It can be so frustrating to shop for car insurance if you are
considered high risk. In fact, you may even wonder what that means if
you have never been in an accident or filed a claim. How do they know
you are a high risk? What makes you more likely to get in an accident
than someone else? As discouraging as it may be, you can find cheap auto
insurance even if you are a higher risk by following a few simple tips.
What is High Risk?
Insurance companies determine how much of a risk you are by several
factors. Some of them are things you cannot change while others are
qualities you can work on improving. These companies take data provided
to them that state that people in a particular category had more
accidents than the drivers in another category.
Here are some examples of common qualities that make you a higher risk:
- Age - under 25
- Gender - male, especially under 25 is considered a high risk
- Marital status - if you are single, you are considered a higher risk
- Credit history - if you have a poor credit history, you are considered a higher risk
- Previous traffic violations - if you have disobeyed the traffic laws and gotten a traffic violation, you are considered a high risk
- Previous claims - a history of filed claims indicates a high risk
Where you live can also put you at a higher risk level, especially if you have to drive a long distance to work.
There's not much you can do about your age or gender and you are
limited in your marital status. However, you can work on improving your
credit history and driving record while trying to avoid other claims to
lower your level of risk.
How to Get Cheap Auto Insurance
Often, a high-risk driver will be quoted higher rates than someone
that is considered a lower risk. You can find a policy that's more
affordable while you work on improving your level of risk.
- Shop around, looking for providers that specialize in high risk drivers. While they may not be as cheap as if you had a perfect record, they will give you a better deal than other providers. If you have a really bad driving record, they may be the only ones to insure you at all.
- Get added to someone else's policy. Teens often have cheaper insurance if they are added onto their parents' policy than if they get their own. Another option is to be added to a spouse's policy.
- Change your deductibles or coverage. Don't reduce your liability coverage, but consider altering other coverage to make it more affordable.
Even if you have to pay a high price now, work on improving your
risk. Take safe driver classes, improve your credit history and avoid
more traffic violations. Before your current policy expires, shop around
to find out if you can get a better deal.
Getting cheap auto insurance if you are a high-risk driver isn't
easy, but you can find something affordable. Take the time to discover
your options and know that you won't always be a high risk.
