According to the Centers for Disease Control, accidents (including car accidents) are the fourth leading cause of death in Kentucky. Kentucky is actually third in the United States as one of the most accident-prone countries. Due to the high number of accidents in Kentucky, it is possible for many Kentucky residents to be placed on high-risk driver lists by insurance companies, making it difficult to get car insurance coverage.
Bankrate defines high risk drivers as anyone who has been convicted of DUI, been convicted of causing an accident or had insurance coverage lapse. High-risk drivers in Kentucky may pay more for car insurance than drivers with clean records. However, there are many affordable options that can help drivers lower their monthly premium.
Kentucky rates for high-risk auto insurance
Drivers convicted of serious traffic violations can face severe consequences that go beyond the driver’s driving record. Kentucky drivers will not only be subject to fines and other penalties, but also insurance companies will increase their rates. The amount of premium increases will depend on the driver’s past violations and the infraction.
Rates for speeding tickets
The Kentucky State Police Traffic Collision 2019 Report shows that more than 4,000 speeding car accidents occurred in 2019. Depending on which insurance company you have, a speeding ticket can increase your monthly premium significantly. Below is a table that shows how much high-risk Kentucky drivers can expect to pay annually in full coverage car insurance coverage after a speeding ticket.
| Car insurance company | Kentucky’s average annual premium before a speeding ticket for full coverage | Kentucky’s average annual premium after a speeding ticket for full coverage | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grange | $1,709 | $2,018 | 18% |
| State Auto Insurance | $2,015 | $2,270 | 13% |
| Shelter | $2,400 | $2,645 | 10% |
One ticket in Kentucky can lead to a nearly 20% increase in your rates. If you have multiple speeding tickets, your rates could rise even further.
Rates for an accident
Driving while distracted can lead to serious consequences. Inattention by drivers is one of the leading causes of accidents in Kentucky , resulting in almost 50,000 collisions. Accidents can be more serious than speeding in the eyes insurance companies. If a high-risk driver is found to be at fault in an accident, they can expect to pay higher premiums.
| Car insurance company | Kentucky’s average annual premium before an accident for full coverage | Kentucky’s average annual premium for complete coverage after an accident | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,466 | $1,681 | 15% |
| State Farm | $1,540 | $1,834 | 19% |
| Safe Auto | $2,523 | $3,032 | 20% |
You may be eligible to enroll in an accident forgiveness program depending on which insurance company you have. This allows you to have one at-fault incident on your record and not be penalized with a higher rate. This option is not available if you have not opted in before an accident. If you have an accident record and want to switch providers, discounts or other savings may be available to offset the higher rates.
Rates for DUI
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense. This will stay on your record for many years, sometimes even years. Drivers who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol will see their car insurance rates rise significantly. They could also be subject to fines, suspension, revocation and even imprisonment. Drivers may need to have an SR-22 certificate that proves they have the minimum required state car insurance coverage. However, Kentucky doesn’t have an SR-22 or any other form of requirement to drivers after a DUI conviction. The following shows how expensive Kentucky car insurance can become for high-risk drivers after a DUI conviction.
| Car insurance company | Kentucky’s average annual premium before a DUI for full coverage | Kentucky’s average annual premium after a DUI for full coverage | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $1,567 | $3,227 | 106% |
| Motorists | $1,914 | $5,758 | 201% |
| Electric | $2,702 | $5,947 | 120% |
DUI convictions are the most damaging of all high-risk driving behavior. Kentucky has a 10-year period to clear DUI convictions. This means that convictions will be on your record for at least ten years. Rates may be affected by DUI convictions.
Rates for teenage drivers
In 2019, Kentucky’s teens were involved in over 19,000 car crashes. The CDC shows that drivers between 16 and 19 years old are more likely to be in a motor vehicle accident than any other age group. Teenage drivers pay more for car insurance than adults in their 40s and 30s due to their increased risk and inexperience. The impact on a teenager who is not covered by their parents’ policy is often significant. These rates represent the extra cost to a 16-year old teen if they are added to their Kentucky full coverage policy.
| Car insurance company | For full coverage, the average annual premium |
|---|---|
| Progressive | $2,770 |
| Kentucky Farm Bureau | $2,918 |
| Allstate | $5,621 |
16-year-old under their parent’s policy
Rates vary depending on the provider. rates tend to trend down as teens gain more experience. To help lower premiums, teens can benefit from many discount programs offered by providers for students and safe drivers.
Who are high-risk drivers?
Bankrate defines high-risk drivers as those whose driving records meet at least one of these criteria to calculate the impact on average annual quoted premiums.
- One at-fault accident;
- One speeding ticket
- One DUI conviction
- Coverage gaps
When determining premium rates, insurance companies use the standard definition for high-risk drivers. The Department of Motor Vehicles defines a high-risk driver as one who is more likely to file a claim with their insurer than the average driver. High-risk drivers may include:
- Conviction of DUI
- You were given a speeding ticket, or you were involved in illegal street racing
- You were caught driving without a permit
- Habitually driving recklessly
- Caused a serious or fatal accident
- Are between 16 and 19 years old
- A poor driving record
- You can own a high-risk vehicle such as supercars, sports cars, exotic cars or collectible cars
- A lapse in your insurance coverage
- Are you 70 years or older?
You should consult your Kentucky car insurance provider if you are concerned about being considered a high-risk driver. They will be able to tell you about your current status and the actions you can take in order to lower your premium and reduce your perceived risk.
How to lower your rate for high-risk drivers
High-risk drivers are likely to pay more for auto insurance. However, there are many ways you can reduce your rates. High-risk drivers in Kentucky have many options to lower or find lower premiums. These include discounts and thorough research.
- Compare rates to find the best rates. Each insurance company assesses risk differently, and each provider offers different rates. Compare providers and shop around to find the best rate for you.
- Improve your credit score. While driving records are the most important factor that insurance agents consider when setting rates, they also take into account your credit score. Your car insurance rates can be reduced by improving your credit score.
- You can increase your deductible. If you’re financially ready to pay more for repairs, a higher deductible will help lower your premium. Your insurance rates will drop if your deductible is higher. However, it is important that you are financially ready in case of a claim.
- High-risk drivers in Kentucky can get discounts. These discounts go beyond the savings. These discounts include discounts for students, discounts for drivers who complete approved driver’s education courses, discounts for defensive driving courses, and discounts for telematics that track good driving habits.
High-risk drivers should work to improve their driving record in order to reduce their premium. You can improve your driving habits and reduce the risk of getting a higher rate each time you renew your policy.
Questions frequently asked
Which is the best company to insure high-risk drivers with car insurance?
Your age, driving record, and geographic location will all play a part in determining the best high-risk car insurance company. Car insurance may be more affordable for drivers, but they may also prefer a company that provides great customer service, a wide range of discounts, solid coverage options, and reputable financial strength. These factors are a great place to start when you’re doing comparison shopping.
What is the average time it takes for insurance rates for high-risk drivers to drop?
It all depends on what type of traffic offense you have committed. Most infractions can be removed from your risk portfolio within three to five years. It is possible to get your premium reduced if the infraction remains on your record for more than five years.
What is the maximum time I am considered high-risk in Kentucky?
It also depends on what type of infraction was committed. For example, a speeding ticket from Kentucky will remain on your record for five year, while a DUI conviction will stay on your record until it is expunged.