Progressive and The General are just two of many auto insurance companies that provide substandard policies for high risk drivers. If you’ve been told you’re a high risk driver, knowing what companies will work with you is important. The list of companies that provide substandard or nonstandard auto insurance in your state may differ from those in another state.
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That’s why your best bet to learning which auto insurance companies write substandard or nonstandard auto insurance in your state is ask the department of insurance. Each state maintains a record of insurance companies allowed to practice in the state, along with the kinds of insurance they sell to consumers.
What is a substandard driver?
A substandard driver is simply another term for a high risk driver. Each state and auto insurance company defines this a bit differently. Most states consider two or more no contests, convictions, or guilty pleas to moving violations as the baseline for high risk driver classification. Here are some standard offenses that put you into the high risk or substandard category:
If you run a stop light or stop sign, speed, or engage in reckless behavior behind the wheel, you may be considered a high risk driver.
If you’ve been found guilty, been convicted, or entered a no contest plea against a DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated), you may also be considered a high risk driver. Some states consider one DUI/DWI enough to classify you as a high risk driver, while other states consider two offenses as the baseline definition. Regardless of your state’s definition of a high risk driver, an insurance company may choose to deny insurance after a single conviction or guilty plea.
Low FICO credit scores: Many people ask about why your credit score should affect the price of auto insurance premiums. According to the insurance industry, there’s an established association between financial responsibility and safe driving.
Before shopping for a new auto insurance carrier, obtain a copy of your credit report from the three major credit reporting organizations (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and review it for errors. Disputing credit report errors on a regular basis helps maintain your credit file and credit score.
What other reasons require substandard auto insurance?
If you’ve never been insured before, getting auto insurance now can also provide a challenge. Multiple accidents over a short time period, regardless of whether you were at-fault, can cause some insurance companies to consider you’re a higher risk driver. If your license is revoked or suspended for any reason, obtaining auto insurance may also become more costly and challenging.
What programs help substandard drivers?
If you’re considered a high risk driver in your state, obtaining auto insurance from your state program can help get you back on the road. Your state’s SR22 program may be the only option available, if the insurance companies with whom you’ve applied reject you or if premiums offered by the insurance companies are too expensive.
Each state insurance department works with a group of auto insurance companies that agree to sell auto insurance to high risk drivers in the state. The state department of insurance doesn’t sell auto insurance or benefit from the auto insurance companies selling the insurance. The SR22 program’s goal is to assist high risk individuals lower their risk profile and insurance costs over time.
Although SR22 insurance premiums aren’t inexpensive, the auto insurance companies engaged by the state program usually lower costs of premiums when drivers demonstrate responsibility behind the wheel and in making timely payments. One of the goals of the SR22 program is to help drivers simultaneously understand and value the importance of safe, responsible driving.
Of course, the best way to avoid the high cost of substandard auto insurance premiums is to ensure your safe driving record. If you’re classified as a high risk driver, the worst possible solution is to forego auto insurance! The “what ifs” of driving without auto insurance as a high risk driver are substantial, including criminal charges, fines, loss of personal property or liberty. Don’t drive without the benefit of auto insurance.
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