Your driving record is one of the most significant factors that insurance companies consider when determining your car insurance rates. If you have a clean driving history, you’re likely to enjoy lower premiums. However, if your record includes infractions such as speeding tickets, accidents, or a DUI, you may find that your rates are significantly higher.
This article will explore how your driving record impacts your insurance costs and offer insights into finding the best car insurance for bad drivers.
How Your Driving Record Affects Car Insurance Rates
Insurance companies use your driving record as a risk indicator. If you have a history of safe driving, you’re seen as a low-risk policyholder, which can result in lower premiums. However, if your record is less than perfect, finding affordable car insurance for bad drivers can be challenging. A poor driving history often leads to higher premiums, as insurers view you as a higher risk. To minimize costs, it’s crucial to explore different options and consider specialized insurance for bad drivers.
Compare Car Insurance Rates by Driving Record
Comparing car insurance rates is vital, especially for those with a bad driving record. Insurance companies evaluate driving histories differently, meaning the same record might yield different quotes depending on the insurer. This is why it’s essential to shop around and compare rates to find the most affordable bad driving record insurance available.
Car Insurance Rates for Drivers With a Speeding Ticket
A speeding ticket might seem minor, but it can cause a significant increase in your insurance premiums. On average, rates can go up by about 26% after a speeding ticket. Here’s how various insurers rank:
Insurance Rate Increases by Company:
- USAA: $1,661/year ($138/month)
- Nationwide: $1,878/year ($157/month)
- Erie: $1,899/year ($158/month)
- Travelers: $2,062/year ($172/month)
- Geico: $2,150/year ($179/month)
- State Farm: $2,270/year ($189/month)
- Westfield: $2,335/year ($195/month)
- Progressive: $2,350/year ($196/month)
- Auto-Owners: $2,457/year ($205/month)
- Mercury: $3,062/year ($255/month)
- Allstate: $3,312/year ($276/month)
- Safe Auto: $3,543/year ($295/month)
- Farmers: $3,951/year ($329/month)
While these increases can be steep, some companies still offer competitive auto insurance for bad drivers. USAA, Nationwide, and Erie are among the more affordable options for drivers with a speeding ticket.
State-by-State Comparison: Car Insurance for People with a Bad Driving Record
The impact of a speeding ticket on your car insurance rates varies widely depending on where you live. For instance, drivers in Vermont face the lowest average rate increase of 17%, with an average annual cost of $1,353. Conversely, drivers in Michigan could see a much larger increase, with rates jumping by up to 54%.
Examples of Rate Increases by State:
States with Lowest Rate Increases:
- Vermont: $1,353/year ($113/month)
- Hawaii: $1,597/year ($133/month)
- Idaho: $1,534/year ($128/month)
States with Highest Rate Increases:
- Florida: $4,838/year ($403/month)
- California: $4,020/year ($335/month)
- Louisiana: $4,471/year ($373/month)
Understanding these differences is crucial when looking for car insurance for people with a bad driving record. Knowing how your state impacts your insurance rates can help you find better deals and manage costs more effectively.
Car Insurance for Drivers With a DUI
A DUI is one of the most serious driving infractions and can lead to a dramatic increase in car insurance rates. On average, a DUI can raise your premiums by 71%, making it essential to search for the best car insurance for people with bad driving records. Progressive is often recommended for those with a DUI, offering more affordable rates compared to other insurers.
Top Insurance Companies for Drivers with a DUI:
- Progressive: Known for offering competitive rates to drivers with a DUI. It offers $2,307/year on average for drivers with a DUI.
- Westfield: Generally has higher rates, sometimes almost double those of Progressive. It charges $4,577/year on average.
If you’ve had a DUI, it’s vital to compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best auto insurance for people with bad driving records.
Finding the Best Comprehensive Car Insurance for Bad Drivers
Even with a bad driving record, it’s possible to find the best comprehensive car insurance. Comprehensive insurance offers protection beyond standard collision coverage, including protection against theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. While it might be pricier for those with a poor driving history, securing comprehensive coverage can provide peace of mind.
Tips for Finding the Best Coverage:
- Compare Quotes: Shopping around is key to finding the best direct auto insurance quote, especially if your record isn’t spotless.
- Seek Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for things like bundling policies, maintaining continuous coverage, or completing defensive driving courses.
By exploring these options, you can find a policy that meets your needs without breaking the bank, even if you require bad driving record insurance.
Your driving record plays a crucial role in determining your car insurance rates. Whether you have a single speeding ticket or a more serious offense like a DUI, it’s essential to compare quotes and find the best insurance for your situation. By understanding how different factors affect your rates and exploring various options, you can secure affordable car insurance for bad drivers.