State Farm is the cheapest car insurance company for drivers with bad driving records, averaging $45 monthly for minimum coverage.
Find out if you're overpaying for car insurance below.
Updated: March 6, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
State Farm, Progressive and Travelers are the cheapest insurance providers for drivers with bad records.
USAA is the leading car insurance provider for military members, veterans and their families, offering low rates and earning top MoneyGeek scores for its exceptional service to the military community.
State Farm is the top insurer for bad-record drivers, with a MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 and an affordable monthly premium of $45.
Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for drivers with a bad record, with minimum coverage starting at $45 monthly. While violations can raise rates, comparing quotes and exploring discounts can help you find affordable coverage despite past infractions.
| USAA | $35 |
| State Farm | $45 |
| Progressive | $58 |
| Travelers | $60 |
| Nationwide | $62 |
| GEICO | $65 |
| Farmers | $66 |
| Allstate | $68 |
*State Farm offers the lowest minimum coverage rate for non-military-affiliated bad-record drivers. USAA is the most affordable option for military-affiliated drivers.
State Farm and Travelers provide the best cheap insurance for drivers with speeding tickets who need minimum coverage. State Farm scores 88 out of 100 at $40 per month, while Travelers also scores 88 at $55. USAA offers the lowest rates but is limited to military members, veterans and their families.
| USAA | $28 | $332 |
| State Farm | $40 | $480 |
| Travelers | $55 | $659 |
| GEICO | $45 | $542 |
| Progressive | $53 | $639 |
| Nationwide | $48 | $580 |
| Farmers | $59 | $705 |
| Allstate | $59 | $704 |
State Farm and Travelers offer the best cheap minimum coverage insurance for drivers who cause an accident. State Farm leads with a MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 and a $44 monthly rate. Travelers also scores 88 at $59. At-fault drivers typically face higher premiums, especially in cases involving injuries or fatalities.
| USAA | $34 | $404 |
| State Farm | $44 | $523 |
| Travelers | $59 | $706 |
| GEICO | $57 | $688 |
| Progressive | $67 | $798 |
| Nationwide | $59 | $708 |
| Farmers | $75 | $899 |
| Allstate | $70 | $835 |
*State Farm offers the lowest minimum coverage rate for non-military-affiliated at-fault drivers. USAA is the most affordable option for military-affiliated drivers.
Travelers and State Farm offer the best cheap minimum coverage insurance for drivers with a DUI. Travelers has a MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 and a $51 monthly rate. State Farm earns the same score and charges $66.
| USAA | $44 | $522 |
| Travelers | $66 | $795 |
| State Farm | $51 | $614 |
| Progressive | $54 | $644 |
| Farmers | $66 | $791 |
| GEICO | $93 | $1,116 |
| Allstate | $75 | $903 |
| Nationwide | $80 | $958 |
*Travelers offers the lowest minimum coverage rate for non-military-affiliated drivers with a DUI. USAA is the most affordable option for military-affiliated drivers.
State Farm is the top car insurance provider in 18 states, followed by Erie leading in nine states.
| Alabama | Cincinnati | 91 | $1,264 | $105 |
| Alaska | State Farm | 93 | $813 | $68 |
| Arizona | Auto-Owners | 91 | $1,119 | $93 |
| Arkansas | State Farm | 90 | $718 | $60 |
| California | CIG | 90 | $1,939 | $162 |
| Colorado | American National | 93 | $720 | $60 |
| Connecticut | Amica | 94 | $1,544 | $129 |
| Delaware | Travelers | 93 | $1,145 | $95 |
| District of Columbia | Erie | 94 | $1,041 | $87 |
| Florida | State Farm | 90 | $1,223 | $102 |
| Georgia | Auto-Owners | 93 | $1,181 | $98 |
| Hawaii | State Farm | 93 | $712 | $59 |
| Idaho | American National | 93 | $428 | $36 |
| Illinois | American Family | 92 | $838 | $70 |
| Indiana | American Family | 92 | $715 | $60 |
| Iowa | State Farm | 90 | $559 | $47 |
| Kansas | American Family | 92 | $943 | $79 |
| Kentucky | State Farm | 90 | $953 | $79 |
| Louisiana | State Farm | 90 | $1,431 | $119 |
| Maine | State Farm | 90 | $645 | $54 |
| Maryland | Erie | 90 | $1,416 | $118 |
| Massachusetts | Amica | 91 | $1,512 | $126 |
| Michigan | Chubb | 96 | $961 | $80 |
| Minnesota | American Family | 92 | $935 | $78 |
| Mississippi | State Farm | 91 | $933 | $78 |
| Missouri | State Farm | 91 | $1,058 | $88 |
| Montana | State Farm | 90 | $705 | $59 |
| Nebraska | American National | 93 | $517 | $43 |
| Nevada | CIG | 91 | $1,632 | $136 |
| New Hampshire | State Farm | 90 | $782 | $65 |
| New Jersey | Amica | 93 | $1,583 | $132 |
| New Mexico | State Farm | 91 | $761 | $63 |
| New York | Erie | 92 | $1,856 | $155 |
| North Carolina | Erie | 93 | $1,485 | $124 |
| North Dakota | American Family | 91 | $688 | $57 |
| Ohio | Erie | 94 | $725 | $60 |
| Oklahoma | State Farm | 90 | $734 | $61 |
| Oregon | COUNTRY Financial | 91 | $1,105 | $92 |
| Pennsylvania | Erie | 93 | $966 | $80 |
| Rhode Island | State Farm | 90 | $700 | $58 |
| South Carolina | Auto-Owners | 94 | $1,298 | $108 |
| South Dakota | Western National | 93 | $1,057 | $88 |
| Tennessee | Erie | 93 | $928 | $77 |
| Texas | State Farm | 91 | $938 | $78 |
| Utah | American Family | 92 | $1,030 | $86 |
| Vermont | State Farm | 90 | $541 | $45 |
| Virginia | Erie | 93 | $1,047 | $87 |
| Washington | Chubb | 94 | $1,243 | $104 |
| West Virginia | Erie | 95 | $1,002 | $84 |
| Wisconsin | Chubb | 93 | $1,209 | $101 |
| Wyoming | State Farm | 90 | $829 | $69 |
State Farm ranks highest for affordable full coverage after violations, with monthly rates of $84 after a ticket, $91 after an accident and $103 following a DUI.
Traffic violations often increase premiums but may drop off over time, depending on state laws. DUIs can have longer-lasting effects. To reduce costs, compare quotes, take defensive driving courses or consider usage-based insurance.
State Farm is the top option for drivers with bad records, with the lowest rates and the highest MoneyGeek score.
Bad driving records, including citations, at-fault accidents and DUIs, often result in higher premiums because insurers view these drivers as riskier.
Discount offerings:
While a less-than-perfect driving record may limit access to certain safe driving discounts, these options can help reduce your insurance costs.
What it covers: Provides liability coverage for damage and injuries, plus optional collision, comprehensive and other customizable coverages like uninsured motorist and medical payments protection
Availability: Offers auto insurance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Cost estimate: Starting at $84 monthly (roughly $2.80 per day)
Review the sections below for tips on balancing cost and coverage to find the best insurance for drivers with a bad record. Learn about insurers offering affordable rates and discounts tailored to high-risk drivers.
Shopping for a new provider can significantly lower insurance costs. Completing a defensive driving course may qualify you for discounts, clear some infractions from your record and show a commitment to safe driving. Over time, revisit your policy to negotiate better premiums as your record improves.
Don’t accept a higher rate post-renewal without exploring options. Shop around before your policy ends, as insurers have different pricing for the same offense. You can switch car insurance providers anytime during your policy, potentially saving a lot.
Insurance companies catering to high-risk drivers offer rates tailored to those with poor records.
Taking a recent defensive driving course shows your commitment to safety and may earn you discounts. It can also remove an infraction from your record in some states, helping you avoid rate hikes.
For older vehicles, consider dropping comprehensive or collision coverage. This can reduce premiums but also increase out-of-pocket costs in case of an accident.
Telematics, or usage-based insurance, tracks driving habits in real-time. Safe driving with this technology can lead to significant discounts, even if you have past violations.
As infractions age, they carry less weight. Regularly review your record, and when points drop off, consider renegotiating your rates.
After demonstrating improved driving habits over time, request a review from your insurer to reduce rates based on your positive changes.
A driving violation initially raises insurance rates, but they decrease over time with a clean record. Compare providers annually to find better deals as your record improves.
MoneyGeek’s car insurance calculator helps drivers with bad records compare quotes and find affordable coverage. Whether you have speeding tickets, accidents or a DUI, this tool lets you explore top providers and potential discounts to lower your rates. Get a personalized estimate in minutes.
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Mar 14, 2025
| Insurance Carrier | MoneyGeek Score | Average Monthly Payment | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Capital Insurance Group | 94 /of 100 | $87 | |
| 2 |  GEICO | 82 /of 100 | $109 | |
| 3 | 83 /of 100 | $118 | ||
| 4 | 83 /of 100 | $129 | ||
| 5 | 79 /of 100 | $133 | ||
| 6 | 77 /of 100 | $151 |
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
A history of accidents, tickets or DUIs can raise your insurance rates, but you may still qualify for discounts that help lower costs. Many insurers offer savings based on vehicle safety features, policy bundling and defensive driving programs. Here are some discounts to look for:
Completing an approved course may reduce your premium.
Some insurers offer discounts after maintaining a clean record for a set period, even after past infractions.
Programs like State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save™ track driving habits and reward safe behaviors.
Bundling auto, home or renters insurance can lower rates.
Insuring more than one car under the same policy often results in savings.
Cars with anti-lock brakes, airbags and anti-theft systems may qualify for lower premiums.
The severity of a violation affects how long and how much it impacts your insurance rates:
A DUI-related accident leads to higher payouts, making insurers hesitant to provide coverage. Some may even drop your policy, forcing you to find a new insurer at higher rates.
Insurers cover drivers with speeding tickets or at-fault accidents but at higher rates. A DUI conviction makes finding coverage harder, often requiring nonstandard policies. These cost more and offer fewer benefits but ensure essential coverage for high-risk drivers.
Aspect | Nonstandard Auto Insurance | Standard Auto Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Designed For | Drivers deemed high-risk due to significant violations or serious infractions like DUI | Drivers with a clean or minor driving record |
Premiums | Typically higher because of the increased risk involved | More affordable and competitive for most drivers |
Coverage Limitations | May have more restrictions or specific conditions, depending on the policy | Standard coverages with broader options and fewer restrictions |
Duration | Temporary solution for many; aim is to transition back to standard insurance as infractions clear from the record | Long-term solution for most drivers |
Availability | Some specialized providers focus on nonstandard insurance for high-risk drivers | Available from most insurance companies |
As infractions age and drop off your record, you can switch to standard insurance providers for lower, more competitive rates.
Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
You'll need high-risk car insurance if you have a history of traffic violations, at-fault accidents or DUIs. State Farm and Travelers offer competitive rates, with State Farm’s starting at $40 per month.
Drivers can lower premiums by taking defensive driving courses, maintaining a clean record and exploring usage-based insurance programs. Compare quotes from top insurers to find affordable coverage that fits your needs without overpaying.
We answer common questions about the best insurers for drivers with past infractions, helping you find coverage and rebuild your driving record.
State Farm is the best overall car insurance provider for drivers with records, earning a MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100. It offers the following monthly rates for full coverage:
Regularly reviewing your driving record helps you track your progress and identify opportunities for lower rates. Defensive driving courses can improve skills and unlock discounts. Usage-based insurance offers personalized rates based on safe driving habits. Lastly, compare providers often to secure the best deal for your situation.
Nonstandard insurance is for high-risk drivers and often has higher premiums and more restrictions. Standard insurance is typically cheaper and has broader coverage. Drivers can transition from nonstandard to standard as violations drop off their records.
While rare, some drivers with multiple severe infractions might struggle to find standard coverage. In such cases, nonstandard auto insurance offers a solution but with higher premiums.
A DUI can raise car insurance premiums by 86%. It's considered a serious violation, often linked to more expensive claims like property damage and bodily injury. A DUI can also result in the need for SR-22 filing, which is for high-risk drivers.
In some states, completing a defensive driving course can remove minor violations from your record, avoiding rate hikes. It also shows a commitment to safe driving, which may qualify you for custom discounts.
How We Determined the Best Providers
We gathered data from independent sources to determine the best car insurance providers for high-risk drivers and created a weighted scoring system.
How We Determined the Cheapest Providers
We collected data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services to determine average car insurance costs and rate comparisons. We analyzed 210,564 quotes from 68 companies across 897 ZIP codes to establish national and state-specific rate averages.
Sample Driver Profile
To collect cost data, we used a sample driver profile with the following characteristics:
We modified the sample driver to account for these personalized factors:
Policies, Coverages and Deductibles Explained
Using our sample driver profile, we gathered premium data for full coverage policies with a $500 deductible, meeting state minimum coverage requirements. In at-fault accidents or non-collision incidents, the deductible is the amount you must pay before insurance covers vehicle damage.
State-specific coverage requirements set the baseline for insurance. We analyzed rates for each state to calculate state and national averages for minimum coverage premiums.
Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
