Which auto insurance companies are best for drivers with a bad driving record?
The best auto insurance companies for bad driving records are State Farm and Geico. Meanwhile, the top small car insurance companies for bad driving records are The General and Dairyland. The average auto insurance rate for drivers with a poor driving record is between 15% and 72%. However, your rates may vary. Shop around and compare multiple insurance companies to get the best deal.
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Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
UPDATED: Jun 22, 2022
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
UPDATED: Jun 22, 2022
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Geico is one of the least expensive companies for drivers with a poor driving record
- High-risk drivers may need SR-22 certification
- DUI-convicted drivers in Florida and Virginia require FR-44 certification
- You can pay as low as $90 a month for full coverage auto insurance
Do you want to shop with the best auto insurance companies for bad driving records? Getting affordable car insurance rates with an unfavorable driving history is challenging. However, there’s a way to secure affordable auto insurance for high-risk drivers.
But how can you buy inexpensive high-risk vehicle insurance? Don’t worry — we’re here to help.
Read our guide to learn which car insurance companies are best for drivers with a poor driving record. Also, we’ll compare how various traffic violations affect auto insurance quotes.
After you learn everything about the best car insurance companies for bad driving records, enter your ZIP code in the free online quote tool above to compare multiple insurance companies near you.
Which auto insurance companies are best for drivers with a bad driving record?
If you’re not sure where to look for car insurance for drivers with an unfavorable driving record, start with the best car insurance companies in the United States.
But which insurance companies are considered the best? Review the table below to see the top 10 auto insurance companies.
Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies by Direct Premiums Written, Loss Ratio, Market Share, and A.M. Ratings
| Rank | Companies | Direct Premiums Written | Loss Ratios | Market Shares | A.M. Best Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | State Farm | $41,963,578,000 | 63 | 17.01% | A++ (Superior) |
| 2 | Geico | $33,075,434,000 | 71 | 13.41% | A++ (Superior) |
| 3 | Progressive | $27,058,768,000 | 62 | 10.97% | A+ (Superior) |
| 4 | Allstate | $22,663,214,000 | 56 | 9.19% | A+ (Superior) |
| 5 | USAA | $14,467,936,000 | 77 | 5.87% | A++ (Superior) |
| 6 | Liberty Mutual | $11,776,654,000 | 62 | 4.77% | A (Excellent) |
| 7 | Farmers | $10,496,476,000 | 61 | 4.26% | A (Excellent) |
| 8 | Nationwide | $6,726,799,000 | 58 | 2.73% | A+ (Superior) |
| 9 | Travelers | $4,697,743,000 | 60 | 1.9% | A++ (Superior) |
| 10 | American Family | $4,687,909,000 | 69 | 1.9% | A (Excellent) |
State Farm, Geico, and Progressive are the top three auto insurance companies in the nation. However, State Farm, Geico, USAA, and Travelers have the best financial strength ratings from A.M. Best.
The direct premiums disclose how much the insurance company earns, and State Farm is currently the highest-earning insurance company on the list.
Meanwhile, the loss ratio explains how much each car insurance company pays out in insurance claims. For example, Allstate has a loss ratio of 56. This means Allstate pays out $56 in insurance claims for every $100 they earn in premiums.
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What are the best auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers?
Some of the best high-risk insurance companies are smaller than the top car insurance companies in the United States.
While the best insurance for bad driving records depends on your needs, a few companies may provide better and faster service for drivers with a poor driving history.
Here is a list of high-risk auto insurance companies:
- The General
- Dairyland
- State Farm
- Geico
- Direct Auto
- Good2Go Auto Insurance
- Country Financial
- Farm Bureau
- Erie Insurance
The General, Dairyland, Direct Auto, and Erie Insurance have a limited coverage area, so you may not find them everywhere in the nation.
But State Farm and Geico are two significant insurance companies that provide high-risk car insurance.
Dairyland is best for drivers who need SR-22, but The General is great for drivers who need minimum coverage.
State Farm and Geico are ideal for drivers who have a DUI or other traffic violation on their driving record.
Finally, Direct Auto is best for drivers who have bad credit.
Are there any auto insurance companies that don’t check driving records?
It’s unlikely that you’ll find a car insurance company that doesn’t check driving records. Most car insurance companies need to know about your driving record to determine the risk involved.
How much are auto insurance rates at companies for drivers with a bad driving record?
Poor driving records usually result from traffic violations and accidents. These incidents can last from one to ten years, depending on the state.
Your car insurance company uses your driving history to determine your risk and the cost of car insurance.
For example, speeding infractions drive up your auto insurance rates by 15% on average. Accidents can increase your rates by 24%, but DUI convictions can raise your rates by 37%.
However, car insurance companies respond differently to various violations. Let’s determine which companies are the most affordable based on different infractions.
Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies by Traffic Violation
| Infraction Type | Cheapest Company | Monthly Rates from the Cheapest Company | Average Monthly Rates | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | Progressive | $202 | $294 | 31% |
| Careless Driving | Geico | $182 | $244 | 25% |
| DUI Conviction | Progressive | $170 | $283 | 40% |
| Racing | Geico | $189 | $237 | 20% |
| Reckless Driving | Geico | $189 | $237 | 20% |
| Running a Stop Sign | Geico | $182 | $230 | 21% |
| Speeding | Geico | $182 | $229 | 20% |
Geico is one of the least expensive auto insurance companies for poor driving records; however, it doesn’t mean that you should rule out other companies. Car insurance quotes vary for each company and state.
How much is auto insurance with a DUI conviction?
Each state handles DUI convictions differently. Therefore, the car insurance rates based on DUI convictions are calculated based on the area where you live.
Use the search box to quickly find your state and compare the average monthly rate based on clean driving history and DUI convictions on driving records.
Comparing Clean Driving Records vs. DUI Conviction Auto Insurance Rates by State
| States | Monthly Auto Insurance Rates with a Clean Driving Record | Monthly Auto Insurance Rates with a DUI Conviction | Percent Increase | Cheapest Auto Insurance Company in the State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $156 | $275 | 76% | Alfa |
| Alaska | $131 | $194 | 48% | State Farm |
| Arizona | $256 | $370 | 44% | State Farm |
| Arkansas | $172 | $280 | 63% | State Farm |
| California | $151 | $429 | 184% | Mercury |
| Colorado | $260 | $376 | 45% | State Farm |
| Connecticut | $229 | $463 | 102% | State Farm |
| Delaware | $240 | $369 | 54% | State Farm |
| Florida | $269 | $341 | 27% | State Farm |
| Georgia | $199 | $323 | 62% | Farm Bureau |
| Hawaii | $147 | $471 | 221% | USAA |
| Idaho | $142 | $236 | 66% | State Farm |
| Illinois | $185 | $282 | 53% | State Farm |
| Indiana | $124 | $212 | 72% | USAA |
| Iowa | $138 | $222 | 61% | State Farm |
| Kansas | $170 | $248 | 46% | State Farm |
| Kentucky | $242 | $406 | 68% | State Farm |
| Louisiana | $296 | $432 | 46% | Farm Bureau |
| Maine | $107 | $181 | 69% | State Farm |
| Maryland | $199 | $267 | 34% | State Farm |
| Massachusetts | $180 | $305 | 70% | Progressive |
| Michigan | $756 | $2,260 | 199% | Progressive |
| Minnesota | $176 | $312 | 78% | State Farm |
| Mississippi | $181 | $314 | 74% | State Farm |
| Missouri | $211 | $301 | 43% | State Farm |
| Montana | $191 | $296 | 55% | State Farm |
| Nebraska | $187 | $247 | 32% | State Farm |
| Nevada | $255 | $408 | 60% | State Farm |
| New Hampshire | $168 | $307 | 83% | Progressive |
| New Jersey | $234 | $374 | 60% | NJ Manufacturers |
| New Mexico | $170 | $264 | 56% | State Farm |
| New York | $231 | $328 | 42% | State Farm |
| North Carolina | $126 | $502 | 300% | Farm Bureau |
| North Dakota | $191 | $287 | 51% | State Farm |
| Ohio | $130 | $200 | 54% | State Farm |
| Oklahoma | $205 | $283 | 38% | State Farm |
| Oregon | $194 | $302 | 56% | State Farm |
| Pennsylvania | $150 | $202 | 35% | USAA |
| Rhode Island | $299 | $629 | 110% | USAA |
| South Carolina | $173 | $272 | 57% | State Farm |
| South Dakota | $202 | $311 | 54% | State Farm |
| Tennessee | $156 | $252 | 61% | State Farm |
| Texas | $221 | $380 | 72% | Fred Loya |
| Utah | $200 | $306 | 53% | Progressive |
| Vermont | $145 | $223 | 55% | Progressive |
| Virginia | $137 | $211 | 54% | Farm Bureau |
| Washington | $146 | $241 | 65% | State Farm |
| West Virginia | $176 | $316 | 80% | State Farm |
| Wisconsin | $130 | $206 | 59% | State Farm |
| Wyoming | $177 | $289 | 64% | State Farm |
| *Industry Average | $198 | $350 | 72% | Most Affordable Company Overall is State Farm |
Do you see how auto insurance rates vary by state? Some states generate car insurance rates that exceed 100% more than average.
How much is SR-22 auto insurance?
SR-22 car insurance isn’t really insurance. SR-22 is a certification that says you have the minimum auto insurance requirements as a high-risk driver.
If you have too many traffic violations, you may be required to sign up for SR-22.
Florida and Virginia drivers who are convicted of DUIs are required to have FR-44 certification.
FR-44 requires a DUI-convicted driver to carry double the minimum coverage limits to restore driving privileges.
But how much is car insurance when you need SR-22? Let’s compare clean driving record rates to SR-22 insurance rates.
Comparing SR-22 Auto Insurance Rates to a Clean Driving Record by State
| States | Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates | Average Monthly SR-22 Insurance Rates | Percent Increase | Dollar Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $104 | $162 | 56% | $58 |
| Alabama | $109 | $206 | 89% | $97 |
| Arkansas | $130 | $228 | 76% | $98 |
| Arizona | $117 | $298 | 156% | $182 |
| California | $149 | $427 | 187% | $278 |
| Colorado | $140 | $249 | 79% | $110 |
| Connecticut | $165 | $259 | 57% | $94 |
| DC | $157 | $245 | 56% | $88 |
| Delaware | $153 | $294 | 92% | $141 |
| Florida | $188 | $315 | 68% | $128 |
| Georgia | $151 | $282 | 86% | $130 |
| Hawaii | $105 | $372 | 256% | $267 |
| Iowa | $89 | $160 | 78% | $70 |
| Idaho | $85 | $150 | 77% | $65 |
| Illinois | $98 | $185 | 89% | $87 |
| Indiana | $88 | $130 | 48% | $42 |
| Kansas | $118 | $193 | 64% | $75 |
| Kentucky | $134 | $226 | 68% | $92 |
| Louisiana | $186 | $301 | 62% | $115 |
| Massachusetts | $135 | $267 | 98% | $132 |
| Maryland | $128 | $169 | 31% | $40 |
| Maine | $74 | $111 | 51% | $37 |
| Michigan | $197 | $694 | 252% | $496 |
| Minnesota | $112 | $218 | 95% | $106 |
| Missouri | $107 | $186 | 74% | $79 |
| Mississippi | $125 | $211 | 68% | $86 |
| Montana | $132 | $227 | 72% | $95 |
| North Carolina | $98 | $464 | 375% | $366 |
| North Dakota | $94 | $167 | 78% | $73 |
| Nebraska | $107 | $192 | 79% | $85 |
| New Hampshire | $96 | $167 | 74% | $71 |
| New Jersey | $118 | $321 | 171% | $203 |
| New Mexico | $125 | $228 | 83% | $103 |
| Nevada | $132 | $207 | 58% | $76 |
| New York | $101 | $155 | 53% | $53 |
| Ohio | $80 | $142 | 77% | $62 |
| Oklahoma | $122 | $183 | 50% | $61 |
| Oregon | $110 | $191 | 73% | $81 |
| Pennsylvania | $120 | $194 | 62% | $74 |
| Rhode Island | $168 | $302 | 80% | $135 |
| South Carolina | $113 | $198 | 76% | $86 |
| South Dakota | $104 | $187 | 80% | $83 |
| Tennessee | $112 | $196 | 75% | $84 |
| Texas | $137 | $225 | 64% | $88 |
| Utah | $101 | $167 | 66% | $66 |
| Virginia | $83 | $141 | 70% | $58 |
| Vermont | $97 | $149 | 53% | $52 |
| Washington | $109 | $184 | 69% | $75 |
| Wisconsin | $96 | $150 | 56% | $54 |
| West Virginia | $122 | $231 | 89% | $108 |
| Wyoming | $131 | $229 | 74% | $98 |
SR-22 certifications increase your auto insurance quotes anywhere between 30% and 375%, depending on the state where you live.
Michigan has the most expensive car insurance rates, and Maine has the most affordable rates for SR-22.
What factors affect high-risk auto insurance rates?
Several factors determine whether affordable car insurance for unfavorable driving records is available to you. If you have higher than average auto insurance rates, various factors may be the cause.
Examine the characteristics below to see which factors correlate to high-risk car insurance.
High-Risk Auto Insurance Factors
| High-risk Driving Factors | High-risk Non-Driving Factors |
|---|---|
| At-fault claims | Bad credit |
| Speeding tickets | Age |
| Reckless driving | Location |
| Racing | Gaps in coverage |
| DUI | Vehicle use |
| Vehicle type | |
| License points |
There are more non-driving factors that can make you a high-risk driver.
Poor credit can drive up your rates by at least 20%. And the younger the driver, the higher the car insurance rates.
The average motorist drives 14,375 miles per year.
Driving your vehicle more than the average driver also increases your auto insurance rates. And any coverage gaps can raise your risk and car insurance rates.
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What auto insurance discounts can lower monthly rates when you have a bad driving record?
Car insurance discounts are a sure way to save money on insurance payments. An unfavorable driving record doesn’t disqualify you from receiving auto insurance deals.
Here are a few bargains that are usually available at the best insurance companies:
- Automatic Payments Discount – At least 2%
- Anti-Theft Features Discount – Varies
- Multi-Vehicle Discount – Varies
- Multi-Policy Discount – Up to 25%
- Paperless Billing Discount – At least 2%
- Pay-In-Full Discount – Up to 5%
- Safety Features Discount – Up to 15%
When you get an auto insurance quote, you’ll see dozens of opportunities to save money through discounts.
If your driving record or credit improves, let your auto insurance company know so you can access lower rates.
The Best Auto Insurance Companies For Bad Driving Records: The Bottom Line
The best car insurance companies for poor driving records depend on what you need. If you want cheaper rates, try a smaller auto insurance company. Or buy high-risk auto insurance from a company that specializes in policies for drivers with unfavorable driving histories.
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), you can buy full coverage car insurance at $90 a month. However, your rates will vary when you begin shopping around.
Now that you know more about the best auto insurance companies for bad driving records, use our free online quote tool to compare multiple insurance companies in your area.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
UPDATED: Jun 22, 2022
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.