinanceBuzz.com, Insurist.com, and Forbes. As a parent herself, she understands the need ...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
