High-risk drivers include those with a history of speeding tickets and at-fault accidents. High-risk drivers can also include teenage drivers or people who have been convicted of DUI. These factors can also apply to one driver.
Insurance providers are often cautious about drivers who see the high-risk automobile insurance Alabama has to offer. Statistics show that high-risk drivers are more likely than others to file a claim. This is especially true in Alabama. Alabama had the fifth highest number of drunk driving-related deaths in the country in 2017.
In general, a driver who needs Alabama high risk auto insurance will have to pay more for their car insurance. Sometimes, however, such as with DUI convictions it can cost a lot more.
Alabama rates for high-risk auto insurance
The specific traffic incident will determine the amount of premium that is increased due to a high-risk factor. This is because certain high-risk events can be more dangerous than others. These are the factors that we have highlighted:
- Speeding tickets
- At-fault accidents
- DUI
- Teen drivers
Rates for speeding tickets
Drivers could see their car insurance rates rise by as much as 99% after a speeding violation. However, this could only be a 7% increase. It is possible for car insurance to go up depending on the severity of the speeding ticket and previous violations. A speeding ticket in Alabama can also lead to fines and fees of up to $300. A driver may also be subject to two to five points depending on the speed at which they drive.
Rates for an at-fault injury
Alabama drivers can expect a minimum 26% increase after an at-fault collision, but this rate could rise to as high as 100%. Drivers who are involved in accidents more often than necessary may have their policy cancelled. You can expect a minimum increase for each claim and at-fault accident.
Rates for DUI
Our data shows that drivers may see an increase of at least 11% following a DUI. Most insurers will increase their rates significantly, possibly up to a 323% increase. The rate of car insurance after a DUI arrest depends on the driving record and any previous convictions.
Insurance companies can cancel policies after a traffic violation. Drivers can expect to pay more if the policy is renewed. Drivers may need to file an SR-22 with DMV to show that their policies have not changed in significant amounts.
Teen drivers: Rate
Teen drivers are more likely than other drivers to be involved in an accident with a car or speeding. Teenage drivers tend to pay more for car insurance, and they continue to pay more until they turn 25 . Most drivers will begin to see a decrease in their premiums by the time they turn 25, assuming that their driving record is clean.
Below is a table that shows how much it costs to insure a teenager with each provider.
Who are high-risk drivers?
An insurance company may consider a high-risk driver anyone who is more likely to file claims than the average driver. This definition is not narrow. The following are some of the factors that can make a driver high-risk:
- Previous accidents
- Age
- Conviction for DUI/DWI
- Credit score low
- Many speeding tickets
- Driving violations in the past
- Living in an area where there is a high rate of crime or accidents
Bankrate’s sample driver profile was used to calculate rates for high-risk behavior. Rates were based on having had at least one at fault accident, speeding violation and lapse in coverage.
How to lower your rate for high-risk drivers
You may consider several strategies to lower the high-risk insurance cost in Alabama. Consider the following to lower your premium:
- You can increase your deductible. By increasing your deductible you will not only receive less money in the event of a claim but also you will pay less each month. While it has its pros and cons, you should consider whether you are able to afford the greater out-of-pocket expenses for a claim.
- Credit score improvement: Drivers with lower credit scores are more likely to file claims. Low credit scores can result in insurance companies charging drivers more. Increasing credit scores often results in lower premiums.
- Older cars are more expensive to insure as they are more costly to replace. You can maximize your savings by choosing an older car that has a high safety rating. This could be paired up with discounts such as dual airbags or daytime lighting.
- Compare discounts: While most national providers offer multiple discounts in Alabama, the amounts offered by each provider vary. When rate shopping consider the discounts that you might be eligible for and how much you could save.
- Compare prices: Different companies may charge different rates for similar policies. Some companies may place more importance on your credit score than others. It may be possible to pay less by switching to a provider who does not charge as much. You can save even more if you use several of these strategies.
Questions frequently asked
Is my insurance policy canceled if I get a DUI?
Although it is possible, your provider might charge you more. An insurance company might consider a DUI on your driving record a sign that you are likely to engage in risky behavior once again, which could lead to hefty claims. To reduce the chance of your policy being cancelled, you should continue to maintain a clean driving record by adhering to traffic laws and not speeding.
What companies offer insurance for high-risk drivers
Although most insurance companies will work with high-risk drivers and offer coverage, every company can deny coverage based upon a driver’s driving record. It is often helpful to shop around for high-risk insurance in Alabama.
Is it possible to raise your car insurance premiums by obtaining an SR-22?
Car insurance rates are not raised by the SR-22. It is the violation that leads to an SR-22 that can cause rates to rise. For example, multiple speeding tickets or DUI convictions can increase your car insurance premium. There will be a fee to submit the forms to the DMV.