Insurance for a Bad Driving Record

If you are indentified as a high-risk driver, securing auto insurance can be a challenge. Some insurance companies will deny insurance to high-risk drivers, while others just decide to charge extremely high premiums. No matter which insurance company you pick, you will most likely end up with a high rate. However, each insurance company is different, so it is important to shop around for the best rates available.

There are several different factors that can contribute to a high-risk driver classification. However, your driving record is the most important factor in determining your risk position. If you have been involved in numerous accidents over the course of a year or within two to three years, these incidents will negatively affect your record even if they were not your fault. Being involved in any accident can deem you a careless driver with a proclivity for getting into unsafe positions. Also, if you have received several speeding tickets, you are also increasing your risk of getting into car accidents. You may be labeled a high-risk driver just by the amount of speeding tickets you have received.

There are also numerous personal factors that contributed to the high-risk label. Sadly, several of these factors are beyond your control. Men are usually deemed a higher risk than women, and those who live in the city are considered higher risk than those who reside in the country. If you are a city dweller, you will most likely pay higher car insurance premiums than if you live in the suburbs or in a rural area. Also, drivers with newer cars are charged higher premiums than those with older vehicles.

Unfortunately, even your credit history can influence your car insurance rating. Those with low credit ratings are typically charged higher premiums than those with better credit scores. Whether or not you have been covered by car insurance continuously is also a factor. If there are gaps in your coverage, they will assume that you have had periods of uninsured driving. Because driving without insurance is very risky and also against the law, insurance companies take this into consideration when considering your rate.

Though it can take many years of clean driving to remove the high-risk driver label, it can still be done. Three years is the industry standard for reassessing a driver’s safety standing. If you have a clean record for a three-year period, you can work your way back to the benefits of lower premiums. However, three years’ worth of high premiums can really add up over time. If you are a high-risk driver, there are still ways to lower your insurance payments. With a little research, you can reduce your payments by a fair amount.

There are various car insurance companies that provide complimentary quotes online. You can get online SR22 insurance quotes on our website, and we can shop multiple companies to get you the best rates.

Working toward a spotless driving record is the best way to ensure that you will get the best auto insurance rates. Stay away from congested areas whenever possible, and be sure to slow down in reduced speed zones. Be aware of your surroundings and never speed, and you will be on your way to a successful reduction in your rates.