Auto insurance is not a “one-size-fits-all” financial product. Drivers who don’t qualify for standard coverage may be wondering where they can find the best prices on high risk auto insurance. Prices from companies which are willing to write policies for drivers who fit this profile vary.
Consumers who want to find the lowest rates for their high-risk coverage need to be prepared to shop around and compare quotes from different providers before buying a policy. This strategy will help them find the best price for the level of coverage they need. The coverage offered to high risk drivers won’t be cheap, but it doesn’t mean they should be paying more than they have to for auto insurance.
High Risk Driver Classification
There are a number of reasons why a person may be classified as a high-risk driver for auto insurance purposes, including:
- Students
- Under the age of 25
- New drivers
- DUI/DWI charges (Driving Under the Influence/Driving While Impaired)
- Poor credit rating
- Multiple accident
- Several moving violations
Some insurance companies will classify drivers over the age of 70 as being high risk. People in this age group can find insurance companies which will appreciate that they have a number of years of driving experience and offer rates which reflect this fact.
How to Find the Best Prices on High Risk Auto Insurance
High risk drivers have choices when they are looking for coverage. If a driver’s existing auto insurance company is not prepared to extend coverage or the price quoted seems too high, he or she should start shopping around to get quotes from a number of providers. Conducting an online search for “high risk auto insurance” or “non-standard auto insurance” and a driver’s home state will bring up a list of companies which provide this type of coverage.
Next, the driver will need to learn about the companies offering the type and level of auto insurance needed. Pricing is only one factor which should be considered when shopping for auto insurance coverage, Drivers should also make sure that the companies they are considering offer a good level of customer service and have the financial reserves necessary to pay out on policyholders’ claims.
A prospective policyholder can find out about a company’s financial health by checking out its rating from Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s or one of the other agencies which rate companies. Consumers should be looking for companies which have an A+ or an A rating, which indicates that they are stable enough to meet their financial obligations.
This information may be listed on the insurance company’s web site. Checking out the “About Us” or “History” page may reveal it. If the rating is not on the company website, a consumer can find out what it is by contacting a ratings agency directly.
High risk drivers may need to look for coverage from a company specializing in this niche market. Comparing rates from different providers will help them find the lowest premium rates.
