High Risk Car Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

• What’s the difference between driver’s license points and insurance points?

  Driver’s license points are state-issued as a result of driving violations. How they’re assigned differs between states but, generally, more severe violations warrant more points. Insurance points refer to the system insurance companies use to raise your rate due to driving violations and at-fault accidents. They differ between companies and are related to your driving points, but aren’t the same.

  Learn More: Driver's License Points vs. Insurance Points
• What is a high-risk driver?

  It’s not a legal or official industry designation, but a high-risk driver usually indicates someone who has a DUI, multiple accidents, or multiple driver’s license points. What it means is that you’ll probably end up paying more for coverage than someone who isn’t considered high-risk, and you may struggle to find an insurer willing to write you a policy.

  Learn More: What Is a High-Risk Driver?
• How do you get your driving record?

  Your driving record, or motor vehicle report (MVR), should be available from your local DMV for a small fee (often less than $10) or a third-party vendor, but typically at a higher rate. You also may be able to get a copy from your insurance agent at no cost (though it won’t be an official copy). Correct any errors by contacting the DMV and/or your insurer.

  Learn More: Where to Get Your Driving Record
• How do you get car insurance without a license?

  It can be tricky getting car insurance without a license. How difficult it will be depends, in part, on why you don’t have a license and how the car will be used. Contact multiple insurance agents and explain your situation. It may also help to name another driver as primary and make yourself an excluded driver. If you only need a parked car policy, your lack of a license may be less of an issue. 

  Learn More: How To Get Car Insurance Without a License
• How long does a ticket stay on your car insurance?

  The answer depends on your insurer, where you live, and also the nature of the ticket you got. But plan on at least three years, in general. Though minor offenses might not be used to calculate your rate after two. If you got a DUI, however, it could stay on your record for 10 years or longer.

  Learn More: How Long Does a Traffic Violation Stay on Your Insurance Record?
• How does a DUI affect your car insurance?

  A DUI will impact your car insurance significantly. Not only should you expect your rate to skyrocket, but your policy may be cancelled—even before it’s up for renewal—and you may have trouble finding an insurer willing to give you a new policy. If you’re required to file an SR-22 certificate, your insurer will find out about the conviction once it’s filed. 

  Learn More: How a DUI Affects Your Car Insurance
• Can a criminal conviction increase my car insurance?

  The answer is yes. Insurance companies price policies based on risk. If you’ve been convicted of a crime, you’ll generally be seen as a higher risk to an insurance company. But since insurers don’t always check your criminal record, they may not know about the conviction unless it was related to driving. How much more you’ll pay for coverage depends on what you were convicted of.
  

  Learn More: Why Criminal Convictions Increase Car Insurance Costs