What is the high-risk auto insurance called?
Elijah King
Published Jan 19, 2026
nonstandard auto insurance
What Is High-Risk Auto Insurance? Okay, high-risk auto insurance (also known in the industry as nonstandard auto insurance) is the coverage you have to buy when an insurance company decides you’re more at risk of getting into an accident and filing a claim than the average driver.
What does high risk insurance cost?
How much does high-risk driver insurance cost?
| State | Average Rate | Bad Credit |
|---|---|---|
| California | $1,461 | $1,461 |
| Colorado | $1,095 | $1,784 |
| Connecticut | $1,597 | $2,351 |
| DC | $1,628 | $2,711 |
What is high risk coverage?
High-risk auto insurance is a special type of policy that’s reserved for drivers who have a less-than-stellar driving record. These policyholders are labeled high risk because they’re considered more likely to cause an accident.
How can I lower my high risk insurance?
How to Lower Your High Risk Insurance Cost
- Take a defensive driving course. Check with an agent for approved courses.
- Trade in your car for a model with a better safety record or safety features.
- Follow all traffic laws. Going three years without a ticket may result in a decrease in your premium.
- Drive defensively.
How do I know if I need high risk insurance?
Your driving record will determine if you need high risk car insurance. For example, if you’ve been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol or have multiple violations such as speeding tickets, you may be considered a high risk driver, requiring special high risk auto insurance.
Which is the best car insurance company for high risk drivers?
The Best High Risk Car Insurance Companies 1 Erie: Best After Speeding Tickets 2 American Family: Best After an Accident 3 Geico: Best for Bad Credit 4 Allstate: Best for New Drivers 5 The Hartford: Best for Senior Drivers
What makes a person a high risk driver?
Other factors that may have auto insurance companies determine that you are a high-risk driver include having a lapse in your car insurance coverage, being a new young driver, being an elderly driver, having previously driven without auto insurance or a license, and having poor credit.
What makes a high risk insurance policy different?
A high-risk insurance policy also can differ in other key ways. For example, a high-risk policy might limit who can drive your car. It might specify that only drivers named in the policy can drive the vehicle. Or, it might exclude all drivers of a certain age — typically under age 25 — from being allowed to drive your car.
Why are bad drivers more likely to get car insurance?
Similarly, data suggest that drivers who are younger, have bad credit, or live in certain ZIP codes are also more likely to file a claim or have one filed against them. Because of this added risk, high-risk drivers almost always pay higher insurance rates and have a smaller choice of insurance companies to choose from.
