Lone Star State drivers at high risk may struggle to find affordable vehicle coverage. A driver’s driving record will determine whether they are considered higher-risk. This could include accidents, tickets or driving under the influences (DUI). Because these drivers are more likely to cause serious or fatal crashes, they are often considered to be more risky to insure. In Texas 2019, there were 24,666 DUI accidents. 2,152 people sustained serious injuries and 900 died.
Texas rates for high-risk auto insurance
Texas drivers considered high-risk may have different insurance rates depending on their infractions and the carrier. Many carriers offer affordable coverage to drivers who have multiple convictions or violations. Bankrate compared rates based on high-risk factors from top Texas auto insurance companies to see how they differ.
Drivers with six points or more on their records must pay at least $100 per year for a DMV surcharge. If they are deemed high-risk, their car insurance company may terminate their coverage.
Rates for speeding tickets
Insurance rates for cars can increase by as little as one speeding ticket. Sometimes, even as much as 20%. Good news is that premiums will generally go down after a speeding ticket is removed from your driving record. Unfortunately, Texas will keep points on your driving record for three years.
| Car insurance company | Texas’ average annual premium before a speeding ticket for full coverage | Texas’s average annual premium for complete coverage after a speeding violation is $1,057 | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delek | $1,553 | $1,716 | 9% |
| Geico | $1,339 | $1,681 | 20% |
| State Farm | $1,411 | $1,719 | 18% |
Speeding is not treated equally by all carriers. Delek only increases the average premium for speeding tickets by 9%, while other carriers that we reviewed had a closer to 20% increase. It is always a good idea for you to compare carriers and ask your current carrier about their speeding ticket policy.
Rates for an accident
Your premiums will rise if you’re involved in an accident. This is unless your policy offers accident forgiveness and you haven’t been in an accident for a while. Premiums will rise if you are responsible for an accident. Your carrier will most likely pay for injuries and property damage.
| Car insurance company | Texas’ average annual premium before an accident for full coverage | Texas’ average annual premium for complete coverage after an accident | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delek | $1,553 | $1,595 | 3% |
| State Farm | $1,411 | $1,834 | 23% |
| White Mountains | $1,533 | $1,965 | 22% |
Your premiums for car insurance from larger companies like State Farm will increase by up to 20% after an accident. State Farm offers accident forgiveness but only to customers who are with them for at least nine years. This is a stricter requirement than other carriers.
Rates for DUI
DUI is a more serious offense that can result in higher premiums. A DUI conviction can make it difficult to renew your policy with some insurance companies. Texas DUI convictions will require that Texas drivers file an SR-22.
| Car insurance company | Texas’s average annual premium before a DUI for full coverage | Texas’s average annual premium for complete coverage following a DUI | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delek | $1,553 | $2,077 | 25% |
| Mercury | $1,722 | $2,209 | 22% |
| MetLife | $2,375 | $5,176 | 54% |
MetLife’s premium increase after a DUI is the most significant. However, Mercury and Delek are less well-known and have average increases that are similar to what you might see for a speeding ticket. It’s a serious offense that can result in a significant premium increase and all the associated fees and fines. Multiple DUIs can lead to you losing your coverage.
Teen drivers: Rate
Teen drivers who have not had any accidents or citations on the record will often pay more for car insurance than those of other ages. Because teens are less experienced and take greater risks than older drivers, they are considered to be at higher risk. After adding a 16-year old to a parent vehicle policy, take a look at average insurance quotes.
| Car insurance company | *Average annual premium for full coverage* |
|---|---|
| Geico | $1,815 |
| State Farm | $1,902 |
| White Mountains | $1,771 |
16-year-old under their parent’s policy
Young drivers typically see a decrease in car insurance rates each year if they are safe and clean. Some carriers also offer insurance discounts for teens who pass a driving safety class or have good grades.
Who are high-risk drivers?
If drivers are high-risk, insurance carriers will flag them as such.
- One or more DUI convictions
- Multiple moving violations such as speeding tickets and failure to stop at red lights are examples of multiple violations
- You were at fault for more than one accident in the past one to three years
Example rate increases based on Bankrate (other than teens drivers) for a driver who has a clean driving record and only one case of speeding, an accident, or DUI.
How to lower your rate for high-risk drivers
Insurance premiums for high-risk drivers are typically higher than those of a clean driving record. There are several ways to save money on your car insurance premiums.
- To improve your driving skills and get a discount on your car-insurance, enroll in a approved defensive driving course.
- Look for a carrier that provides accident forgiveness for at least one accident every three years.
- To avoid points that can raise your car insurance premiums, enroll in traffic school after you have been cited for a moving violation. One approved course can be taken per year.
- Register for your car insurance company’s Telematics Program. An app will be required to track your driving habits, including speed and miles traveled. Your premium discount will increase the safer you drive.
Texas gives you points for every moving violation. After three years, the points are removed from your record. You can avoid any new citations for three years. Your status will change from high-risk driver to safe driver. Your premiums will usually decrease.
Questions frequently asked
What is SR-22 auto insurance?
An SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility is not a replacement for car insurance. It informs the state that your coverage is sufficient. These certificates are required by some states, such as Texas, to show that drivers have the coverage they need.
What are high-risk drivers?
High-risk drivers are those who have had a DUI conviction, speeding tickets, or other accidents in the past three years. High-risk drivers tend to pay more for car insurance, and may even be able to have their insurance cancelled because they are more likely cause serious accidents.
