If you’ve been labeled a “high risk driver,” you already know how frustrating it can be to shop for coverage. One speeding ticket, an at-fault accident, or a lapse in coverage can send your premiums soaring overnight. The good news? Even high risk drivers can find cheap car insurance quotes if they know where to look and how insurers calculate risk. This guide breaks down exactly how to find the cheapest car insurance quotes for high risk drivers in both the United States and Canada.
What Makes You a “High Risk” Driver?
Insurance companies use a variety of factors to determine risk. You may be classified as high risk if you have:
- Multiple traffic violations or speeding tickets in the last 3-5 years
- A DUI or DWI conviction
- At-fault accidents on your driving record
- A lapse in insurance coverage
- Poor credit history (in states/provinces where credit-based insurance scoring is legal)
- Being a new or teenage driver with no driving history
Each of these factors tells insurers you’re statistically more likely to file a claim, which is why your car insurance quotes end up significantly higher than a standard policy.
Why High Risk Insurance Costs So Much
Standard insurers price policies based on the likelihood of payout. High risk drivers represent a bigger gamble, so companies either charge steep premiums or decline coverage altogether. In many cases, high risk drivers are funneled into what’s called the “non-standard” insurance market — companies that specialize in covering drivers that mainstream insurers reject. These non-standard insurers charge more, but they’re often the only path to legal coverage.
Best Strategies to Find Cheap Car Insurance as a High Risk Driver
1. Compare Multiple Quotes Before Committing
Never accept the first quote you receive. Rates for high risk drivers can vary by hundreds of dollars per month between companies, since each insurer weighs risk factors differently. Use comparison sites or request quotes directly from at least 4-5 insurers.
2. Consider Non-Standard Insurance Carriers
Companies like Direct Auto, The General, and Dairyland in the US, or Facility Association-affiliated insurers in Canada, specialize in high risk policies. These carriers often offer more competitive rates than mainstream insurers who simply tack on risk surcharges.
3. Take a Defensive Driving Course
Many states and provinces offer premium discounts — sometimes 5-15% — for completing an approved defensive driving or driver improvement course. This is one of the fastest ways to demonstrate lower risk to insurers.
4. Increase Your Deductible
Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can meaningfully lower your monthly premium. Just make sure you have that amount saved in case you need to file a claim.
5. Bundle Policies
If you also need renters, homeowners, or life insurance, bundling with the same provider often unlocks multi-policy discounts of 10-25%.
6. Maintain Continuous Coverage
Even if you switch providers, never let your policy lapse. A gap in coverage is one of the biggest red flags insurers look for, and it can push your risk classification even higher.
7. Improve Your Credit Score
In most US states (Canada largely prohibits this practice), your credit score directly affects your premium. Paying down debt and correcting credit report errors can lower your rate over time.
High Risk Car Insurance: US vs Canada
| Factor | United States | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Credit-based pricing | Allowed in most states | Prohibited in most provinces |
| High-risk insurer of last resort | State-assigned risk pools | Facility Association (most provinces) |
| Typical premium increase | 40-80% above standard | 30-70% above standard |
| SR-22/FR44 requirement | Common after DUI | Not applicable (different system) |
If you’re in the US and were required to file an SR-22 or FR44 form after a serious violation, expect to pay a filing fee on top of your premium. In Canada, drivers assigned to a Facility Association pool should shop around every renewal, since rates and reclassification opportunities vary by insurer.
How Long Does High Risk Status Last?
Most violations affect your rate for 3-5 years, though a DUI can impact your premium for up to 7-10 years depending on your state or province. The good news is that your rate typically decreases gradually each year you remain violation-free, so it pays to stay patient and keep shopping annually.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for High Risk Drivers (US)
While rates vary by state and personal history, these companies are frequently cited as competitive options for high risk drivers:
- GEICO — often affordable even with points on your record
- State Farm — strong discounts for bundling and safe driving programs
- The General — specializes in non-standard/high risk coverage
- Progressive — flexible options including usage-based discounts
- Dairyland — known for SR-22 filings and high risk specialization
Cheapest Car Insurance Options for High Risk Drivers (Canada)
- Facility Association member insurers — mandated last-resort coverage
- Belairdirect — competitive non-standard rates in several provinces
- TD Insurance — offers accident forgiveness that can help long-term
- Desjardins — regional discounts and usage-based programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can high risk drivers eventually qualify for standard insurance? Yes. Most insurers reassess your risk classification annually. Staying violation-free and maintaining continuous coverage for 3+ years often qualifies you for standard rates again.
Does switching insurers hurt my rate? Not usually. In fact, switching is often how high risk drivers find savings, since loyalty doesn’t always translate to lower prices in the non-standard market.
Is usage-based insurance a good option for high risk drivers? Yes. Telematics programs that track your actual driving behavior (braking, speed, mileage) can help high risk drivers prove they’re safer than their record suggests, unlocking real-time discounts.
Final Thoughts
Being classified as a high risk driver doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying sky-high premiums forever. By comparing quotes across standard and non-standard insurers, taking advantage of discounts, and maintaining a clean record moving forward, you can steadily work your way back to affordable coverage. The key is to shop smart, shop often, and never assume your current rate is the best one available.
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