Low rates may be harder to find for drivers who have multiple at-fault injuries, tickets, or a DUI. Your license could also be restricted, suspended, or revoked if you are reckless or high-risk driver in California. California high-risk insurance for auto is an option when traditional vehicle insurance is not available or is too expensive.
California rates for high-risk car insurance
Your driving record, vehicle, and level of coverage will all affect the cost of your California vehicle Insurance. California high-risk insurance for auto is usually cheaper than traditional coverage. Every carrier sets its own risk threshold when pricing vehicle insurance. A single insurance company might offer affordable insurance to a driver who has received speeding tickets, but will raise premiums after an accident or claim.
Rates for speeding tickets
Depending on which insurer you choose, speeding tickets can increase your car insurance rates. It is impossible to predict which insurance company will be more affordable after a speeding ticket. Bankrate’s analysis revealed that Progressive and Geico were the least expensive carriers.
| Car insurance company | California’s average annual premium before a speeding ticket for complete coverage | California’s average annual premium after a speeding ticket for full coverage | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmers | $2,164 | $2,650 | 22.49 |
| Geico | $1,615 | $1,681 | 4.09 |
| Progressive | $1,808 | $1,946 | 7.63 |
A traffic school approved course may help you avoid an increase in your insurance rate after a speeding ticket. You can either take the eight-hour course online or in person.
Rates for an accident
California law holds you responsible for an accident that results in your death. This will increase your premiums more than a speeding violation. High-risk auto insurance California rates can vary greatly from one insurance company.
| Car insurance company | California’s average premium before an accident for full coverage | California’s average premium for complete coverage after an accident is $55. | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,119 | $2,570 | 21.28 |
| Metlife | $1,845 | $3,533 | 91.49 |
| State Farm | $1,943 | $1,834 | -5.61 |
Although Metlife may seem to offer the most affordable coverage for safe drivers at first, a single accident can nearly double your premiums. State Farm rates decrease after an accident, which is odd. Higher-risk drivers may be offered discounts if they switch to State Farm.
Rates for DUI
Driving while under the influence is one of the most dangerous risks a driver can take, both financially and in safety. According to the California DMV latest report, 33% of traffic deaths were caused by drunk driving and 21% by drugs.
| Car insurance company | California’s average annual premium before a DUI for full coverage | California’s average annual premium after a DUI for full coverage | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,119 | $4,287 | 102.31 |
| Geico | $1,615 | $3,227 | 99.81 |
| All over the country | $2,155 | $3,368 | 56.29 |
California DUI convictions will require drivers to request that their insurance company file a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (SR-22) with DMV in order to be allowed to drive legally.
Teen drivers: Rate
California’s teen drivers were less likely than drivers aged 20-24 to get into a car accident. However, parents who add their teens to their car insurance policies have higher premiums than average.
| Car insurance company | For full coverage, the average annual premium |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,793 |
| Geico | $2,828 |
| State Farm | $1,515 |
16-year-old under their parent’s policy
It is a good idea to get quotes from multiple carriers in order to find the lowest car insurance. As you can see, State Farm’s premiums are nearly half the Allstate and Geico rates for teenager drivers.
Who are high-risk drivers?
High-risk drivers are available at all ages and levels of experience. High-risk drivers are considered high-risk by insurance companies if they have been convicted of DUI, or have been involved in more than one accident or violation.
California’s points system is one of the most strict in the country. After six points, many states could suspend or revoke your licence. California could suspend your license if you accumulate four points within a single year. Your license could be suspended if you get three points for driver negligence after an at-fault accident.
How to lower your rate for high-risk drivers
High-risk drivers are limited in their options for carriers and pay higher premiums. You can offset these limited options by reducing the cost of coverage.
- Compare quotes to find the best coverage for your needs.
- You can take advantage of discounts such as student driver discounts, accident forgiveness, and low-mileage discounts.
- To keep points off of your driving record, complete an eight-hour approved traffic school course.
- Your deductible should be increased to the maximum amount you are able to afford.
You could save hundreds of dollars by getting your vehicle insurance down to as low as five to ten per cent.
Questions frequently asked
What is an SR-22?
An SR-22 form is a form that your insurance company files with the DMV for you. This is a certificate of financial accountability that proves that you have the minimum car insurance necessary to drive.
Are you a high-risk driver and need additional car insurance?
All California drivers must have liability insurance that covers at least $15,000 in bodily injury death per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage.
What are the points I can get in California if an accident occurs?
California gives you zero to three points for negligent operators (responsible in a car accident). After you have four points, the DMV can suspend or revoke your accident record.