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Why You Can Trust the MarketWatch Guides Team
Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the top auto insurance providers
130
Providers ReviewedOur team looked at over 100 of the top auto insurance providers in the U.S., from national providers like USAA, Travelers and State Farm to regional providers like Erie Insurance.
8,500
Data Points AnalyzedTo properly score each auto insurance provider, we looked at cost data, claims processes, customer review scores, industry standing, available discounts, coverages and add-ons.
800
Research HoursOur team put in the time so you don’t have to, evaluating cost data, reading customer reviews and researching companies to determine the most reliable options for coverage.
8,500
Customers SurveyedWe asked thousands of customers to describe their experience with their auto insurance provider to understand how real customers feel about their insurers.
Learn more about our methodology and editorial guidelines.
High-Risk Auto Insurance: Top Choices
Here’s how we rated the best insurers for high-risk drivers:
Auto Insurance Provider | Designation | Our Rating |
---|---|---|
Travelers | Most Coverage Options | 9.5 |
State Farm | Best Customer Experience | 9.4 |
USAA | Best for Military Members | 9.2 |
Nationwide | Low Rates for Speeding Tickets | 9.1 |
Geico | Low Rates for Teen Drivers | 9.1 |
Progressive | Low Rates for DUIs | 9.0 |
High-Risk Auto Insurance: Overview
Drivers in the high-risk category may be there for a single reason or a combination of many. Potential high-risk factors include:
- Younger and new drivers
- Drivers with a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI)
- Drivers with speeding tickets or other moving violations
- Drivers with multiple at-fault accidents
- Drivers with a reckless-driving conviction
- Drivers with lapses in insurance coverage
- Drivers with bad credit scores
These risk factors are largely what the best high-risk auto insurance companies use when setting premiums since they may increase the likelihood a driver will file a claim. People with very few of these factors are considered low-risk drivers by insurers since they have a smaller probability of filing a claim. As a result, they tend to pay lower premiums.
People with more than one of these factors may be considered high-risk drivers. These motorists will almost certainly face higher premiums and may have trouble finding coverage at all.
High-Risk Auto Insurance Cost
*Note: Unless otherwise stated, the average rates quoted in this article are for full–coverage car insurance. Cost data for high-risk drivers uses the profile of a 35-year-old male driver unless otherwise noted. We compare these rates to national averages for the standard driver profile of a 35-year-old with a clean driving record and good credit unless otherwise noted.
In most cases, high-risk car insurance will cost substantially more than the average annual auto insurance premium of $1,730 for full coverage. Your risk factors can add to your premium depending on the reason and provider.
![Best High-Risk Auto Insurance: Companies and Rates (2024) (2) Best High-Risk Auto Insurance: Companies and Rates (2024) (2)](https://i0.wp.com/d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Average-Change-in-Annual-Car-Insurance-Rates-by-Accident-and-Violation-6-1024x560.png)
The table below shows leading providers’ average rates for high-risk drivers. These figures are based on the combined averages for several risk factors: a younger driver with a DUI, a ticket for driving 21 to 25 mph over the speed limit and three accidents.
Auto Insurance Provider | Average Annual Ratesfor High-Risk Drivers |
---|---|
State Farm | $2,006 |
Travelers | $2,099 |
USAA | $2,245 |
Nationwide | $2,511 |
Progressive | $2,714 |
Geico | $2,824 |
The best high-risk car insurance companies all count infractions and risk factors slightly differently. That means the provider that offers the cheapest rates for high-risk drivers in one category may not work well for drivers in other groups.
Auto Insurance for DUI
Being convicted of driving while under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is serious enough to earn you criminal penalties in many states. It’s also likely to significantly increase your car insurance premium. In the table below, you’ll find the lowest average rates on car insurance for drivers with a DUI.
Auto Insurance Provider | Average Annual Ratefor DUI |
---|---|
State Farm | $2,194 |
Travelers | $2,218 |
Progressive | $2,548 |
USAA | $2,721 |
Nationwide | $3,288 |
Geico | $3,641 |
Auto Insurance for Speeding Tickets
The best high-risk auto insurance companies assign different levels of severity to speeding tickets based on a driver’s recorded mph over the speed limit. Any speeding ticket or traffic violation will likely raise your rate, but the increase will be higher if you have a more severe infraction.
The following table shows some average rates for drivers ticketed for going 21 to 25 mph over the speed limit.
Auto Insurance Provider | Average Annual Ratefor Severe Speeding Tickets |
---|---|
USAA | $1,828 |
State Farm | $1,872 |
Nationwide | $1,878 |
Travelers | $1,970 |
Geico | $2,137 |
Progressive | $2,541 |
Auto Insurance for Multiple Accidents
Depending on your provider and policy, one at-fault accident may not cause your premiumto increase by much. However, having multiple car accidents on your driving history will almost always cause your rate to spike. You’ll find average rates for drivers with three accidents on their driving records in the table below.
Auto Insurance Provider | Average Annual Ratefor Multiple Accidents |
---|---|
State Farm | $1,953 |
Travelers | $2,110 |
USAA | $2,187 |
Nationwide | $2,368 |
Geico | $2,694 |
Progressive | $3,052 |
Auto Insurance for Teen Drivers
Younger drivers are statistically far more likely to get into collisions. As a result, teen drivers face some of the highest rates on car insurance, even if they have clean driving records. The table below shows the providers with the most affordable average rates for 16 year old drivers.
Auto Insurance Provider | Average Annual Ratefor Teens |
---|---|
Nationwide | $4,835 |
Geico | $5,307 |
Travelers | $5,436 |
State Farm | $5,514 |
USAA | $6,431 |
Progressive | $10,139 |
Car Insurance Cost Factors
The categories above aren’t the only ones that factor into your car insurance rate. Insurers also use the following variables to determine the rates they charge:
- Location: Prices differ between states but also vary within them. Drivers in areas with high crime rates or extreme weather often pay higher auto insurance premiums.
- Credit score: In states where it’s legal to do so, insurance companies use your credit history as a factor in your rate. Drivers with poor credit scores are considered much less likely to pay, so insurers usually charge them higher rates.
- Marital status: Married drivers are more likely to bundle their auto coverage with other types of insurance or insure multiple vehicles, so they tend to pay less for car insurance.
- Vehicle: Several details about your vehicle — including its value, condition and mileage — help determine your premium.
- Coverage: The type of insurance coverage you have and the policy limits you set have a major impact on your rate.
- Deductible: You can typically choose your deductible, which is your out-of-pocket cost before your insurer compensates you for a covered loss. Generally, your auto insurance rate will be higher if you have a lower deductible.
- Discounts: Just because you have blemishes on your driving record or other risk factors doesn’t mean you can’t save on coverage. Most insurers offer a few car insurance discounts you might qualify for.
![Best High-Risk Auto Insurance: Companies and Rates (2024) (3) Best High-Risk Auto Insurance: Companies and Rates (2024) (3)](https://i0.wp.com/d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/OLD-MW-Insurance-Factors-That-Affect-Car-Insurance-Rates-1024x925.jpg)
High-Risk Auto Insurance Coverage
Those with poor driving records often pay more for car insurance, but they have access to the same coverage as other drivers. The best high-risk auto insurance companies offer a similar set of coverage options that most drivers have access to. You’ll also find coverage options that can be added to your car insurance policy depending on your provider.
Standard Car Insurance Coverage
Every state that requires car insurance requires liability coverage, and some states mandate additional coverage types. Standard insurance coverages include:
- Bodily injury liability (BI): Covers medical expenses and lost wages for other parties in an accident you’re found at fault for
- Property damage liability (PD): Covers the cost of damages to other vehicles and property in an accident for which you are found at fault
- Personal injury protection (PIP): Covers lost wages and medical bills for you and your party, regardless of who caused an accident
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay): Covers medical costs but not lost wages for people in your party, regardless of who the at-fault driver is
- Uninsured motorist coverage: Covers your party’s medical expenses and property damages if an at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage
Additional Coverage Options
The best high-risk auto insurance companies also offer optional coverages. Combining state-required liability and injury protection with the following options gives you what’s known as full coverageauto insurance:
- Collision coverage: Covers damages to your vehicle and personal property in a covered accident, no matter who’s found to be at fault
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damages to your vehicle from sources other than accidents, such as theft, hail or flooding
![Best High-Risk Auto Insurance: Companies and Rates (2024) (4) Best High-Risk Auto Insurance: Companies and Rates (2024) (4)](https://i0.wp.com/d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/MW-Insurance-What-Does-Standard-Car-Insurance-Cover-1024x693.jpg)
Most insurers offer other nonstandard insurance options, such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursem*nt and accident forgiveness. These can offer peace of mind and additional support, but they’ll also add to your total cost of coverage.
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Best High-Risk Auto Insurance Companies
While State Farm is our top pick overall, your best high-risk car insurance company depends on your situation. In addition to varying rates, providers offer different coverage options, benefits and customer service.
State Farm: Best Customer Experience
What We Like About State Farm
The nation’s largest insurer is our selection for Best Customer Experience in our general insurance study. Due to its consistently low average rates for high-risk drivers and its wealth of discounts including its Drive Safe and Save program, State Farm is also our top pick for high-risk auto insurance. State Farm offers a reputable roadside assistance program for high-risk drivers.
Drivers who just received their licenses and parents with younger drivers in their households can get several discounts designed just for them.
Keep reading: State Farm insurance review
State Farm Pros and Cons
Pros A++ financial strength rating from AM Best Good discount opportunities for students and teens Usage-based insurance discount Many local insurance agents across the U.S. Cons Not available in Massachusetts or Rhode Island Mixed State Farm insurance reviews
State Farm High-Risk Auto Insurance Averages
Risk Factor | State Farm Average Annual Rate |
---|---|
DUI | $2,180 |
Speeding ticket | $1,794 |
Multiple accidents | $2,341 |
Teen drivers | $3,531 |
Our Survey Results
In August 2022, we conducted a survey of 6,923 drivers to learn more about their satisfaction with their car insurance providers. We found that around 19% of respondents had a State Farm policy, making it the most popular insurer in the survey. State Farm customers were generally pleased with the company, giving an average overall satisfaction rating of 4.2 out of 5.0.
USAA: Best for Military Members
What We Like About USAA
For high-risk drivers who are eligible (military members, veterans and their spouses and children), USAA is likely one of the cheapest available options. The provider also has some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry, and it received the top score in nearly every region in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study℠. Because of USAA’s eligibility restrictions, it wasn’t ranked in the study.
Keep reading: USAA insurance review
USAA Pros and Cons
Pros Affordable rates High performance on J.D. Power customer surveys Highly rated mobile app A++ financial rating Cons Not available to everyone SafePilot only available in 25 states Not the cheapest option after a DUI
USAA High-Risk Auto Insurance Averages
Risk Factor | USAA Average Annual Rate |
---|---|
DUI | $2,236 |
Speeding ticket | $1,413 |
Multiple accidents | $3,465 |
Teen drivers | $3,335 |
Our Survey Results
Less than 6% of respondents in our August 2022 customer satisfaction survey reported having USAA auto policies, but those who did were very satisfied. USAA scored the third highest in overall satisfaction, receiving an average of 4.3 and exceeding the industry average of 4.2.
Nationwide: Best for Usage-Based Insurance
What We Like About Nationwide
Our team found Nationwide’s average rates for high-risk drivers to be competitive in general. However, the company has some of the cheapest average rates for drivers with severe speeding tickets, making it an especially appealing choice for that group. Nationwide also maintains a stellar reputation with ratings organizations like AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Drivers can also save with Nationwide’s SmartRide telematics program, which rewards drivers for safe driving.
Keep reading: Nationwide insurance reviews
Nationwide Pros and Cons
Pros Car insurance coverage available in 46 states Many standard and add-on car insurance options Offers usage-based insurance A+ rating from the BBB and AM Best Cons Higher average insurance costs Mixed customer reviews
Nationwide High-Risk Auto Insurance Averages
Risk Factor | Nationwide Average Annual Rate |
---|---|
DUI | $2,867 |
Speeding ticket | $1,656 |
Multiple accidents | $3,974 |
Teen drivers | $4,122 |
Our Survey Results
In our customer satisfaction survey, only about 3% of respondents reported being insured by Nationwide. The company received an overall satisfaction rating of 4.1, just 0.1 below the industry average.
Geico: Best for Budget-Conscious Drivers
What We Like About Geico
Teen drivers typically face some of the highest premiums in the insurance industry, making it somewhat difficult to find affordable coverage for them. However, Geico offers relatively cheap auto insurance for young drivers. Combined with a wide selection of discounts including its Geico DriveEasy program, Geico’s rates make it worth checking out if you have teens or other young drivers on your auto insurance policy.
Keep reading: Geico insurance review
Geico Pros and Cons
Pros A++ financial strength rating from AM Best and A+ rating from the BBB Low rates for most drivers High policy limits Usage-based insurance discount Highly rated mobile app Cons Average J.D. Power claims ratings Not always the cheapest for people with poor credit or recent accidents Fewer local agents than other companies
Geico High-Risk Auto Insurance Averages
Risk Factor | Geico Average Annual Rate |
---|---|
DUI | $3,376 |
Speeding ticket | $2,492 |
Multiple accidents | $5,043 |
Teen drivers | $3,440 |
Our Survey Results
Geico was the third most popular provider in our 2022 satisfaction survey. About 16% of pollees had Geico car insurance policies. Overall, respondents were fairly satisfied with Geico’s services, giving the company an average satisfaction score of 4.1.
Progressive: Best for Tech-Savvy Drivers
What We Like About Progressive
Progressive was one of the first companies to specialize in insuring high-risk drivers, beginning in the 1950s. While other companies have entered the market since then, Progressive still offers competitive rates on auto insurance for drivers with DUIs and severe speeding tickets (going 21 to 25 mph over the speed limit). Progressive also offers roadside assistance to help keep drivers safe. If you practice safe driving behaviors, Progressive Snapshot may be able to save you money on your rates.
Keep reading: Progressive insurance review
Progressive Pros and Cons
Pros A+ financial strength rating from AM Best Wide selection of coverage options Usage-based insurance discount Highly rated mobile app Cons Average customer service ratings Snapshot program can raise rates for some drivers
Progressive High-Risk Auto Insurance Averages
Risk Factor | Progressive Average Annual Rate |
---|---|
DUI | $2,328 |
Speeding ticket | $2,311 |
Multiple accidents | $7,643 |
Teen drivers | $8,176 |
Our Survey Results
Progressive was the second most popular provider in our August 2022 insurance survey, with nearly 17% of respondents reporting having a policy with the company. The company’s overall satisfaction score was 4.1, which was very similar to that of most other providers in the survey.
Travelers: Best for Most Drivers
What We Like About Travelers
While Travelers doesn’t offer the absolute lowest average rates for high-risk drivers, the company does have some of the most affordable pricing for this group. With discounts for students and its Travelers Intellidrive, Travelers is certainly worth a look for most motorists and their households.
Keep reading: Travelers insurance review
Travelers Pros and Cons
Pros Strong industry ratings Accident forgiveness coverage Can bundle with homeowners insurance and more Cons Low customer rating on the BBB Not available in every state
Travelers High-Risk Auto Insurance Averages
Risk Factor | Travelers Average AnnualRate |
---|---|
DUI | $2,332 |
Speeding ticket | $2,269 |
Multiple accidents | $4,085 |
Teen drivers | $5,121 |
Our Survey Results
Less than 2% of respondents in our 2022 customer survey had Travelers auto insurance policies. The company earned a high overall satisfaction score, with customers rating it an average of 4.2.
How To Get Cheap High-Risk Auto Insurance
Unfortunately, even the best high-risk car insurance companies will likely charge you high rates if you’re considered a high-risk driver. While there’s little you can do to change your age or driving record, there are some factors that are still within your control as you attempt to find cheap car insurance.
Skip the Add-Ons
Even if you’re a high-risk driver, your state only requires you to carry minimum coverage. However, requirements from your lender or lessor may force you to purchase additional coverage, such as comprehensive and collision.
Removing unnecessary coverage is an easy way to trim your car insurance bill down, so consider which coverages you can skip.
Increase Your Deductible
Raising your auto insurance deductible is another way to reduce your rate. You will, however, have to pay more out of pocket for repairs or a total loss. Weigh that risk alongside any savings you might receive.
Source: Progressive
Complete a Safe Driving Course
Many insurance companies offer a discount for completing an approved safe driving course. Completing one of these courses will reduce your rate and has the potential benefit of improving your driving skills and awareness.
Remember, insurance rates are based on risk. If an insurance company gives you a lower rate, it’s because the math suggests you’re less likely to file a claim. This shows how effective defensive driving courses are at reducing accidents and violations.
Look for Discounts
Being labeled as a higher-risk driver won’t make you ineligible for car insurance discounts. Most insurers will have at least one or two discounts you can take advantage of. These are some of the most common:
- Auto pay: Set up automatic payments.
- Multi-policy: This is also known as a bundling discount, and you can often save by combining your auto policy with other products like homeowners, renters or life insurance.
- Multi-vehicle: Insure multiple vehicles under the same policy.
- Safe driver: People who keep clean driving records for a specific period of time can save on their premium.
- Good student: Take advantage of discounts for maintaining good grades in school.
- Military: Insurers offer savings for members of the military and their families.
Watch Your Credit Score
California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan have laws preventing insurers from using your credit score as a factor in setting rates. In every other state, your credit score can have a major impact.
Drivers with lower credit scores typically pay higher rates for car insurance than those with better scores. Practicing good financial habits and learning how to improve your credit score can help you get better rates, even if you have multiple infractions on your driving record.
![Best High-Risk Auto Insurance: Companies and Rates (2024) (15) Best High-Risk Auto Insurance: Companies and Rates (2024) (15)](https://i0.wp.com/d2tez01fe91909.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/MW-Loans-7-Steps-To-Improve-Your-Credit-Score-01-1024x536.png)
Try Pay-Per-Mile Insurance
With most car insurance policies, you’ll pay a flat rate for coverage. But the best high-risk auto insurance companies offer usage-based insurance programs that charge you based on how much you actually drive your vehicle.
If you rarely need to drive or can limit your time behind the wheel, using one of these programs could be a good way to save on high-risk auto insurance. Just keep in mind that if you use your car too often, you’ll end up paying more.
Use a Telematics Program
Most major providers offer a telematics insurance program that can use data from your phone’s GPS or a device that plugs into your vehicle to monitor your driving habits. If you avoid risky behaviors like accelerating too quickly, slamming on your brakes or looking at your phone while driving, you’ll be rewarded with a lower rate.
However, these programs can also cause your rates to go up. If you practice too many unsafe driving habits, your car insurance could get even more expensive. Our team has also reviewed the best telematics apps.
Shop Around for Coverage
Getting car insurance quotes from several providers is one of the most important steps in getting cheap coverage from the best high-risk auto insurance companies. As seen from our cost data, the insurer that offers the cheapest rates depends a lot on the motorist who is shopping for insurance.
Even if you’re a high-risk driver, factors other than your driving record or age will come into play. You won’t really know how much an insurance company could charge you until you get a quote. Then, compare rates to find the most affordable car insurance.
The Bottom Line: High-Risk Auto Insurance
In our research, State Farm emerged as our top pick overall for high-risk auto insurance. USAA, Nationwide, Geico, Progressive and Travelers also have a lot to offer drivers in high-risk categories.
Ultimately, the best high-risk insurance provider for you will depend on the factors mentioned earlier. That’s why it’s always wise to compare auto insurance quotes from multiple providers to find the best rates for you and your vehicle.
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High-Risk Auto Insurance: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about the best high-risk auto insurance options.
Even the best high-risk auto insurance companies see young drivers as potentially problematic, so they charge this group high premiums. According to our data, the average rate for full-coverage car insurance for teens across the U.S. is $5,298 per year or $442 per month.
Based on our research, we found that State Farm typically offers some of the best rates for high-risk drivers such as those with a DUI or speeding ticket. Other companies to look into include USAA, Progressive, Nationwide and Travelers.
The presence of more than a few risk factors is what leads to high-risk car insurance. These can include a driver’s age or infractions such as DUIs, speeding tickets and multiple accidents.
Drivers can be in the high–risk category for insurance premiums for a variety of reasons. These include:
- Young drivers
- Drivers with DUIs
- Drivers with traffic violations
- Drivers with at-fault accidents
- Drivers who let their insurance coverage lapse
Some high-risk vehicles can have high insurance premiums compared to other vehicles. An auto insurer may consider a high-powered sports car to carry an increased risk for over-the-limit speeds, for example, and could charge more to cover it.
Our Methodology
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of auto insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
- Cost: Auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities were both taken into consideration.
- Coverage: Companies that offer a variety of choices for insurance coverage are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Reputation and experience: Our research team considered market share, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score.
- Availability: Auto insurance companies with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements scored highest in this category.
- Customer experience: This score is based on volume of complaints reported by the NAIC and customer satisfaction ratings reported by J.D. Power. We also considered the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each insurance company’s customer service team based on our own shopper analysis.
Our credentials:
- 800 hours researched
- 45 companies reviewed
- 8,500+ consumers surveyed
*Data accurate at time of publication.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team ateditors@marketwatchguides.com.