Best Auto Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers – Quick Reference Guide

Finding an affordable auto insurance provider after a DUI isn’t easy.

You are looking at paying more for auto insurance.

Potentially a lot more.

Depending on where you live, you may be limited to a few non-standard, specialized auto insurance carriers that offer high-risk insurance coverage.

When shopping for a high-risk policy, the best way to get the most coverage for your dollar is to shop around.

You’ll want to look at more than just the price.

It is important to get familiar with the non-standard companies available to you and know what each company offers to get the best deal.

Illustrated above are quotes from companies offering non-standard insurance. Each driver had driving violations on record and poor credit. If you recently had an insurer drop your coverage, you should consider any of the 9 best non-standard companies I reviewed below. Your auto insurance policy will vary depending on your driver profile, which is an important factor and more financial risk.

The General

The General is often considered one of the leading auto insurance companies for offenders with at least one drunk driving conviction and a repeat offender. 

Pros	Cons
Offers SR-22 filing for drivers	No discounts
More affordable for high-risk drivers	Higher premium than competitors
Driver history check 3 previous years only	Claims cannot be reported online

They offer specialized, flexible rate plans for high-risk drivers in every state except Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey.

The auto insurance company makes it easy to file an SR-22.

New customers are asked if they need one when signing up for auto insurance with The General.

If the document is needed, it is included in the enrollment paperwork.

No matter your driving record or traffic violations, you will be able to get the coverage you need at a favorable rate with The General.

Age	Quote (monthly)*
25 y/o driver	$324
30 y/o driver	$273
45 y/o driver	$185

*with drunk driving offense including prescription drugs & full coverage.

Safe Auto

Safe Auto has specialized in providing people with state-minimum auto insurance policies for more than 20 years.

Pros	Cons
Offers SR-22 filing	Poor customer support
Good option with low credit score	Can't bundle with life or health insurance
Same-day claims payout	Claims cannot be reported online

They target their policies to people that are considered high-risk or previously had a license suspension. 

That includes drivers that have a DUI conviction or multiple moving violations.

The provider offers some discounts to its customers.

These discounts are available for customers with more than one motor vehicle, own a home, or take a driver safety course.

Although Safe Auto makes it easy for drivers to get coverage after a DUI, the provider only offers its services in 17 states.

It should also be noted that Safe Auto gets mixed reviews related to its handling of claims.

Additionally, the provider has received more complaints to state regulators about its auto insurance coverage than its competitors.

Despite the complaints, Safe Auto is a worthy option for people driving under the influence violation in the states it serves.

Age	Quote (monthly)*
25 y/o driver	$344
30 y/o driver	$289
45 y/o driver	$198

*Full coverage with drunk driving conviction with blood alcohol over.o8 BAC.

Bristol West

As part of Farmers, Bristol West specializes in providing coverage to high-risk drivers and those with a suspended license. 

Pros	Cons
Offers SR-22 & FR-44 filing	Poor customer support
Low down payment option	Have to work with an agent to get quotes & policies
A rated company	Customers report unexpected price increases

The provider offers coverage in 42 states.

Like The General, they make it easy to obtain the necessary documentation.

Bristol West also offers an extensive list of discounts, even for a young driver with a DUI on their record.

Depending on your state, you might qualify for a discount with Bristol West if you:

– insure more than one car

– own a home

– make electronic payments

– are at least 55 years old and have completed a driver improvement course

With an extensive list of potential discounts and its availability in most states, Bristol West could be an attractive option for high-risk drivers needing coverage.

Age	Quote (monthly)*
25 y/o driver	$365
30 y/o driver	$303
45 y/o driver	$215

*Full coverage with DUI.

Acceptance

Like Safe Auto, Acceptance is available in 17 states nationwide.

Pros	Cons
Offers SR-22 filing	Low policy limits
Easy quote process	Coverage is more expensive than other insurers
Offers basic coverage for high-risk drivers	Claims process is not 24 hours a day

An insurer is a viable option for those unable to get car insurance quotes through a mainstream provider.

Or those with a suspended license. 

If you have a DUI on your record, Acceptance will be able to file this form for you.

Although the company doesn’t offer all the “extras” found at other auto insurance companies, they offer a Ticketproof program that may entice some.

As part of their Ticketproof program, Acceptance will reimburse drivers for a portion of their costs related to a reckless driving infraction, a speeding ticket, or multiple tickets.  

They will reimburse up to $200 towards legal fees, $100 towards paid citations, and $250 towards court-ordered defensive driving courses.

Age	Quote (monthly)*
25 y/o driver	$422
30 y/o driver	$342
45 y/o driver	$201

*with drunk driving conviction & full coverage.

Fred Loya

Depending on your area, Fred Loya may be sold as Young America, Rodney D. Young, or National.

Pros	Cons
Offers SR-22 filing	Few discounts
Agents required to settle claims in 24 hours	Coverage is more expensive than other insurers
Coverage for specialized vehicles	No 24/7 claims process

Coverage is offered in just 11 states.

With offices in Walmart stores around the country, it benefits from its retail presence.

However, the insurer falls short when it comes to meeting the needs of its customers.

Fred Loya does not offer the option for customers to file claims online.

That means you can only file claims by phone during regular business hours.

The insurer has also been hit with legal issues in the past.

While Fred Loya offers bare minimum coverage for people driving under the influence moving violation, there are better alternatives out there.

Age	Quote (monthly)*
25 y/o driver	$397
30 y/o driver	$316
45 y/o driver	$192

*with comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorists protection, and DUI conviction.

Dairyland

Dairyland has been offering coverage for drivers in the high-risk auto insurance category for nearly 70 years.

Pros	Cons
Online policy sign up	Long wait times for claims payout
Accepts foreign drivers licenses	High risk pool means higher rates
Offers coverage for old, antique, extra-large and unique vehicles	No online claims process

Like many other specialized insurers, it only offers its coverage in a select number of states.

Although Dairyland doesn’t have the online presence that some of the larger high-risk insurers have, it does allow its customers to handle claims and pay bills online.

Dairyland also has a mobile app available to its customers, making it easy to access your account.

Age	Quote (monthly)*
25 y/o driver	$379
30 y/o driver	$298
45 y/o driver	$189

*with an SR-22 filing

Direct Auto

Besides providing coverage for drivers with a DUI, Direct Auto also offers life and renters coverage.

Pros	Cons
Broad range of coverage options	High number of complaints
Flexible payment options based on your budget	Lower than average customer service
DirectDrive app to monitor driving and reduce rates	Claims by phone only

That means its customers can take advantage of bundling discounts that aren’t available from other companies specializing in high-risk drivers.

The company also stands out by offering customers flexible, customizable payment options.

Unfortunately, Direct Auto only offers its coverage in 12 states, making it a viable option only for drivers in the states it serves.

Age	Quote (monthly)*
25 y/o driver	$361
30 y/o driver	$288
45 y/o driver	$193

*with comprehensive, collision, poor driving record and credit history.

Kemper

A DUI on your record doesn’t mean you can’t get coverage from a bigger company.

Pros	Cons
Easy online quote process	No free policy cancellation
Wide array of discounts	Not all vehicle brands & models covered
24/7 availability	No rideshare coverage

As one of the largest companies in the United States, Kemper is well known for its high-risk coverage.

Kemper’s coverage is more extensive than some other specialty providers that only offer state-minimums.

They also offer salvaged vehicle coverage and will even provide text alerts to their customers to avoid penalties for missing payments.

Age	Quote (monthly)*
25 y/o driver	$354
30 y/o driver	$271
45 y/o driver	$184

*with poor driving record and credit score.

Nationwide (Titan)

If you’re looking for a major provider that still offers specialized coverage for drivers with a DUI on their record, Nationwide is a solid option.

Pros	Cons
Affiliated with Nationwide	Claims by phone only
More affordable compared to other non-standard companies	Minimum features with shopping for policy options
Coverage for travel to Mexico	Reviews slant towards with unfavorable

The provider previously offered high-risk coverage under the name Titan before absorbing the subsidiary and the services it offered.

Before being absorbed by Nationwide, Titan stood out from its competitors due to its lack of consumer complaints and its strong customer service rating.

Customers can expect that same quality of service with Nationwide while also taking advantage of bundling discount options available through the insurer.

Age	Quote (monthly)*
25 y/o driver	$387
30 y/o driver	$290
45 y/o driver	$189

*with SR-22 filing.

If you recently had a DUI added to your record, it’s only natural that you have some questions about how the conviction will affect your car insurance premium. 

How will a DUI conviction affect my insurance premium?

To put it simply, you’re going to pay more for coverage.

It isn’t uncommon to see rates double after a DUI conviction.

Companies will see you as a high-risk customer that could be costly to insure.

That means they’ll charge you more to protect their bottom-line.

In some cases, your existing car insurance company may opt not to renew your policy once it expires.

That’s why it is important to keep an open communication line with your insurer if you get a DUI on your record.

How much can I expect to pay for car insurance after a DUI?

While rates fluctuate, you can expect to pay more than $1000 per year for minimum coverage.

Full coverage will set you back at least $2500 per year.

How long will a DUI impact my car insurance rates?

Unfortunately, a DUI will haunt your rates for at least 3 years.

In some states, you’ll pay a high premium for as long as the DUI is on your record.

That could be as long as 10 years.

What is an SR-22? Do I need one?

An SR-22 is an official document that proves you’ve purchased the state’s minimum liability insurance.

You have the financial responsibility to keep it the coverage required by state law. 

It allows you to keep your driving privileges (or have them reinstated, if needed).

The companies mentioned above offer this filing.

Although there is usually a $25 cost to file an SR-22, many of the mentioned insurers will do so for free when you purchase coverage through them.

In some states, like Florida and Virginia, an FR-44 form must be filed.

This form requires drivers with a DUI conviction to purchase more than the state’s minimum coverage.

How can I save money on car insurance after a DUI?

The best thing you can do after a DUI is to shop around immediately.

Because your existing provider can drop you as a customer once your existing policy expires, you’ll want to have another provider lined up to avoid any gaps in coverage.

By getting multiple quotes, you’ll make sure you get the cheapest rate for the best coverage.

Depending on your state, you’ll want to shop around again in 3 years.

After 3 years, insurers will start to drop your rates, allowing you to start saving money again.

Besides shopping around now and in the future, I recommend making sure your credit score is in good shape.

Even if you have a clean driving history, you’ll pay more with poor credit.

With poor credit and a DUI on your record, you’ll be stuck paying astronomical prices while trying to get a cheap car insurance rate.

I’m often asked if coverage is even needed after a DUI and if one can save by skipping out on car insurance coverage.

Despite the high car insurance costs after a DUI, you absolutely need to have it.

Driving without insurance with a DUI on your record could cost you far more than premium increases with high-risk auto insurance.

If you have an at-fault accident, you could face jail time.

Then you have a criminal record. 

How do I know which high-risk insurer is right for me?

Many carriers offering coverage for a convicted driver or those with a criminal conviction from a serious moving violation are limited to select states.

That might limit your options.

When shopping for high-risk coverage or if you need to compare rates, you should pay attention to two things:

– How many complaints the car insurance company has received.

– How strong the company is financially.

An insurance carrier’s financial strength is especially important because it indicates if they will pay out claims.

Sources

https://www.thegeneral.com/

https://www.safeauto.com/

https://www.fredloya.com/

https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/auto

Quadrant Information Services

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