Finding an affordable car insurance policy can be a tricky process, especially if you’re considered a “high-risk” driver. Things like a couple of speeding tickets, an at-fault accident, or a less-than-stellar credit score can send your monthly payments soaring. To insurance companies, these signals point to a greater likelihood of future claims, and that risk translates into higher premiums for you. Earning the high-risk label doesn’t mean you’re out of options, though. Plenty of respected insurers either specialize in helping drivers with imperfect records or offer reasonable and competitive choices. It’s entirely possible to secure good coverage without completely draining your wallet. This guide will explore the standout providers for high-risk drivers, explain what lands you in this category, and share practical ways to save money.

What Makes a Driver High-Risk?

There’s no universal definition because each company uses its own formula. Generally, you’re likely to be seen as high-risk if your recent history suggests you’re more likely to need payouts.

Some frequent reasons people land in this group include:

  • Major Moving Violations: A DUI or DWI is an automatic warning sign. Just one can make your yearly bills jump by 70% to 150%, depending on carrier and location. Reckless driving is almost as serious.
  • Multiple At-Fault Collisions: A pattern of causing crashes is troubling for any insurer. Even one can result in a spike of 45-50%.
  • Stacked-Up Speeding Incidents: While a single ticket may only prompt a small increase, multiple tickets within a few years signal ongoing risk-taking.
  • Low Credit: In most places, companies look at an insurance-based credit score. Lower numbers are linked to a greater chance of claims, and that means higher monthly payments.
  • Coverage Gaps: A break in coverage, even for a short period, often triggers increased costs when it’s reinstated.
  • Inexperience or Youth: Drivers just getting started or young people have higher accident rates and thus often get lumped into higher-risk rates.

Top Providers for Challenging Driving Histories

Doing your homework is critical. Rates and willingness to help differ by company. Here are some top choices for people facing insurance difficulties in 2025.

Progressive: A Leading Option After a DUI

Being cited for driving under the influence is one of the harshest strikes on your record and reliably drives up what you’ll pay. Progressive is well-known for treating these customers more favorably than some other big insurers. On average, national increases for this violation range from 70% to 150%, but with Progressive, hikes are closer to 40%. The company also handles SR-22 filings (the proof many states require after a serious infraction), streamlining the process. That mix of relatively modest increases and support with paperwork makes Progressive a likely bet if you’re navigating a tough period. Of course, actual quotes vary depending on your state and record.

USAA: Best Value for Qualifying Members

USAA is always worth considering for anyone with an affiliation to the military, whether you’ve logged a ticket, wreck, or even a DUI. Its prices in riskier situations are especially competitive, though not always the absolute lowest for every offense. Progressive can sometimes undercut USAA for certain infractions, especially DUIs. Still, USAA is noted for customer care and a large menu of possible discounts. If you’re eligible, it belongs on your short list.

Erie Insurance: Consistency for Drivers with Repeated Accidents

Though Erie only serves a dozen states and Washington, D.C., it stands apart for those who have had more than one accident. Erie often maintains some of the lowest rates for these scenarios and regularly scores well for customer satisfaction. Its standout feature is “Rate Lock,” which keeps your premium the same (even after a claim) except in cases of adding or dropping a driver or vehicle, or changing where you park your car. This consistency can make staying insured much less stressful.

Geico: Worth Quoting for Speeding and Cost Control

Geico is known for sharp prices, particularly if you have a few speeding penalties. Even if it’s not always the absolute cheapest in every situation, Geico tends to stay highly competitive across many scenarios. The company is also generous with discounts: car safety equipment, driver training, and good grades can all help bring down what you pay, helping offset record-related increases.

Dairyland: A Last Resort When Others Pass

If traditional companies decline to offer you coverage, Dairyland is one of the established names in what’s called “non-standard” insurance. They’re equipped to help drivers with lots of violations, those in need of SR-22 forms, or people with less-than-ideal credit maintain required protection. Filing SR-22 forms is commonplace among high-risk agencies, and Dairyland’s prices are usually above what you’d pay with a mainstream provider. Nonetheless, their service is vital for those struggling to find help through traditional channels.

Strategies for Managing Your Monthly Premium

Being considered a higher-risk applicant will almost certainly mean higher charges, but you still have tools to help shrink your bill:

1. Compare, Compare, Compare

Rates for the same history can vary dramatically between companies; sometimes by hundreds (or thousands) of dollars a year. Request quotes from several sources, mixing both regional and major providers, and always check companies comfortable serving people in difficult situations.

2. Complete a Driver Safety Class

Finishing an approved defensive driving course or similar program often qualifies you for a lower payment. Check with your provider about which classes qualify before enrolling.

3. Strengthen Your Credit

Where rules allow, a rising credit score means better pricing. Building credit takes time, but you can improve your score by cutting debt, paying bills promptly, and only opening new accounts as needed.

4. Set a Higher Deductible

Opting for a higher out-of-pocket threshold (such as $1,000 instead of $500) means a smaller ongoing premium. Just make sure you could pay that amount in the event of an accident.

5. Seek Out All Savings Opportunities

A checkered record doesn’t always rule out every discount. Ask about:

  • Combining your vehicle policy with home or renters insurance
  • Qualifying car safety gear
  • Full upfront payments or recurring automated drafts
  • Student achievement (for those still in school)

There’s hope because your classification won’t last forever. Most tickets or single accidents leave your record after around three to five years; more serious violations like a DUI may follow you for a decade or longer, depending on the rules in your state.

Drive safely and keep your policy active as these events drop off. Recheck your options regularly (every six to twelve months) because a clean record over time can mean lower rates. Gradually, you’ll move out of the higher-risk group and regain access to more affordable options.