It could be time to start shopping for a new policy if you recently committed a major traffic violation or your third minor violation. Your old carrier may raise your rates or deliver a non-renewal notice, choosing not to insure you going forward. Here’s how to find car insurance when you have a bad driving record.
Be Upfront About Your Record
A number of things can raise your rates or make it harder for you to get insurance. They include speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and drunk driving convictions. It’s best to be upfront about it if your driving record is poor. The quotes you receive will be inaccurate if you try to hide it. The company could increase your rates or decline to insure you after it runs a report. You have to provide accurate information if you want an accurate quote.
Consider Nonstandard Insurance Providers
You may want to seek out insurance companies that deal with nonstandard auto policies. These companies will insure high-risk drivers, making your search easier. Your state may require an SR 22 filing. This is a form the insurance company must fill out to certify that you have adequate insurance. A high-risk insurer will often cover drivers who need an SR 22.
Reduce Coverage if You Must
Insurance rates can soar when a driver has a bad driving record. Removing comprehensive and collision coverage can reduce your overall costs. You may want to sell your car if you fear that it’s too nice to drive without comprehensive coverage. Think about buying something more affordable. A used mid-sized vehicle with good safety features, one that you feel comfortable driving without comprehensive and collision coverage, might be a solution in the meantime.
Look for Discounts
You’ll lose your good-driver discount with a ticket or other traffic violation, but you might be eligible for other insurance discounts. Even high-risk insurance companies offer discounts. They include reduced rates for financial stability and for owning your home. Multi-policy and multi-car discounts are also common, as are rewards for being a good student or having proof of a prior insurance discount. Ask your insurance agent whether there are any discounts that you may have missed.
Save Money With Your Payment Plan
You can save money, depending on which payment plan you select. Make sure you let the insurance company know if you can pay upfront in full, which can get you a discounted rate. Automatic bill payments from your bank account or credit card can also save you money, compared to mailing in checks or initiating electronic payments on your own.
Wait It Out
A bad driving record won’t stay with you forever. Certain issues will drop off your report after a certain period of time, often about three to five years, but this can vary from state to state. More recent events carry greater weight than those from longer ago. A ticket in the last three months will weigh more heavily than one from five years ago, for example. Staying accident-free and avoiding tickets can help decrease your premium in the future. Working on your credit during this time can also help your insurance prospects. Insurance companies look at how well you manage your money when they’re evaluating you as a potential insurance customer, so it pays to get your credit report in order.
Stay Insured
High-risk drivers often find it hard to stay insured. Letting your car insurance lapse is a common way to stay identified as a high-risk driver. You might keep paying high-risk rates for a very long time, even after your points drop off, if you don’t keep your car insurance active. Keep paying your premiums. Maintain your insurance coverage now so you can enjoy lower premiums in the future.
