What Makes You A High
Many criteria can place you into a high-risk driver category some of them are beyond your control, some reflect your driving history, and some don’t even relate to cars at all. Those with high-risk status can include:
- Teens and other newly licensed drivers
- Elderly drivers
- Drivers with poor credit scores or a high debt-to-income ratio
- Drivers with a history of at-fault accidents
- Drivers who have received a speeding ticket or other traffic violation in the past three years
- Drivers with a DUI conviction
- Drivers who allowed coverage to lapse or received a citation for no insurance
Will My Insurer Ever Forget That I Was A High
The answer to this question is somewhat two-fold. Yes, the insurance companies will stop considering your high-risk status, but it will take a very, very long time. The good news is that you can already start benefiting from improved driving behaviours every year your rates will start improving constantlybut it can take up to 20 years to fully erase your bad driving history in the eyes of an insurance company, because some insurers rate you on a 20-year basis.
Best For Lowering Costs: Progressive
Progressive, the third largest car insurer in the U.S., has a great online quoting tool that shows you comparative rates from other insurers and lets you name your price. The online quote provides helpful suggestions on the kind of coverage you can expect for the price youve cited.
If you’re a high-risk driver, Progressive offers a plan to help you lower your rates by monitoring your driving habits. Its Snapshot safe driver program can help lower your insurance cost, something that can be particularly helpful to high-risk drivers who are looking to turn their driving habits around and save on premiums.
We chose Progressive as best for lowering costs because of the features it offers to help customize your price by getting a quote yourself online or with an agents help.
Progressive offers flexible pricing options that can help drivers save on their premiums based on the amount of coverage they need.
Although its online quoting tool is impressive, Progressives customer service satisfaction rankings fall below average in some regions while they are about average in others. Its complaint trends with state regulators were somewhat worse than average in both 2018 and 2019.
Depending on how you get your quote, Progressives insurance cost will vary. It uses different pricing for agents, brokers, and online sales because of differences in expenses among these sales methods.
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What Can You Do To De
While some factors like age or gender are outside your control, other factors that increase your driving risk class are completely manageable. In general, experts recommend that you take the following steps to de-risk your driving coverage:
- Take steps to improve your credit score
- Take a driver safety course
- Shop for better insurance rates three years after your last traffic violation
- Dont allow your auto coverage to lapse
What You Need To Know:

- A conviction remains on your record for 3 years
- As of October 2016, drugged driving carries the same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol
- You may become eligible to drive again after 1 year from your conviction
- First-time offenders can be eligible for a reduced suspension
Fighting a Charge? If you decide to fight your impaired driving charge, we will help connect you with legal professionals that can assist in your case.
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Where Can I Get High
While there are some insurance companies that wont insure high-risk drivers, there are several who do. There are even some companies that specialize in providing insurance plans for high-risk drivers. Consumers should be forewarned that even the lowest rates for high-risk auto insurance will still be at a higher price than similar coverage on a standard car insurance policy.
Rates For New Drivers
New drivers tend to have less experience on the road than older drivers. Teens are more likely to get into a car accident than any other age group, according to the Centers for Disease Control . Rates for teen drivers are usually higher to compensate for this risk. If you are the parent of a teen driver, you could expect a steep increase with a teen driver added to your policy. For example, by adding a new, 16-year-old driver, the average increase is about 118%, or $2,081 per year. The rates below for 16-, 17- and 18-year-old drivers represent the full cost once the driver is added to a parents policy.
National average full coverage premium |
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*Rates calculated for drivers on their parents policy
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How Do Insurance Companies Calculate Risk
There are a few considerations that insurance companies evaluate when determining your driving risk. The most important factor is your actual driving record. Those who have at-fault accidents, driving infractions or DUIs on their records will automatically be considered a higher risk. A clean driving record, however, means a lower premium.
Your commute whether to work or school is factored in as well. The longer you drive one way, the more chances you have to get into an accident. The make of your vehicle is another consideration because the belief is that someone driving a sports car is more likely to drive recklessly than someone driving a minivan with a family inside. Your age and marital status also play into the insurance quote. The younger the driver, the more inexperienced they are considered to be. A married person is considered to be more responsible than a single person.
How To Find Insurance If You’re High
If youre a high-risk driver, youre not necessarily doomed to a life of low-quality insurance. There are a number of insurance providers who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers and you should look for the following:
Compare Multiple Quotes and Negotiate With Insurers to Find Rates You Can Afford
High-risk drivers naturally pay more for their auto insurance than drivers who arent considered risky. You may be able to secure a lower rate by bundling, negotiating with your insurance provider or explaining previous claims on your record.
Look for Insurers With a Fair and Clear Pricing System
If youre considered a high-risk driver because you filed a claim for a minor fender bender, you shouldnt be paying the same amount as a driver whos been convicted of a DUI. Look for an insurance provider who offers clear and straightforward fees and premium calculations. You can compare pricing as well as negotiate with other insurance providers for a lower rate.
Ask for Assistance for Getting Out of the High-Risk Category
Every state has its own laws that dictate how long traffic violations, claims, and other driving penalties stay on your record, but the best high-risk insurance providers also offer their clients assistance moving out of this expensive category.
Look for Applicable Discounts
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High Risk Auto Insurance Free Quote Online
At McDougall Insurance we know drivers can run into some tough luck every once in a while but we dont want that to stop them from being able to drive. High risk drivers can often find themselves having a hard time getting insurance for a reasonable price. At McDougall Insurance we have access to more high risk insurance markets than any other broker in Ontario. What does this mean for you? It means we have the best chance of finding an insurance policy that you can ride away feeling good about.
High Risk Driver Insurance Premium
There are several factors that impact the rating and insurance premium for a high risk driver. Being a young driver with one accident and a ticket can get you stuck in the high risk category. Too many convictions, or serious/criminal convictions will vault you to high risk insurance in the blink of an eye. A culmination of at-fault accidents will do it to you as well. License suspensions or cancellation for non-payments can do it as well. Because everyones situation is different the insurance premium for high risk drivers can also look very different. The good news for you is no matter what your story is McDougall Insurance is here to help.
High Risk Driver Cover
There are a number of reasons why you might be considered non-standard or a high risk driver to a standard insurance provider. You could have:
- limited experience
- an outstanding car insurance claim
- a criminal or driving conviction
Furthermore, you could have missed a car finance/insurance payment, have speeding tickets, or you could even live in an area considered a high risk by most insurers. We believe high risk drivers can change their driving style to become a safe and sensible driver, so there is no need to decline, refuse or cancel their insurance.
For an instant quote online, click the Get a Quote button now, or give us a call:
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Factors Of High Risk Car Insurance: Zip Code
Where you live can easily make insurance providers leery of providing you with standard car insurance coverage. Something as specific as your zip code may deem you high risk.
This is due to some places having higher crime rates than others. Population density may also play a role as more people in the area means more vehicles and thus more car accidents and damages to vehicles.
Your zip code will impact your insurance premium terms, sometimes regardless of your driving record. Do not look over this when shopping for coverage.
Other Serious Driving Violations

A DUI is one example of a serious driving violation, and your insurance premiums will also spike if you have any other type of serious driving violation such as hit and run, road rage, reckless driving or excessive speeding. Higher insurance premiums may be the least of your worries, however, as some of these moving violations can be considered felonies that could result in jail time.
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What Our Customers Are Saying
Jason Lloyd
I have been a long time customer of the McDougall Insurance Pembroke office. I received quotes from another broker a few years ago, but I decided to stay loyal to McDougall Insurance in Pembroke. The service and professionalism was better, the price was better and every year they discuss my insurance options with me. I insurance my business and my personal interests with McDougall in Pembroke, and I have zero worries. This is the best insurance office in Pembroke/Petawawa, hands down.
Laura DeLuca
I would highly recommend McDougall Insurance in Arnprior. Friendly staff and great prices.Scott Ferrier has been my insurance broker for the past three years. Scott is always helpful, quick to respond and takes his time explaining any policies or questions I may have. I trust I am getting the best rates and am comfortable knowing if I ever came across a problem, hed be there to help.
Tracey Buote
Amy Metherall
I have been with McDougall Insurance for a few years now, My broker is Mike Cunha and Im pleased to say he has provided me with great service from day one. Whenever I have questions or concerns he is there to help within moments. He found me a great policy and has saved me a ton of money. I highly recommend this brokerage to all!
Dui / Dwi Car Insurance
If you have been convicted of a DUI, you know that it can be a long and costly road back to the driver’s seat. One thing that doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, however, is your post-DUI car insurance. We have helped many drivers convicted of a DUI or DWI find affordable auto insurance. In fact, cheap DUI insurance is a specialty of ours. We can walk you through the whole SR-22 filing process securely and confidentially. There’s no need to fill out reams of paperwork or spend days on the phone waiting to speak with someone. Youll have DUI car insurance rates in a matter of minutes, right from your computer or mobile device. Or, if you prefer, you can speak with one of our helpful and knowledgeable agents on the phone who can assist you with any questions about DUI car insurance you may have.
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Not Sure If You Are A High
High-risk drivers are considered by insurance companies to be drivers who are statistically more likely to get into an accident. How do they determine higher risk? By considering a number of factors, including: age, experience, driving record and ticket history, and more.
If you fit the following profile, it is likely that you are considered a high-risk driver by your insurer:
- Youve hadtwo at-fault accidents in the last 10 years
- Youve been issued two or three tickets in the last 10 years
You Have An Accident On Your Record
If you have an at-fault accident on your record, insurance companies may assume that youre more likely to be involved in an accident in the future. Even a minor fender bender can significantly increase your coverage rates, especially if you also have multiple traffic violations or tickets on your record as well.
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What To Check In High Risk Auto Insurance Companies
Now that you have the idea of how different companies and different states charge for high risk auto insurance. Its time to evaluate different companies to check which one is perfect for your requirements. The two main factors to evaluate are the financial condition of the company and the number of complaints. Lets understand the impact of both factors on the car insurance rates:
The Best For Customer Satisfaction: State Farm
State Farm is right there among the very best high-risk auto insurance companies. It is the biggest insurer in the US, suggesting superb financial strength. Moreover, State Farm is renowned for its first-rate customer service. In our review the company didnt score in this department as well as it did in other car insurance reviews, but the insurers with better results dont specialize in the high-risk market.
Furthermore, the company offers its Steer Clear Safe Driving program for drivers under 25, which can reduce premiums significantly, and Drive Safe & Save plan, which uses a mobile app to track how you drive, and it can lower the price of your high-risk auto insurance by up to an astonishing 50%.
Nevertheless, be prepared to pay a higher price if you choose State Farmwe found that the rates the company offers are among the more expensive.
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What Insurers Will Help Me To Get High
It is not a secret that, for many companies, should you fall into the category of a high-risk driver, you will become uninsurable. That means that some insurers will decide not to insure you and will refuse to offer you a policy. Some companies are more flexible and will still provide you with car insurance, but it will be offered at a higher rate. Here are a few providers that can help you:
- Pafco Insurance
- Jevco Insurance
- Coachman Insurance
You can try to get a quote from other providers insurance companies constantly adjust their so-called underwriting logic and you might be lucky. Remember, the fewer traffic violations youve had and the further back they are, the better.
Car Insurance Costs For High

If you are considered a high-risk driver, you are likely going to pay higher insurance costs. However, the amount you will pay varies by driver, state and insurance company. Insurance companies weigh some risks more heavily than others. The best way to know how much youll pay for car insurance is to get quotes from several providers.
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How Much Is The Cost Of High
Wondering how much does high risk auto insurance costs? Well, the short answer is it depends on the drivers profile. The long answer is each category of a high-risk driver gets different insurance quotes. For example, drivers with poor credit scores will get a different high risk driver insurance quote than drivers with DUI.
Similarly, the cost also varies for minimum and full coverage insurance. If you want to buy only the minimum requirements of your state then the cost will be less. But if you need full coverage insurance for your vehicle then the cost of the premium will be much higher.
The Best For Financial Strength: Geico
Geico is another company that gets outstanding results in our review. It has top of the line discounts, a world-class website and mobile app, and it uses a logical and transparent system to draft their high-risk car insurance quotes.
What sets it apart from the competition is that the company is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, the third company in the 2018 Fortune 500 rankings. This means that Geicos financial strength is second to none. The better the financial health of the company, the less hesitant it will be about paying customers claims.
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Driving Under The Influence
This is among the most common major traffic citations, but it still commands a high premium hike and requires high-risk car insurance. Statistically, a DUI causes more bodily injury, property damage and death benefit payments than any other violation. Your premium will increase from 30% to 50% yearly, no matter where you live. Additionally, you will have to pay high fines for the DUI, and you might be required to purchase SR22 insurance, which is among the most expensive types of insurance.
Lapse In Insurance Coverage
If you let your insurance lapse, whether by canceling your policy or not paying your premium, you’re going to find that premiums are higher once you reapply. This is because a lapse in coverage indicates to insurers that you may not be reliable financially. And depending on the length of the lapse, some insurers may not grant you coverage at all.
The good news is that over time, and once you prove to the insurance company that you’re a responsible driver, your premiums will drop back down to normal rates. The bad news is that it may take six months or more for your policy premiums to decrease.
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