Is it fair that people with bad driving records pay more for car insurance?

Asked by: Dillan Zulauf  |  Last update: August 25, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (19 votes)

If you have a bad driving record that includes an at-fault car accident, speeding ticket, or DUI, car insurance companies will typically regard you as a high-risk driver. As such, you can expect to pay higher car insurance rates than people with a clean driving record.

Is it fair that people with bad driving records pay more for car insurance explain?

Any accident for which you were at fault will raise premiums: even minor accidents will result in higher payments. A speeding conviction can mean paying thousands of dollars more in premiums, depending on where you live. Reckless driving violations could potentially double your premium in some areas.

What insurance is best for a bad driving record?

Best car insurance for high-risk drivers
  • Best for teen drivers: State Farm.
  • Best for at-fault accidents: Erie.
  • Best for speeding tickets: Geico.
  • Best for DUI/DWI: Progressive.
  • Best for bad credit: Dairyland.
  • Best for discounts: First Acceptance.
  • Best for military members and veterans: USAA.

Do poor people pay more for car insurance?

Drivers with poor credit (below 580) paid about 69% more for car insurance than those with exceptional credit scores (800 or above), according to an analysis by insurance comparison site The Zebra based on data from 2011 through 2021.

Why is my insurance so high if I have a clean record?

It's a risk pool. Your driving record may be flawless, but you are driving in a riskier area with a greater exposure to potential claims. The insurance companies are managing their risk.

Car Insurance with a Bad Driving Record | Stewardship - Money Well Rooted

40 related questions found

How do I clean my driving record for insurance?

How to clean up your driving record
  1. Take a defensive driving course. Many states will remove points or minor infractions from your driving record if you complete a defensive driving course. ...
  2. Dispute errors on your driving record. ...
  3. Contest your ticket. ...
  4. Fix minor issues immediately. ...
  5. Expunge your record. ...
  6. Seek a deferment.

What is one major cause for higher insurance rates?

Here are some of the most common reasons for your car insurance rate to go up:
  • Speeding tickets and other moving violations. ...
  • Accidents: Both at-fault and not-at-fault. ...
  • Comprehensive claims. ...
  • Adding vehicles and drivers. ...
  • Claims in your area. ...
  • Moving. ...
  • Age. ...
  • Lapse in insurance.

Who is likely to pay more for car insurance?

Your driving habits

If you've been in multiple accidents, your cost for car insurance is likely to be higher than someone with a clean driving record. If you're a new driver and have not had insurance before, chances are you'll pay more for car insurance.

Does credit score impact car insurance?

How credit-based insurance scores work. Most U.S. insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores along with your driving history, claims history and many other factors to establish eligibility for payment plans and to help determine insurance rates. Again, except in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

Who pays most for car insurance?

While adult men and women pay about the same amount for car insurance, the gap changes as drivers get older. While all teens pay more for car insurance than older adults, teenage boys pay the most of all.

What makes someone uninsurable for car insurance?

Poor driving history is a top reason drivers can face challenges obtaining auto insurance. A track record of collisions, traffic violations, or DUI convictions can make getting coverage difficult and extremely costly. Insurers consider drivers with such records high-risk; some may deny coverage altogether.

How do insurance companies know your driving record?

Insurance companies obtain Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) directly from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or relevant authorities. These reports provide a detailed account of your driving history, including traffic violations, accidents, and license status.

What happens if you have a bad driving record?

A bad driving record is a driving record that includes one or more moving violations, driver's license points, accidents, or serious charges such as DUI or hit-and-run. Having a bad driving record may result in a driver being classified as “high-risk,” likely making insurance coverage more expensive.

How to get auto insurance with a bad record?

Get a policy from a private insurance company that specializes in “high-risk” drivers –These insurers write "non-standard" policies for people with bad accident records, high-performance cars, or who live in high-risk neighborhoods.

What is the cheapest car insurance after license suspension?

Progressive and National General have the cheapest liability car insurance for a suspended license with a major violation. Progressive's rates average $91 a month. This is slightly less than National General's average of $104 a month. State Farm has the cheapest liability quotes for a minor violation suspension.

How does your driving history affect your car insurance rates?

Your driving record – The better your record, the lower your premium. If you've had accidents or serious traffic violations, it's likely you'll pay more than if you have a clean driving record. You may also pay more if you're a new driver without an insurance track record.

What credit score do you need for car insurance?

While there's no set minimum score to get car insurance, you'll pay more if you have a lower score. Drivers with a credit score of 580 or below pay about 115% more for full coverage than the average driver with a credit score of 800 or above, according to Bankrate.

What factors influence the cost of your car insurance?

The cost of car insurance is affected by factors including your age, gender, location and marital status; the vehicle you drive; your annual mileage; your driving record; your claims history and even your credit score.

What bills improve your credit score?

As with cell phone bills, cable and internet bills can help your score if you opt in to a service like Experian Boost that gives you credit for utility and other kinds of payments. Just be mindful that not all of your credit reports will be affected.

How do you lower your car insurance bill?

7 ways to lower your car insurance premium
  1. Qualify for insurance discounts. Getting more discounts that lower your car insurance premium might be easier than you think. ...
  2. Increase your deductible. ...
  3. Reduce your coverage. ...
  4. Compare rates. ...
  5. Try usage-based insurance. ...
  6. Take a defensive driving course. ...
  7. Get a car that's cheaper to insure.

Which drivers generally pay more for insurance?

Drivers with a history of accidents, speeding tickets or other traffic violations typically pay the highest rates.

At what age is car insurance most expensive?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that teen drivers are four times more likely to get into a car crash than drivers 20 and older. As a result, car insurance companies view young drivers as the most risky to insure. Drivers ages 16 to 24 tend to face the highest premiums compared to other age groups.

Who normally has the cheapest car insurance?

Geico, Nationwide and Travelers are among the least expensive for car insurance. Americans are paying a lot for car insurance these days: Average annual rates for a full coverage policy are up to $2,638 per year, while minimum coverage averages $767 per year.

Why is my car insurance suddenly so high?

More severe and frequent car accidents

Vehicles head east on a Los Angeles freeway during the evening rush hour commute on April 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. That has led to an increase in claims that is well above historical averages because of their severity, according to LexisNexis Risk Solutions data.

Which of the following should reduce your auto insurance premium?

Deductible. Some kinds of coverage have deductibles. A deductible is the amount of loss which the insured is responsible to pay. You usually pay a lower premium if you choose a higher deductible.