Two car accidents per hour are caused by distracted driving in South Carolina. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, South Carolina has the #1 fatality rates for every 100 million miles driven in 2019.
High-risk drivers may have higher premiums if they are convicted of speeding or DUI, have lapsed coverage, or have an at-fault car accident. It can be difficult to find affordable car insurance for high-risk drivers in South Carolina. However, it is possible to get insurance that meets your needs.
South Carolina rates for high-risk auto insurance
Companies consider your driving record when determining your auto insurance rates. These infractions could make you a high-risk driver for South Carolina.
Rates for speeding tickets
A driver who is cited for speeding will likely experience an increase in auto insurance premiums in South Carolina. According to available data, Nationwide’s car insurance is the most affordable at 8% and Auto-Owners at 52%. Drivers who receive subsequent speeding tickets, or other serious tickets, may see higher premium increases.
A South Carolina speeding ticket can also result in points being assessed to the driver’s licence, court fees, and possibly a suspension of your license. A state-certified defensive driving course may help drivers reduce their points and decrease their car insurance rate.
Rates for an accident
South Carolina is an at-fault state. This means that the responsible party will see their auto insurance rates rise due to an at-fault incident. The average increase in auto insurance rates for State Farm insureds could be just 11%, while Allstate drivers may experience a 79% increase. This is according to data collected.
Dependent on the severity of an accident, at-fault drivers may be able to sue the at fault driver in South Carolina for damages. Drivers involved in auto accidents later on could face higher insurance premiums, or lose their ability to renew their policy.
Rates for DUI
A South Carolina DUI can result in much higher auto insurance premiums and fines. American Independent drivers may only see a 14% increase in their premiums, while Allstate insurance policy holders will face an average 142% increase in their insurance premiums following a DUI. Subsequent DUIs and more serious infractions may result in higher premiums, or even the possibility of losing their auto insurance policy. If you are convicted of a DUI, you might also need to have an SR-22.
Teen drivers: Rate
South Carolina has more than 140,000 teenage drivers. High-risk drivers are young, inexperienced drivers who are more likely to get into accidents, speed and drive distracted. As drivers age and get more experience behind the wheel, auto rates might become less expensive. Below are some of the best car insurance companies in South Carolina. These rates include teen drivers and their parents’ full coverage policies.
Who are high-risk drivers?
Bankrate defines high-risk drivers as those who have any of these infractions on the driving record.
- At-fault accident
- Conviction for DUI
- Speeding ticket
Teen drivers are also high-risk because of their inexperience behind a wheel and the higher chance of one of these infractions.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) says that the definition of a high risk driver is more inclusive than the previous plus:
- No previous insurance records or bad insurance records
- Poor credit score
- A high-performance vehicle or a special vehicle
- Living in an area with high levels of vandalism and theft
These factors can lead to higher claims rates.
How to lower your rate for high-risk drivers
You may be considered a high-risk driver if you fall into any of these categories. This could make it difficult to find affordable auto insurance or car insurance. There are some ways to lower your rates. However, this will depend on your driving record and the insurer.
- Avoid drinking and driving: A DUI is not possible if you don’t drink and drive. If you’ve been drinking to avoid a DUI conviction, this rule should be followed.
- Safety is key: Always be safe behind the wheel. Pay attention to all traffic laws and avoid hazards. You can build a good driving record by avoiding tickets and at fault accidents.
- Credit improvement: If you are in a state that uses credit as a factor in car insurance, improving credit scores by paying your bills on-time can help to reduce the amount of auto insurance you have to pay.
- Protect your vehicle. Reduce the chance of theft and carjacking by following safe driving habits like locking your car and parking in well-lit areas. Anti-theft features can also be a deterrent, and could help you get a discount on your auto policy.
- You can reduce your insurance costs by taking a defensive driving course.
Questions frequently asked
What is the average time it takes to stop being a high-risk driver
It all depends on the reason you were designated high-risk. Your high-risk driving status will be lower if you’re a teenager driver. You can also avoid tickets, at-fault crashes and DUIs to help you get a clean driving record after your previous convictions have been expunged.
Which insurance company is best for high-risk drivers and their vehicles?
It all depends on where you live, what type of coverage you have, which vehicle you drive and whether you have any driving records. You can get multiple quotes from different auto insurance companies to find the best auto rate.
