The Best Auto Insurance for a Bad Driving Record
- One option for dealing with a bad driving record is to purchase a minimal insurance policy that satisfies your state's legal requirements but doesn't include extra coverage. Eliminating options such as glass coverage, rental car allowances and roadside assistance can lower your auto insurance premiums to an affordable rate.
If you have a history of accidents or alcohol violations, this may still not be enough to make insurance affordable. Here the best solution might be to buy an inexpensive car and forgo collision coverage. This means that if you cause an accident, you'll be liable for the full cost of repairs to your car. However, it will also have a significant impact on lowering your premiums. - Each auto insurance company has its own policy for setting initial rates and raising them when customers develop a bad driving record. Certain types of accidents and offenses carry more or less weight depending on the company's policy. Even if your insurance company offered the lowest rate in the past, compare multiple companies whenever your driving record changes. Many insurance company websites offer quotes from multiple providers for convenient comparisons.
- Most auto insurance providers will reduce your insurance rates if you complete a safe driver course. These courses cost money but the savings can be substantial, especially if you're paying a higher insurance premium due to a bad driving record. A safe driving course can also help improve your chances of remaining accident free into the future so that you can allow your driving record to repair itself over time.
- Over time, as you demonstrate an ability to drive safely, your driving record will improve and your insurance rates will come down. The amount of time this takes depends on the severity of your offenses. An accident or moving violation will damage your driving record for several years, but an alcohol violation may cause your insurance costs to be higher for more than a decade. As your record improves, more insurance companies may be willing to sell you insurance or lower their earlier rate quotes. Compare insurance quotes every few years to make sure you have the best insurance for your driving record.
