Drivers who are high-risk include those with little or no driving experience (such as teens) or drivers who have had driving incidents such as tickets or DUI convictions. Auto insurance companies view these drivers as more likely to cause crashes and file costly claims. High-risk drivers pay higher premiums than those who are less risky.
Massachusetts drivers might want to compare Plymouth Rock and Safety when looking for high-risk insurance. These companies offer competitive rates for high risk drivers based on data from Quadrant Information Services. Every driver is different and each person has a different car insurance search. You can get quotes from multiple carriers to help you choose the right option for your Massachusetts high risk auto insurance.
Massachusetts rates for high-risk auto insurance
Insurance companies may view drivers with different driving characteristics as high-risk. Speeding tickets, accidents and DUI convictions, along with other driving incidents, are some of the most common. High-risk drivers are teens and inexperienced drivers.
Rates for speeding tickets
A speeding ticket can cause a premium increase. This will depend on your driving record and the severity of the offense. Your car insurance premium will likely increase if you drive faster than you did when you received your ticket. The company you work for will also impact the amount you pay. Allstate’s full coverage premium is only increased by 2% following a speeding ticket. Safety’s average increase, however, is more than 60%.
Rates for an accident
The severity of an at fault accident will have an impact on how much your rate rises, just like speeding tickets. The impact of your driving record is also important. Drivers with a history of driving violations will likely experience a higher premium increase following an accident. Rates could also be affected by the cause of the accident. The penalties could be harsher if you were speeding, drunk and driving, texting, or distracted.
You may be able to obtain quotes from other carriers if you have an at fault accident. Based on our research, the surcharge for an injury can vary from 50% to more than 100% depending on which company you work for.
Rates for DUI
DUIs are serious driving offenses and can have severe consequences. Fines, suspensions and impoundments may come with higher insurance costs. If you have a DUI conviction within the past five years, some companies may not renew your policy. Others might decline to write you a new policy. While the exact costs will vary from company to company, it is not unusual for a DUI conviction and more than double your premium.
Teen drivers: Rate
In 2020, there were 12,274 property damage cases and 4,158 cases of non-fatal injuries revolving around teen drivers in Massachusetts. 47 teens died in the same year from teen driving (327 total).
Teen drivers are inexperienced and more likely than any other age group to get into an accident. Your premium will increase if you add a teen driver. This gives you the opportunity to compare your coverage with other companies that may offer lower rates or more discounts for teens. MetLife charges an average $1,212 per year for adding a 16-year old driver to full coverage auto insurance policies, while Travelers charges a nearly $1,928 annually.
These numbers are the average amount that a parent adds to their full coverage auto policy after a 16-year old driver is added. These rates do not reflect the total rate of the policy but the increase the teen driver made. Parents should discuss student discounts with their provider to lower these numbers.
Who are high-risk drivers?
Massachusetts drivers could be considered high-risk if there are any of these on their insurance records:
- Coverage lapses
- At-fault accidents
- Speeding tickets and other moving violations
- DUI
High-risk drivers for young drivers are also common.
It is important that you note that there is not an industry standard definition for high-risk drivers. Every car insurance company will likely have its own definition, based on their business model, underwriting metrics, and customer profile.
How to lower your rate for high-risk drivers
High-risk drivers tend to pay more for auto insurance but there are ways to reduce costs.
- Compare insurance providers: Different insurance providers will respond to different driver characteristics and violations. Comparing quotes from different companies will help you to compare premiums and other policy options so you can find the right fit for you.
- Compare discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts that can help you save money. Discounts that are common include multi-policy discounts, paperless statements, and paid-in full.
- You can drive an older car. Some cars are more affordable to insure. This could be due to statistics about crashes, labor costs, and vehicle value. Even though it can seem like a big step, you could still save a lot on your car insurance.
The best thing you can to reduce your costs is to be careful about your driving and to keep your record clean. While this won’t immediately lower your premium, it can help to lower your rates over the long-term. For three to five years, most companies will charge you more for tickets, accidents, and DUI convictions.
Questions frequently asked
What effect can a low credit score have on your Massachusetts insurance rate?
Massachusetts law prohibits credit scores being used in determining car insurance premium costs. While your credit score will not impact your car insurance premium it does not mean your premium will be lower than a friend’s or family member. Many other factors, such as your driving record, the type of car that you drive and the coverages you select, can impact the price you pay.
Which company offers the best car insurance?
The best car insurance company for you will depend on your priorities and what specific company features you are looking for. For example, if you’re looking for the lowest cost, the best company will not be the one that suits your needs. It might be helpful to understand your priorities and get quotes from multiple providers in order to find the best option for you.
What is the average price of car insurance?
The average annual cost of car insurance in the U.S. is $1,674 for full coverage and $565 for minimum coverage. Full coverage in Massachusetts costs on average $1,223 per annum, while minimum coverage is $510.