Car insurance after tickets, accidents or a lapse

What makes a driver "high risk"

Insurers don't use one definition, but these commonly move a driver into higher pricing tiers or limit which companies will write them:

• Multiple speeding tickets or moving violations
• At-fault accidents in the last three to five years
• A DWI or DUI
• A gap in insurance coverage
• A suspended or revoked license
• Being a newly licensed driver of any age
• An SR-22 requirement

Why comparing matters more here

Companies weigh violations very differently. A ticket that barely moves your price with one insurer can disqualify you with another. Some insurers specialize in drivers others turn away. Calling one company and accepting the answer is the most expensive way to buy high-risk auto insurance. We compare the companies we work with, including those that focus on non-standard drivers, and show you the real options.

Getting covered today

1. Call us with your license number and a list of tickets or accidents you know about.
2. Tell us the vehicle, or that you need a non-owner policy.
3. If the state has required an SR-22, have the notice handy. See SR-22 insurance.
4. Choose a policy, pay by phone, and we email proof of insurance.

Bringing the price back down

• Keep coverage continuous. Gaps are expensive. Automatic payments help.
• Avoid new violations. The most recent incident usually matters most.
• Re-shop as things age off. Many companies look back three to five years. When an accident or ticket ages out, a new quote can be very different.
• Choose deductibles you can afford if you carry collision and comprehensive.
• Take a defensive driving course if a court or insurer offers credit for it.

Reading

Getting car insurance after a lapse in coverage · Will my insurance go up after an accident? · Cheap SR-22 insurance in Missouri: what it costs and how to pay less · SR-22 after a DWI in Missouri · How to lower your car insurance without gutting it