Arizona drivers should consider car insurance. 2019 saw 53,809 people injured and 982 killed in auto accidents. In 26% of these deaths, alcohol was a contributing factor. High-risk drivers may include those who have been in an accident.
An insurance company defines a high risk driver as someone who is more likely to file a claim than others. A high-risk driver is one who has been involved in an accident, received speeding tickets, been convicted of DUI, or has had coverage lapses. You may need high-risk Arizona auto insurance. It is important to understand how premiums for your car insurance change due to various factors. Also, learn about ways to save money on your insurance.
Arizona rates for high-risk auto insurance
Insurance premiums are partly determined by the likelihood of you filing a claim in the future. In other words, having an incident on your driving record could indicate to insurance companies that you are more likely cause an accident in future. You can expect an increase in your auto premium if you are convicted of DUI, cause an accident or have coverage lapses. The severity of the offense and other metrics such as your age, type of car, and coverages will determine the amount of the increase.
Rates for speeding tickets
Speeding is dangerous driving behavior. A speeding ticket can cause concern to an insurance agency. This could indicate that your driving habits could lead to accidents in the future. Insurance companies charge higher rates to drivers who are cited for speeding. This is in part to compensate for the increased risk. Your insurance situation and the severity of the speeding ticket will determine the amount of your increase.
| Car insurance company | Arizona’s average annual premium before a speeding ticket for full coverage | Arizona’s average annual premium after a speeding ticket for full coverage | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Family | $1,288 | $2,068 | 61% |
| Mercury | $1,274 | $1,996 | 57% |
| Farmers | $1,344 | $2,650 | 97% |
Your premiums may nearly double depending on which insurance company you have after getting a speeding ticket.
Rates for an accident
Your insurance costs will rise if you are involved in an accident. The accident details will play a part in determining the extent of the increase.
| Car insurance company | Arizona’s average annual premium before an accident for full coverage | Arizona’s average annual premium for complete coverage after an accident | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,127 | $2,177 | 93% |
| State Farm | $1,232 | $1,834 | 49% |
| MetLife | $2,024 | $3,533 | 75% |
Even companies with similar prices before an accident may have significant differences after it. Each company has its own rating algorithm. Even if you have an at fault accident, getting quotes from multiple companies can help you find potential savings.
Rates for DUI
DUI is a serious crime and your premium will likely rise after conviction. Your insurance company might decide not to renew your policy in certain cases. In these instances, you may need to look for insurance with another provider.
An SR-22 form may be required for you to file with the Motor Vehicle Department after a DUI conviction. An SR-22 form is a document that your insurance company files on behalf of you to prove to the Motor Vehicle Department that you have the necessary auto insurance coverages.
| Car insurance company | Arizona’s average annual premium before a DUI for full coverage | Arizona’s average annual premium after a DUI for full coverage | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,472 | $2,067 | 40% |
| Hallmark Financial | $1,745 | $2,046 | 17% |
| Safeway | $2,453 | $3,187 | 30% |
Your DUI severity and other driving records will impact the premium increase you see on your auto insurance policy.
Teen drivers: Rate
Teens are considered high-risk drivers by insurance companies because they lack the driving experience of older drivers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that drivers aged 16-19 are more likely than other age groups to be in an accident. Teens tend to have higher insurance premiums than those who are older.
| Car insurance company | For full coverage, the average annual premium |
|---|---|
| Geico | $1,715 |
| Country Financial | $2,901 |
| Allstate | $3,528 |
16 year old under their parents’ policy
These premiums are the annual policy increment for adding a teenager driver to their parent’s policy. They do not include the entire policy premium.
Who are high-risk drivers?
Bankrate defines high-risk driver to be any driver who has at least one of these qualifications:
- Is there a record of an at-fault car accident?
- A speeding ticket has been placed on your driving record
- A DUI conviction has been made
- Is there a lapse of auto insurance coverage
Insurance companies often consider the above violations to be indicative of risky driving behavior. This could indicate that you are more likely than others to cause an accident or file a claim.
There are many other definitions for high-risk drivers. You may be high-risk if your sports car is involved. Each insurance company will have its own definitions of high-risk drivers. You may be able discuss your driving record with an agent if you are not sure about your driver status for auto insurance.
How can you lower your rate as a high-risk driver
High-risk drivers are more likely to have higher auto insurance premiums. However, there are ways to save. These tips can help lower your car insurance cost.
- Compare: While most auto insurance companies will take your driving record into consideration when determining your premium, your premium may still differ with different providers. Each insurance company has a different pricing system, so you might be able to find a savings by getting quotes from multiple carriers.
- Increase your deductible. Your deductible refers to the amount you are willing to fork out after an accident before the insurance company begins paying. Your premium will decrease if you raise your deductible. Be sure to select a deductible you can afford.
- Discounts are available from most insurance companies. You can reduce your insurance costs by taking advantage of as many discounts as possible. To see if your insurance company offers more discounts, you can research them.
- Credit score: Increase your credit score. Insurance companies consider a low credit rating an indicator that you are more likely to file a claim. Your insurance costs may drop if you improve your credit score.
As a high-risk driver, one of the best things you can do for your car insurance is to continue driving safely and to maintain an active policy. Your driving record is one of many determining factors in your car insurance costs. Keeping your record clean and avoiding any lapses could help to lower your costs.
Questions frequently asked
Which is the best company to insure high-risk drivers with car insurance?
Insurance is personal. Every driver has unique insurance needs so the best company for you will vary. Comparing quotes from different companies is a great way to find the right coverage.
What is SR-22 Insurance?
An SR-22 form is a form your insurance company files on your behalf. To prove that you have the legal required car insurance limits, your insurance company will send it to the Motor Vehicle Department. In order to get your license reinstated after a DUI, you may be legally required by your insurance company to fill out an SR-22 form.
Why does Arizona’s high-risk drivers pay more for their insurance?
Insurance companies consider your driving history to be a sign of the kind of driving you might have in the future. Auto insurance companies may consider your past driving record a sign that you are more likely to file a claim.