Updated: January 26, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
State Farm charges the least for drivers with bad records: $45 monthly for minimum coverage. GEICO charges the least for full coverage: $128 monthly.
Switch to State Farm's minimum coverage and save $540 per year versus the state average. State Farm's discounts won't wow you, but rates stay low after violations. Thousands of agents help you compare options when your record hurts.
$45 | $546 | ||
$56 | $676 | ||
$62 | $746 | ||
$73 | $877 | ||
$55 | $660 |
State Farm ranks first for bad-record drivers at $60 monthly for high-risk coverage. A++ AM Best rating. 30% fewer complaints than industry average.
State Farm files SR-22s fast for serious violations. Stack discounts to cut high-risk premiums.
State Farm and GEICO charge the least for speeding tickets at $56 monthly minimum coverage. Both beat competitors by $12 monthly ($144 yearly savings). USAA costs less but only covers military members, veterans, and their families.
Travelers charges the least for full coverage: $129 monthly (23% below national median). State Farm: $131. GEICO: $132. All three stay competitive after speeding tickets across liability and comprehensive.
Compare quotes to find your lowest rate after a speeding ticket:
| State Farm | $56 | $131 | 25% |
| Geico | $56 | $132 | 24% |
| Travelers | $63 | $129 | 23% |
| Amica | $69 | $142 | 15% |
| National General | $68 | $153 | 11% |
State Farm and GEICO charge the least for at-fault accidents: $4 separates them on minimum coverage. State Farm: $62 monthly. Save $336 yearly versus national median (covers most deductibles).
For full coverage, Travelers charges $137 monthly (26% below national median). State Farm: $141. Minimum coverage prices vary between State Farm and Travelers, but both beat competitors across all coverage levels after at-fault crashes.
Compare quotes from insurers carefully after an at-fault accident, as some companies increase premiums less than others:
| State Farm | $62 | $141 | 27% |
| Travelers | $69 | $137 | 26% |
| Amica | $71 | $144 | 23% |
| Geico | $66 | $153 | 21% |
| National General | $78 | $163 | 14% |
*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.
National General is the cheapest car insurance company for drivers with a DUI, with minimum coverage starting at $66 monthly or $792 annually. National General's rates are 29% cheaper than the national median, saving drivers with a DUI significant money on basic coverage.
State Farm and Travelers follow closely behind at $73 and $78 per month for minimum coverage, but both excel at full coverage with rates of $159 and $158 monthly, 37% and 36% below the national median, respectively. State Farm and Travelers might cost slightly more for minimum coverage. Still, their superior full coverage value and customer service make them better choices if you need more than just liability protection after a DUI.
Compare quotes from high-risk car insurance companies carefully, as some insurers penalize DUI offenses less than others:
| National General | $66 | $197 | 29% |
| State Farm | $73 | $159 | 37% |
| Travelers | $78 | $158 | 36% |
| Progressive | $83 | $161 | 34% |
| Geico | $102 | $231 | 10% |
*State Farm offers the lowest minimum coverage rate for non-military-affiliated drivers with a DUI. USAA is the most affordable option for military-affiliated drivers.
GEICO offers the best rates for drivers with texting while driving violations at $55 monthly for minimum coverage, undercutting State Farm by $3 and beating most competitors by $10 or more. At 29% below the national median, GEICO saves drivers with texting tickets $360 annually—money that could offset increased premiums elsewhere.
GEICO leads with full coverage at $126 monthly; State Farm charges $132. GEICO's competitive rates across coverage types make it the best choice for keeping costs down after distracted driving violations, despite lacking agent-based personal service.
Insurers penalize texting violations differently:
| Geico | $55 | $126 | 29% |
| State Farm | $58 | $132 | 25% |
| National General | $65 | $146 | 17% |
| Travelers | $69 | $138 | 18% |
| Chubb | $71 | $166 | 7% |
*GEICO offers the lowest minimum coverage rate for non-military drivers. USAA is cheapest for military-affiliated drivers.
GEICO provides drivers with cheap coverage after not-at-fault accidents, charging just $45 monthly for minimum liability protection while competitors like State Farm and Travelers charge $51 and $54. At 29% below the national median, GEICO saves you $432 annually—important when you're already frustrated about paying more for an accident that wasn't your fault.
GEICO's full coverage rates follow the same pattern at $103 monthly, though Travelers comes close at $107. Most insurers still raise your premiums after not-at-fault accidents, but GEICO keeps the increase modest and maintains strong value whether you carry basic liability or comprehensive coverage.
Compare quotes below to see how different insurers treat not-at-fault accidents:
| Geico | $45 | $103 | 29% |
| State Farm | $51 | $121 | 18% |
| Travelers | $54 | $107 | 24% |
| National General | $55 | $117 | 18% |
| Amica | $56 | $115 | 19% |
*GEICO offers the lowest minimum coverage rate for non-military-affiliated drivers with a not-at-fault accident. USAA is the most affordable option for military-affiliated drivers.
State Farm offers the best rates for young drivers with violations, leading in four out of five categories we analyzed. Young drivers already face premium increases that older drivers avoid, making it critical to find insurers that don't compound the problem with excessive penalties.
State Farm charges $128 monthly for minimum coverage after a speeding ticket—31% below the national median—and maintains competitive rates across violations from texting ($131 monthly) to at-fault accidents ($141 monthly). Even after a DUI, State Farm's rates of $163 for minimum coverage and $348 for full coverage stay 42% below the national median, saving young drivers over $3,000 annually when they can least afford inflated premiums.
GEICO charges less for not-at-fault accidents: $111 monthly minimum coverage. But State Farm's rates stay consistent across all violation types, better for young drivers who need predictable pricing no matter what's on their record.
Compare quotes because some insurers hammer young drivers with violations harder than others:
| Not At Fault Accident | Geico | $111 | $255 | 25% |
| Speeding Ticket | State Farm | $128 | $289 | 31% |
| Texting While Driving | State Farm | $131 | $293 | 32% |
| At Fault Accident | State Farm | $141 | $313 | 34% |
| DUI | State Farm | $163 | $348 | 42% |
Balance cost and coverage to find the best insurance for your bad record: tips on cheap rates and high-risk driver discounts.
Shop around becasuse new insurers cut costs. Take a defensive driving course: qualify for discounts, erase some violations, prove you're serious about safety. Check your policy yearly and renegotiate as your record cleans up.
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 hundreds of dollars.
Insurance companies catering to high-risk drivers offer rates tailored to those with poor records.
Taking a defensive driving course shows your commitment to safety and may earn you discounts. In some states, it can also remove an infraction from your record, helping you avoid rate hikes.
For older vehicles, consider dropping comprehensive or collision coverage to reduce premiums. You can also switch to liability-only coverage if you meet your state's minimum requirements and want the most affordable option. This can reduce premiums but increases out-of-pocket costs if you have an accident.
Telematics, or usage-based insurance, tracks driving habits in real-time. Safe driving with this technology can lead to 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 history of accidents, tickets or DUIs raises 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.
Completing an approved defensive driving course may result in a 5% to 15% reduction in your premium.
Some insurers offer discounts after maintaining a clean driving record for a set period (typically 3-5 years), even if past infractions are still affecting your rates.
Programs like State Farm's Drive Safe & Save track driving habits and reward safe behaviors with discounts up to 30%.
Bundling auto, home or renters insurance can lower rates by 10% to 25%.
Insuring more than one car under the same policy often results in savings of 10% to 20%.
Cars equipped with anti-lock brakes, airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-theft systems may be eligible for lower premiums.
Young drivers with violations can still save 10% to 25% by maintaining a B average or higher. Young drivers with a history of violations can still receive good student discounts of 10% to 25% by maintaining a B average or higher.
Most insurers cover drivers with speeding tickets or at-fault accidents at higher rates. DUI convictions make 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 | Higher due to increased risk | More affordable and competitive for most drivers |
Coverage Limitations | Includes more restrictions or specific conditions | Standard coverages with broader options and fewer restrictions |
Duration | Temporary solution for most drivers who transition back to standard insurance as infractions clear from their record | Long-term solution for most drivers |
Availability | Some specialized providers focus on nonstandard insurance for high-risk drivers | Available from most insurance companies |
You need nonstandard insurance if you have:
As infractions age and drop off your record, switch to standard insurance for lower rates. Most drivers transition within three to five years of a clean record.
Shop for standard quotes every six months while in nonstandard coverage. Switch immediately when you qualify for standard rates.
State Farm charges $56 monthly after a speeding ticket, $62 after an at-fault accident and $73 after a DUI. GEICO costs $45 monthly for not-at-fault accidents and $55 for texting violations. Defensive driving courses, clean driving records and usage-based programs lower premiums. Compare quotes from at least three insurers annually to catch savings as violations age off your record.
Find answers to common questions about insurance options for drivers with violations, from finding affordable coverage to improving your driving record.
State Farm is the best overall car insurance provider for drivers with bad records, earning a MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100. It offers monthly minimum coverage rates of $56 with a speeding ticket, $62 after an accident and $73 with a DUI.
GEICO offers competitive alternatives with the lowest rates for not-at-fault accidents ($45 monthly) and texting violations ($55 monthly). USAA offers the lowest rates for all violation types, but limits coverage to military members, veterans, and their families.
Lower your insurance costs by comparing quotes from multiple insurers—companies price violations differently, and you could save hundreds by switching. Take a defensive driving course to earn 5% to 15% discounts and potentially remove violations from your record in some states.
Enroll in usage-based insurance programs like Progressive's Snapshot or State Farm's Drive Safe & Save to earn up to 30% discounts for safe driving. Raise your deductible from $500 to $1,000 to cut premiums by 15% to 30%. Bundle your auto policy with home or renters insurance for 10% to 25% savings.
Review your driving record annually—as violations age, they carry less weight. Shop for new quotes when violations drop off your record (typically three to five years for most infractions)
Nonstandard insurance serves high-risk drivers with serious violations like DUIs or multiple at-fault accidents. It costs 50% to 100% more than standard insurance and offers fewer coverage options with more restrictions.
Standard insurance is available to drivers with clean or minor records at competitive rates, offering broader coverage options. Most drivers with a single violation (speeding ticket or minor accident) can still get standard insurance, though at higher rates.
You'll need nonstandard insurance if you have multiple DUIs, several at-fault accidents within three years, numerous moving violations or a recently reinstated license after suspension. Nonstandard insurance is temporary—as violations age and are removed from your record, you can transition back to standard coverage at lower rates.
Yes, some insurers deny coverage to drivers with severe violations like recent DUIs, multiple at-fault accidents or suspended licenses. However, you can always find coverage through nonstandard insurance providers specializing in high-risk drivers.
Every state requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. If you can't find coverage through traditional insurers, your state may offer assigned risk plans that guarantee coverage at higher rates. These state programs ensure that everyone can obtain legally required insurance, regardless of their driving history.
A DUI raises car insurance premiums by an average of 86%, though increases can reach 100% or more with some insurers. This rate increase typically lasts three to five years but can affect your rates for up to 10 years, depending on state laws.
A DUI also triggers SR-22 filing requirements, which means your insurer must file a certificate with your state proving you carry required coverage. The SR-22 filing itself costs $15 to $50, but the associated insurance rate increases can cost thousands annually. You'll need SR-22 coverage for three years without lapses in most states.
Many standard insurers won't cover drivers with recent DUI convictions, forcing them into nonstandard insurance markets with limited options and higher premiums. Some insurers drop existing customers after DUI convictions, requiring you to find new coverage immediately.
Defensive driving courses can reduce your insurance premiums by 5% to 15% and may remove minor violations from your record in some states. Course completion shows insurers your commitment to safe driving, qualifying you for additional discounts.
State laws vary on whether courses remove violations from your record. Some states allow one violation to be removed every three years through approved defensive driving courses, while others offer discounts without requiring the removal of the violation. Check with your state's DMV to find approved courses and understand their benefits.
Most approved defensive driving courses last four to eight hours and cost between $25 and $75. Many insurers require course completion from state-approved providers, so verify approval before enrolling.
Most violations remain on your driving record for three to five years, though serious violations like DUI can stay for 10 years or longer. The impact on your insurance rates decreases as violations age, with the most significant increases occurring in the first year.
Speeding tickets typically affect your rates for three years in most states. At-fault accidents remain on your record for three to five years. DUI convictions can impact your insurance for five to 10 years depending on state laws and insurer policies.
Once violations are removed from your record, shop for new insurance quotes immediately. Your rates should decrease significantly once you have a clean record again.
Your insurer typically notifies you of rate increases 30 to 60 days before your policy renewal. The increase takes effect at renewal, not immediately after the violation. This gives you time to shop for better rates before the increase hits.
Some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs that prevent your first violation from increasing rates. If you have this benefit, your insurer won't raise your rates after your first at-fault accident or minor violation.
Read your renewal notice carefully and compare quotes from at least three other insurers if you see a significant rate increase. You're not locked into accepting higher rates from your current insurer.
Not-at-fault accidents typically cause smaller rate increases than at-fault accidents—averaging 0% to 15% compared to 40% to 50% for at-fault accidents. However, insurers still view drivers who file frequent claims as higher risk, regardless of fault.
Some insurers don't increase rates at all for not-at-fault accidents, especially if you have accident forgiveness coverage. Check your policy terms to understand how your specific insurer handles not-at-fault claims.
Filing multiple not-at-fault claims within a short period can lead to rate increases or policy non-renewal. Consider paying for minor damage out of pocket if the repair costs are close to your deductible, to avoid potential rate increases.
You can't buy active auto insurance while your license is suspended, as you can't legally drive. However, you can purchase non-owner car insurance or parked car insurance to maintain continuous coverage and avoid gaps that further increase rates when your license is reinstated.
Maintaining coverage during suspension helps you avoid lapse-in-coverage penalties when you can drive again. Insurance gaps can raise your rates 30% to 50% when you restart coverage, compounding the rate increases from your violations.
Once your license is reinstated, you'll likely need SR-22 insurance, which costs significantly more than standard coverage. Shop with multiple insurers specializing in high-risk drivers to find the most affordable rates.
How we rated insurers for high-risk drivers. High-risk drivers need both affordable rates and reliable claims handling. We gathered data from independent sources and created a weighted scoring system across five categories.
Customer satisfaction (35%): Service quality when contacting your insurer or setting up a policy. We reviewed NAIC customer complaint index data and J.D. Power scores.
Affordability (20%): Premiums from Quadrant Information Services and state insurance departments determine this score.
Claims handling (20%): Customer experience during the claims process. We analyzed J.D. Power Claims Study data and the CRASH Report Card.
Coverage options (20%): We evaluated whether insurers offer essential coverages and unique options most drivers need.
Financial stability (5%): AM Best ratings show each insurer's strength to pay claims.
How we determined cheapest rates. We analyzed 210,564 quotes from 68 companies across 897 ZIP codes using data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services. This established national and state-specific rate averages for high-risk drivers.
Sample driver profile: 2010 Toyota Camry LE, 12,000 annual miles. We adjusted for age, location, state and driving record factors including speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs.
Minimum coverage policies analyzed: We gathered rates for $500 deductible policies meeting state requirements. The deductible is what you pay before insurance covers vehicle damage. State minimums vary, so we calculated both state and national averages.
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. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in 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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
