If you've had accidents, traffic violations, a DUI, or a lapse in coverage, you're considered a high-risk driver by most insurance companies. That status comes with higher premiums — sometimes dramatically higher — and some standard insurers will simply refuse to write a policy for you. But having a less-than-perfect driving record doesn't mean you have to go without coverage or pay whatever rate you're first quoted. Several major insurers specialize in or remain competitive for non-standard and high-risk drivers, and comparing them can save you hundreds per year.

What Makes a Driver 'High-Risk'?

• At-Fault Accidents

  A single at-fault accident typically raises your premium 30–50% at renewal and stays on your driving record for three to five years depending on the state. Multiple at-fault accidents in a short period can make it difficult to find coverage from standard insurers at any reasonable price.

• Major Traffic Violations

  Speeding tickets, reckless driving, and other moving violations increase your risk profile. The impact depends on severity — a 10mph-over ticket is different from a reckless driving charge. Many violations affect your rate for three to five years.

• DUI or DWI Conviction

  A DUI is one of the most serious risk factors in auto insurance. It typically doubles or triples your premiums and can stay on your record for five to ten years in most states. Many standard insurers will decline to renew your policy after a DUI, requiring you to shop the non-standard market.

• Lapsed Coverage

  A gap in your insurance history — even a short one — signals risk to insurers and can raise your premiums. Continuous coverage is important not just legally but financially. Maintaining at least minimum coverage at all times, even on a parked vehicle, protects your rating history.

• SR-22 Requirement

  Some states require high-risk drivers to file an SR-22 form — a certificate of financial responsibility — as a condition of maintaining or reinstating their license. Not all insurers file SR-22s, so high-risk drivers with this requirement need to confirm this before purchasing a policy.

Best Car Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers

• Progressive

  Progressive is frequently the most competitive insurer for drivers with accidents and violations in their history. They use a broader rating system that weighs multiple factors, and their Name Your Price tool can help high-risk drivers find affordable coverage that meets their budget. They also file SR-22s in states that require them.

• State Farm

  State Farm is often more lenient with minor violations and older accidents than other major insurers. Their Drive Safe & Save telematics program can help high-risk drivers with good current habits earn rate reductions over time, effectively rebuilding their rating profile.

• The General

  The General specializes in the non-standard auto insurance market and specifically targets drivers who have been turned down elsewhere. While their rates are often higher than standard carriers, they provide a path to coverage for drivers who would otherwise struggle to get insured.

• Dairyland

  Dairyland has decades of experience serving high-risk drivers and files SR-22s in all states that require them. They're not the cheapest option, but they're accessible to drivers with serious violations or significant accidents when other options aren't available.

• GEICO

  GEICO's massive scale means they can sometimes absorb higher-risk drivers at more competitive rates than smaller insurers. They're worth including in your high-risk comparison, especially for drivers with one or two older violations rather than recent major incidents.

The single most effective strategy for reducing your high-risk premiums over time is maintaining a clean record going forward. Most violations age off your record within three to five years, and your rate will reflect that improvement at each renewal. Taking a defensive driving course can sometimes accelerate rate reductions and demonstrates to insurers that you're actively working to improve your driving habits.

Telematics programs — where the insurer monitors your actual driving behavior through an app or device — give high-risk drivers an opportunity to prove current safe habits regardless of past record. Companies like Progressive, State Farm, and Allstate offer these programs, and savings can reach 10–30% for genuinely safe drivers. If your past violations are historical rather than representative of how you drive today, a telematics program can be one of the fastest paths to a more competitive rate.