High-risk auto insurance usually applies to drivers with a recent DUI/DWI, at-fault crash, multiple speeding tickets, a lapse in coverage, very poor credit where permitted, or limited experience. In 2025, multiple national studies find that broad-market carriers like State Farm and Progressive are frequently among the lowest-priced options for many high-risk scenarios, with USAA often cheapest for eligible military members; when preferred carriers decline or surcharge heavily, nonstandard specialists such as The General, Direct Auto/SafeAuto, Dairyland, Bristol West and National General remain key paths—especially if an SR‑22/FR‑44 filing is required. Telematics/usage‑based programs (for example, State Farm Drive Safe & Save or Progressive Snapshot) and shopping broadly across at least 6–10 quotes are the two biggest levers to reduce premiums, according to current market analyses and customer research (Forbes Advisor; NerdWallet; Bankrate; J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study; The Zebra State of Auto Insurance 2025).
The 5 Best Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers
- Geico: Best for discounts
- The General: Best for bundling policies
- Progressive: Best for digital tools
- SafeAuto: Best for minimum coverage limits
- Direct Auto: Best for added perks
Compare the Best High Risk Car Insurance Companies
| AM Best Financial Strength AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim. | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Score J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Geico | A++ | 881 | |
| Pin The General | A- | Not rated | |
| Pin Progressive | A+ | 862 | |
| Pin SafeAuto | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Pin Direct Auto | Not rated | Not rated |
Financial strength and product details reviewed with 2025 market context; J.D. Power claims scores shown reflect the study year cited below.
*J.D. Power 2021 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
Best for Discounts
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Broad set of stackable discounts (billing, vehicles, driver training)
- Superior AM Best financial strength rating
- Nationwide availability and digital self-service options
Cons
- Coverage and pricing for high-risk profiles can vary widely by state
- Monitor NAIC complaint index by year and state
- Primarily a direct/digital model; fewer local agents than some competitors
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS
- Defensive driving and driver education (where approved) — state programs like NY PIRP can mandate multi‑year premium reductions (New York DMV PIRP (10% for 3 years) )
- Paid in full, paperless, and auto-pay billing options (III: ways to lower costs)
- Multi-vehicle and affinity/membership opportunities
- Usage-based/telematics savings available industrywide (e.g., Drive Safe & Save, Snapshot)
ADD-ON COVERAGE
- Emergency road service
- Rental reimbursement
- Mechanical breakdown
Best for Bundling Policies
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Accepts many violation histories and prior coverage gaps
- SR‑22 support and multiple add‑on options for flexibility
- Over a dozen discounts and partner policy options
Cons
- Not rated by J.D. Power
- Check latest NAIC complaint index for current-year context
- Lower AM Best financial strength rating than some mainstream competitors
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS
- Double deductible
- Pay in full
- Continuous coverage
- Good student
ADD-ON COVERAGE
- Custom equipment
- Rental reimbursement
- Towing and labor
- ForeverCar service plan
Best for Digital Tools
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Hefty online tools and resources; strong self‑service backed by agents (see J.D. Power IDX)
- Numerous discounts and industry‑leading UBI option (Snapshot)
- Commonly supports SR‑22 filings; often price‑competitive for DUI and major violations
Cons
- Review NAIC complaint index for your state and year
- Claims satisfaction varies by region and program; consult current J.D. Power findings
- Participation in Snapshot can raise rates if driving behavior is risky (see program details)
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS
- Continuous insurance
- Snapshot telematics program (details and considerations)
- Online quote
- Sign online
ADD-ON COVERAGE
- Rental car reimbursement
- Custom parts and equipment
- Rideshare insurance
- Roadside assistance
Best for Minimum Coverage Limits
Why We Chose It
Why we chose it
Pros
- Specializes in high-risk/nonstandard markets and minimum limits
- Multiple discounts and flexible quoting channels
- SR‑22 support helps with license reinstatement requirements
Cons
- Fewer add‑on coverages than large national carriers
- Not rated by J.D. Power for customer or claims satisfaction
- Not rated by AM Best for financial strength
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS
- Homeownership
- Continuous insurance
- Pay in full
- Vehicle safety features
ADD-ON COVERAGE
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing and labor
- Accidental death benefit
Best for Added Perks
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Quotes available online, by phone, or in local agencies
- Unique perks and SR‑22/FR‑44 support in many states
- Numerous discounts available, including telematics (DynamicDrive)
Cons
- Fewer add‑on coverages than large national carriers
- Not rated by J.D. Power for customer or claims satisfaction
- Not rated by AM Best for financial strength
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS
- DynamicDrive telematics program
- Affinity
- Homeowner
- Prior coverage
ADD-ON COVERAGE
- Rental reimbursement
- Towing and labor
- Accidental death
*J.D. Power 2021 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
High-Risk Car Insurance: What You Need to Know
“High-risk” (often called nonstandard) typically includes one or more of: DUI/DWI or other major violations; recent at‑fault crashes; multiple speeding tickets; a lapse in coverage; very poor credit where allowed; SR‑22/FR‑44 filings; or very new drivers. Pricing spreads across insurers are widest for these profiles, so quoting broadly matters. Recent market research highlights three 2025 realities: rate hardening and shifting appetites keep quotes volatile; telematics adoption is rising and can materially affect premiums; and customer satisfaction depends heavily on transparent pricing and digital experiences (The Zebra 2025; J.D. Power 2025). For many high‑risk scenarios, State Farm and Progressive are frequently competitive nationwide (USAA if eligible), while nonstandard specialists fill gaps when mainstream carriers decline (Forbes Advisor; Bankrate).
SR-22 Insurance
An SR‑22 is a certificate of financial responsibility your insurer files with the state to prove you carry required liability coverage after certain serious violations; it’s not a separate policy. Some states use related forms: FR‑44 (Florida and Virginia) requires higher liability limits for DUI offenses; a few use SR‑22A in specific circumstances. If the policy cancels or lapses, your insurer must notify the state, usually triggering a new suspension (Progressive; Florida HSMV).
Not all insurers file SR‑22s; if yours doesn’t, you may need a nonstandard carrier. Insurers typically charge a one‑time filing fee of roughly $15–$25, but the major cost impact is the underlying violation. National analyses find a DUI can raise auto insurance premiums around 70%–80% on average, with state‑by‑state variation; in FR‑44 states, higher mandated limits increase costs further (Progressive; NerdWallet; FLHSMV).
How long you must carry it depends on your state and violation: Texas generally requires 2 years (Texas DPS); California commonly requires about 3 years after DUI‑related reinstatement (California DMV); Florida typically requires FR‑44 for about 3 years after a DUI (FLHSMV). Continuous coverage is critical; any lapse usually resets the compliance clock and can resuspend your license (Illinois SOS).
When Someone Is Considered a High-Risk Driver
Insurers label drivers high‑risk for several reasons. These common scenarios reflect current underwriting practices and rate studies (NerdWallet; Forbes Advisor; Bankrate):
What to Do If No Insurance Company Will Cover You
Cast a wide net: mix mainstream carriers (e.g., State Farm, Progressive, Nationwide; USAA if eligible) with nonstandard specialists (The General, Direct Auto/SafeAuto, Dairyland, Bristol West, National General). Ask about SR‑22/FR‑44 workflows and fees if you need a filing. Enroll in telematics day one to unlock participation credits and build savings over time; low‑mileage drivers should compare pay‑per‑mile options such as Nationwide SmartMiles and Allstate Milewise (Forbes Advisor; Bankrate; The Zebra 2025). If you’re still declined, every state has a residual market/assigned risk plan you can access through your state Department of Insurance or an agent (often administered via your state’s auto plan); these programs ensure availability when the voluntary market won’t, though at higher cost (overview in NerdWallet). Carrier availability can change as rates are approved—e.g., large carriers have resumed writing in select states after approvals (Reuters).
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
We evaluated companies serving high‑risk drivers using current pricing research, discount depth (especially telematics and pay‑per‑mile), SR‑22/FR‑44 support, financial stability context, and independent satisfaction and digital experience benchmarks. We emphasized options and tactics shown to cut costs for DUI, at‑fault crash, multiple tickets, and poor‑credit profiles in 2025 studies.
- Discounts and savings levers: We prioritized impact from telematics/UBI and mileage‑based programs and stackable billing/vehicle/driver discounts, drawing on industry examples such as Drive Safe & Save, Progressive Snapshot, Nationwide SmartMiles, and guidance from the Insurance Information Institute.
- Financial stability: We referenced current sector stability context (ratings/outlooks and capital considerations) from leading sources to understand resilience and why most insurers maintain strong balance sheets while outlooks can change with market conditions.
- Customer and digital experience: We considered independent benchmarks including J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study and J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study. For claims-specific comparisons shown in our table, we referenced the 2021 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.
- Coverage and SR‑22 support: We reviewed add‑ons and filing support relevant to high‑risk drivers and validated state‑specific SR‑22/FR‑44 facts with authoritative sources (Texas DPS; California DMV; FLHSMV; NerdWallet).
- Pricing research: We synthesized 2025 comparative findings across high‑risk profiles from Forbes Advisor, NerdWallet, Bankrate, and market context from The Zebra 2025.
