Car Insurance for Bad Driving Records: Options & Tips
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Cheap Car Insurance Tips for a Bad Driving Record
Cheap auto insurance for those with a bad driving record might sound like a myth. If you’re looking for car insurance quotes, you may wonder if having a poor driving record will cost you.
If you have a few non-moving violations or even a speeding ticket, you may have a clean driving record. But what counts as a “bad driving record”?
Here are a few examples:
These are just a few major offenses that could prevent you from finding the best cheap car insurance for your vehicle. And if any of the above apply to you, you're likely classified as a high-risk driver, which is a label that comes with a real cost.
Car insurance for bad drivers typically runs 25% to over 50% more than standard rates, depending on the nature and recency of the incidents on your record. This type of coverage is sometimes called "nonstandard" or "high-risk" insurance, and while it costs more, it's not out of reach.
But don’t fret, if you have one of the examples listed above on your record or more than a few speeding tickets, you can still find cheap car insurance for bad drivers with our helpful tips below.
Be Forthcoming About Your Record
While initially searching for a quote, you may think you’re going to get away with not mentioning your bad driving record. That could be because when you get a quick quote online, the systems don’t run checks on your DMV driving record.
It’s only after you take the next steps after getting a cheap car insurance quote, that an insurer looks into your driving record. Even if you’ve been in accidents that occurred more than 3 years ago, you need to disclose that information.
Insurers can pull your CLUE report, which despite sounding like the summary of a classic board game isn’t fun if your name shows up in the “whodunit” folder.
If you realize that you have a bad driving record and you’re ready to be upfront about it, you’re probably wondering, “How do I find cheap car insurance for bad driving records?”
Here are some ways to go about it:
Research Alternative Insurers
There are a lot of options when it comes to getting cheap car insurance for bad driving records and several other companies exist other than those with funny commercials. Take the time to look for other lesser-known companies that can offer better coverage.
Look for discounts
There are lots of discounts available when you are trying to find cheap auto insurance for bad driving records. If you are a good student or have taken defensive driving courses, you might be eligible for discounts.
Not all of the best cheap car insurance discounts have to do with a driving record. Some depend on what kind of safety features your car has and whether or not it has a car alarm. So, don’t discount yourself before you even take a look.
Increase Your Deductible
Opting for a higher deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in) can meaningfully lower your monthly premium. Just make sure the deductible amount is something you could realistically cover if an accident happens.
Bundle Your Policies
Combining auto coverage with renters or homeowners insurance is one of the more overlooked ways to find cheap insurance for bad driving record holders. Many insurers offer multi-policy discounts that can offset some of the premium increase tied to your driving history.
Don’t Get More Violations
Your driving record from the last 7 to 10 years may be used to determine how much you pay for auto insurance, but the last 12 to 36 months are the most influential to potential insurers. That means you seriously need to avoid receiving any more violations on your record. If you don’t, you run the risk of being dropped by a potential insurer completely.
Don’t Let Your Insurance Lapse
Cheap auto insurance for bad driving records is possible to find, but if you let your insurance lapse, even for just one month, you may see those chances evaporate.
This is because insurers assume that you’re driving without coverage at all, making you appear to be a much higher risk driver.
Not to mention, driving without auto insurance is a big risk that could come with serious consequences.
Best Car Insurance for Bad Drivers: Providers by Category
The best car insurance company for bad drivers truly depends on what type of incidents are on your record. Different insurers treat incidents differently in how much they will cost drivers to insure their car.
Finding the right car insurance for bad driving records starts with knowing which companies are willing to work with high-risk drivers (and what each does best).
- Specialized/Nonstandard Insurers: Companies like The General, Dairyland, SafeAuto, and Bristol West are built specifically for high-risk and nonstandard drivers. If major carriers have turned you away, these are strong starting points.
- Major Insurers That Accept High-Risk Drivers: State Farm, Progressive, and GEICO may still cover you depending on your record. Progressive tends to be more competitive for DUI-related violations, while GEICO is often cited as better for speeding ticket histories.
- Best for Specific Situations: If you have multiple accidents on your record, Erie Insurance is frequently recommended. For teen drivers or households with young drivers, State Farm is often a top option.
Keep in mind that rates vary significantly by state, incident type, and recency. No single list will define your situation, which is why shopping multiple quotes is essential.
Geico and Progressive, when compared to others, offer cheap auto insurance for bad driving records.
However, those particular findings and comparisons are for an individual living in Jacksonville, Florida with accidents and tickets occurring within the last year.
That probably doesn’t define you. So, you’ll need to do some work to find the best policy for you.
Understanding High-Risk Car Insurance
Why it costs more
Insurers price policies based on risk. Drivers with violations or at-fault accidents on their record are statistically more likely to file claims, so insurers charge more to offset that exposure.
For some drivers, the annual cost difference can run into the thousands. That's the reality of car insurance for bad drivers, but understanding it helps you make smarter decisions when comparing quotes.
SR-22 requirements
If you've had a serious violation (such as a DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance), your state may require an SR-22 filing. This isn't a type of insurance; it's a certificate your insurer files with the state to confirm you're carrying the minimum required coverage.
Not every insurer handles SR-22s, so if you need one, confirm that before committing to a policy.
Assigned risk plans
If you've been denied by multiple carriers, you're not completely out of options. Most states operate "assigned risk" programs that guarantee minimum coverage to drivers who can't obtain it through the standard market.
It's not a path to cheap car insurance for bad driving record holders (premiums are high), but it keeps you legal and insured while you work to rebuild your record.
Finding the Best Policy for You
It may feel like finding cheap car insurance for bad drivers is impossible. But fear not! It’s still possible, but it will take a little more than spending 15 minutes to see if you can save.
If you don’t have luck initially, don’t feel like you’ll be doomed to pay high insurance rates for the rest of your driving life. You should search again every six months to see if you have earned cheaper car insurance rates.
If you haven’t looked for new auto insurance rates recently, CarShield has tips on why you should.
The further that bad driving record gets in your rearview, the better your rates will become. In the meantime, it's worth making sure all your bases are covered.
Remember, car insurance and a vehicle service contract protect different things, and understanding that distinction can help you avoid costly gaps in coverage. If you're still working through how to get car insurance with a bad driving record, be patient, stay consistent, and keep shopping.
