Cheap Car Insurance After a Bad Driving Record
You’ll usually pay more for car insurance with a bad driving record. Comparing the average rates of different insurance companies can help you find cheap car insurance after an infraction.
How a bad driving record affects your car insurance
A driving infraction or accident on your record usually raises your insurance rate. Depending on the severity of the violation, you may also see car insurance companies refuse coverage or cancel your policy.
Car insurance companies do these things because experience suggests drivers with an accident, speeding ticket or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction on their records are considered high-risk drivers and more likely to file a claim. Charging you a higher rate helps offset those potential added costs.
You’ll usually only see your car insurance rate increase after a moving violation. Parking tickets don’t often result in an increase.
Finding cheap car insurance after a speeding ticket
Most drivers looking for full-coverage car insurance after a speeding ticket get the cheapest rate with State Farm, at an average rate of $1,616 a year.
USAA has the overall cheapest rate after a speeding ticket, at $1,457 a year. However, USAA only sells insurance to active duty and veteran military members, along with their families.
Cheapest car insurance companies after a speeding ticket
| Company | Average annual rate |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,616 |
| American Family | $2,352 |
| Travelers | $2,468 |
| Geico | $2,493 |
| Progressive | $2,606 |
| Nationwide | $2,839 |
| Allstate | $3,073 |
| USAA* | $1,457 |
*USAA only available to active duty military, veterans and their families.
A speeding ticket stays on your driving record for an average of three to five years. Car insurance companies tend to keep track of such infractions for a similar span of time. You can expect to see your rate increase at renewal time after a speeding ticket, although some companies may not raise your rates unless you get a second ticket.
Getting cheap car insurance after an accident
State Farm has the cheapest car insurance for most drivers with an accident on their driving record, with rates averaging $1,843 a year.
Cheapest car insurance companies after an accident
| Company | Average annual rate |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,843 |
| American Family | $2,980 |
| Travelers | $2,699 |
| Geico | $3,341 |
| Progressive | $3,026 |
| Nationwide | $3,460 |
| Allstate | $4,125 |
| USAA* | $1,658 |
An accident stays on your driving record for three to five years. If you are the at-fault driver, you will probably see your auto insurance premium increase for that time period. Your premium may not go up if you can get information from the police that shows you didn’t cause the accident.
Note that liability car insurance only covers damage and injuries you cause to others in an accident. You need full-coverage car insurance if you want your own vehicle damage covered.
The cheapest car insurance after a DUI
Most drivers find the cheapest car insurance after a DUI from Progressive, which charges an average rate of $2,547 a year.
Cheapest car insurance companies after a DUI
| Company | Average annual rate |
|---|---|
| Progressive | $2,547 |
| Travelers | $2,893 |
| American Family | $3,114 |
| Allstate | $3,875 |
| Nationwide | $4,376 |
| State Farm | $4,402 |
| Geico | $4,584 |
| USAA* | $2,252 |
A DUI is one of the biggest risk factors for car insurance companies, and it often results in the highest rate increases. Depending on where you live, a DUI will usually stay on your record for five to 10 years. In some states, such as Massachusetts and Texas, the DUI stays on your record permanently. You’ll typically pay more for car insurance as long as the DUI is on your record.
In many states, you are legally required to file an SR-22 form with the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) after a DUI to get your license reinstated. An SR-22 proves you’re carrying your state’s minimum amount of liability insurance.
The amount of time you need to carry an SR-22 varies from state to state. If you let the SR-22 lapse, the DMV will be notified and your license will be suspended again.
How to lower your car insurance with a bad driving record
To save money on car insurance after a driving infraction, look into used-based insurance, consider a defensive driving course and/or compare quotes from several companies.
Take a defensive driving course
After a speeding ticket or a DUI, some car insurance companies offer a discount for completing an approved defensive driving course. These courses are available online or in a classroom setting.
Look into usage-based car insurance
Usage-based auto insurance is a good way to reduce your car insurance rates after a driving violation. Using a telematic device, insurers track factors like speed, braking, driving time and mileage to gauge your driving habits. If you meet their safety criteria, you may get a discount.
Compare car insurance quotes
If your car insurance rate increases too much after a violation, compare car insurance quotes from several companies to find cheaper coverage. Car insurance companies weigh risks differently when calculating your quotes, which is why they can vary so much. Getting multiple quotes is a great way to find the coverage you need at an affordable price.
Methodology
We looked at thousands of car insurance quotes in the U.S. for a 30-year-old man with good credit and, for each respective category, one speeding ticket, accident or DUI using a 2015 Honda Civic EX.
The following coverage limits were used:
- Bodily injury liability: 50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000
- Uninsured motorist: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, where required by law
- Personal injury protection: minimum limits, where required by law
- Collision: $500 deductible
- Comprehensive: $500 deductible
*USAA only available to active duty military, veterans and their families.