Police officer pulling over car and looking at driver's license.

What is high risk auto insurance?

Some cars and drivers are more likely to get into accidents than others. This high risk is reflected in their car insurance premiums.

Your driving record determines if you need high risk car insurance. For example, if you've been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol or have multiple violations such as speeding tickets, you may require high risk auto insurance.footnote 1

How to lower your high risk insurance cost

Even if you are considered a high risk driver for auto insurance now, there are some steps you can take that may help lower the premiums insurance companies can offer you.

  • Get a free online auto insurance quote to get a realistic picture of what your costs might be based on your driving record.
  • Take a defensive driving course. Check with an agent for approved courses.
  • Trade in your car for a model with a better safety record or safety features.
  • Follow all traffic laws. Going three years without a ticket may result in a decrease in your premium.
  • Drive defensively. Significant discounts are available if you can avoid an accident for three years.

Got more questions about vehicle insurance?

return to reference 1 Recent history is the most important factor. Accidents or tickets in the last 12 months will count more than an incident from five years ago.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
State Farm Indemnity Company
Bloomington, IL

State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas
Richardson, TX

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