120+ moreInsuring a vehicle can be costly for high-risk drivers in California. Statewide, the average cost of car insurance for high-risk drivers is $171 per month, compared to $151 per month for drivers with a clean record.
Car insurance companies often classify drivers with DUIs and other traffic violations as high-risk. Because these drivers are statistically more likely to file claims, they typically pay higher auto insurance premiums and may have difficulty finding affordable coverage.
If you’re a high-risk driver, having car insurance is crucial — not only to protect yourself financially but also to meet California’s financial responsibility laws. Below, we’ll explore your options and strategies for getting cheap car insurance in California.
A high-risk driver is someone insurance companies see as more likely to file insurance claims due to a history of tickets or accidents. Common reasons a company might flag you as a high-risk driver include DUIs, multiple traffic tickets, at-fault accidents, coverage lapses, and working as a rideshare driver.
California’s point system assigns a specific value to violations. For example, drivers get two points for a DUI or hit-and-run accident and one point for speeding or other minor infractions.1
Getting too many points in a short time frame can lead to higher insurance rates, a suspended driver’s license, or the need for specialized high-risk insurance.2
Car insurance rates for high-risk drivers vary depending on the company, the nature of the violation, and other factors. Shopping around can help you find the coverage you need at a more affordable price. Below are three of the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers in California.
An at-fault accident on your record will increase your car insurance rates in California. After an accident, insurance companies see you as riskier to insure. The table below shows the average monthly cost for liability-only and full-coverage insurance for drivers with at-fault accidents.
A DUI conviction can cause your car insurance rates to skyrocket. This type of violation indicates a higher likelihood of risky driving behavior. The following table highlights the average monthly premiums for liability-only and full-coverage car insurance for drivers with a DUI.
Getting a speeding ticket in California can increase your car insurance rates, as it signals a higher risk to insurance companies. The table below shows the average monthly cost for liability-only and full coverage for California drivers with speeding tickets.
You can find ways to reduce your car insurance costs in California, even if you have a bad driving record. Here are a few strategies to consider:
Comparison shop for quotes. Every Insurance company looks at risk differently. Comparing quotes from multiple companies can help you find more affordable coverage.3
Ask about discounts. Some insurance companies offer car insurance discounts for things like completing a defensive driving course or bundling auto insurance with other policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance.
Increase your deductible. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premiums. Increasing your deductible from $200 to $1,000 lowers the cost of comprehensive and collision coverage by 40% or more, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).
Work with an independent insurance agent. Independent agents sell policies from multiple insurance companies rather than just one.4 They may have access to insurance companies that cater to high-risk drivers.
Here are a few steps you can take to improve your driving record and lower your car insurance costs over time.