Are you or a loved one that you’re seeking coverage for considered a high-risk driver? Do you wonder if there’s a way to lower your premiums while holding that title?
Even if you’re considered a high-risk driver, you still deserve to look for auto insurance rates that are as favorable as possible. Why pay the price for past mistakes? To find good rates, high-risk drivers just need to be a bit more strategic during their search.
See below for an in-depth guide on how you can find the best insurance for high-risk drivers without sabotaging price or coverage. That way, you can have confidence in your insurance once again.
What are High-Risk Drivers?
As you might very well know, all car insurance companies have ways of calculating how much risk is attached to any particular customer.
They consider things such as where you live, your age, your marital status, how long you’ve been driven, your driving history, the car you drive, and so much more. All of these things help them determine what rates would benefit both you and them. Remember, they’re a business, too!
Those factors won’t add up in your favor if you have a driving history filled with traffic violations, a crash or two, and so on. Having any combination of those will classify you as a high-risk driver in the eyes of insurance providers.
Once you’ve been given that title, you’re considered a high-risk driver for anywhere between 6 months to up to 10 years, depending on the severity of it. This can make it difficult to find auto insurance rates in your favor.
The good news is that term doesn’t always stick with you if you take actionable steps towards improving it. For example, you could take a North Carolina defensive driving course to help clean up your driving record.
Where Can I Find High-Risk Insurance?
So, given that you’re considered a high-risk driver, where will you be able to find insurance for your car? After all, you’re still legally required to have it, whether you’re high-risk or low-risk.
Many high-risk drivers make the mistake of going with the big name insurance companies for their high-risk driving and pay the price for it. Those big companies exploit high-risk drivers, making them feel as if they have no choice but to pay the high premiums those companies charge them.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. Take the time to look for high-risk car insurance through a local insurance service. This will allow you the chance to explain your situation and get guidance from an experienced and knowledgeable insurance professional.
Better yet, they can help you find different ways of lowering your premium. For example, if you take a driver safety course, then they might recommend you raise your deductible.
Doing so can help you lower the monthly premiums that you pay. The driver safety course will reduce the likelihood of you getting a ticket or being involved in an accident, which will help lower your rates and disconnect yourself from the “high-risk driver” title.
Are Some Drivers More High-Risk Than Others?
The short answer is ‘yes’. Most people think that the term ‘high-risk driver’ only applies to those with past violations, accidents, or DUI/DWI charges. However, many other situations can give you that title.
You might be considered a high-risk driver if you:
- Are over the age of 70
- Have a poor credit history
- Just received your license
- Own and drive an exotic vehicle (EX: Lamborghini, Bugatti, Ferrari, etc.)
- Have a bad history with paying car insurance
Fair or unfair, these all are considered factors of a high-risk driver. In other words, they increase the likelihood that you’ll be involved in a car accident at some point.
It’s time to buck that trend. Find yourself a reputable auto insurance provider to work with and concentrate on bettering your driving habits. This will gradually improve your driving record over time.
What to Look for in High-Risk Coverage
So what should you look for in high-risk auto insurance? You’d be surprised at the number of options that you still have, even if you’re considered high risk. Here are a few of the main things to focus on while you search for car insurance:
- Personal Budget– If you haven’t already, be sure to create a monthly budget. This will help you understand how much you can afford to pay in car insurance premiums, ensuring that you don’t overextend.
- Insurance Provider– The provider that you invest in is vitally important. Most companies believe that the odds are stacked against you as a high-risk driver. Will the provider be there when you need them most? Are they offering you fair coverage or trying to exploit your high-risk title for their own personal gain?
- Coverage Details– Don’t ever invest in auto insurance before reading the finer details of the coverage it offers. You want to make sure all of your needs are met. After all, if you’re going to be paying monthly premiums, don’t you want to make sure it’s worth the investment?
High-Risk Drivers: Find the Best Auto Insurance for Your Situation
The most important thing for high-risk drivers to remember is this: that title won’t last forever if you take actionable steps to improve your reputation.
Be sure to read this article for more information on how age affects car insurance and what you can expect while you shop for it.
For more inquiries on our rates, please begin by reaching out via our contact us page and we will be happy to assist you in any way that we can.
