How to Get Car Insurance with a Bad Driving Record: A Complete Guide

6 min readJan 15, 2025

Having a bad driving record can make it difficult to find affordable car insurance. Whether you’ve had a few accidents, speeding tickets, or violations, insurance providers often see you as a higher-risk driver. However, with the right strategy, it’s still possible to get coverage that meets your needs without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how to get car insurance with a bad driving record, provide tips for lowering your premiums, and help you navigate the insurance process with confidence.

Why Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Your Insurance?

Insurance companies use your driving record to assess how risky you are as a driver. The more violations, accidents, or claims you have on your record, the higher your perceived risk. This can result in:

Higher premiums: Insurers may charge you more to offset the risk they take on.
Limited coverage options: Some insurance companies might refuse to offer coverage altogether.
Loss of discounts: A bad driving record can prevent you from qualifying for common discounts, like safe driver or accident-free discounts.

However, just because you have a bad driving record doesn’t mean you can’t find coverage at a reasonable price. Let’s explore how to secure car insurance even with a poor driving history.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Car Insurance with a Bad Driving Record

Step 1: Know Your Driving Record

Before you start shopping for car insurance, it’s important to check your driving record. You can request a copy of your record from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Knowing exactly what’s on your record will help you:

Understand the severity of your violations.
Know how long the violations will stay on your record (most minor infractions stay for 3–5 years).
Be prepared to discuss your driving history with insurance agents.

Step 2: Shop Around for Quotes

Not all insurance companies treat bad driving records the same way. Some insurers specialize in offering coverage to high-risk drivers, while others may have stricter policies. Therefore, it’s essential to shop around for quotes from multiple insurance companies. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the best deal:

Use comparison websites: Websites like The Zebra, Compare.com, or NerdWallet can help you quickly compare rates from various providers.
Contact agents directly: Some insurers may not list their rates online, so contacting an agent directly can help you discover potential discounts or options.
Consider state programs: If you have a particularly poor driving record, you may qualify for your state’s high-risk insurance pool, which provides coverage for drivers who are denied by standard insurers.

Step 3: Consider High-Risk Insurance Providers

High-risk insurance providers cater specifically to drivers with bad driving records. These companies may offer higher premiums, but they will be more likely to approve you for coverage. Some well-known high-risk insurers include:

Progressive
Geico
The General
Nationwide

While these providers tend to have higher rates, they specialize in offering car insurance to drivers who might struggle to find coverage elsewhere.

Step 4: Choose the Right Coverage for Your Needs

When you have a bad driving record, you may be tempted to choose the minimum coverage required by law to save money. However, it’s important to balance cost with adequate protection. Consider the following coverage options:

Liability Coverage: This is the minimum requirement in most states and covers damages you cause to others in an accident.
Collision Coverage: Helps pay for repairs to your vehicle after an accident. This can be valuable if you’re at fault in an accident.
Comprehensive Coverage: Covers damage to your car from events like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance.

If you can afford it, it’s wise to add collision and comprehensive coverage to your policy, especially if your car is valuable or if you want to avoid out-of-pocket repair costs after an accident.

Step 5: Take Advantage of Discounts

Even with a bad driving record, you can still qualify for certain discounts that can help reduce your premiums. Common discounts include:

Defensive driving course: Taking a state-approved defensive driving course may help you lower your rates.
Bundling policies: If you have other insurance policies (e.g., home, renters, life), bundling them with your car insurance can result in a multi-policy discount.
Pay-in-full discount: Some insurers offer discounts for paying your entire premium upfront, rather than monthly.
Low-mileage discount: If you drive fewer miles than the average driver, you may be eligible for a discount.

Ask your insurance provider about any discounts that may apply to your situation.

Step 6: Improve Your Driving Record Over Time

A poor driving record doesn’t last forever. Traffic violations and accidents typically stay on your record for 3–5 years, depending on the severity. As time passes, your driving record will improve, and you may qualify for lower rates. Here’s how to speed up the process:

Maintain a clean record moving forward: Avoid any further violations or accidents. This will help improve your overall risk profile over time.
Take a defensive driving course: In some states, completing a defensive driving course can remove points from your driving record, leading to lower premiums.

Step 7: Consider Paying a Higher Deductible

If you’re looking to lower your monthly premiums, consider raising your deductible. The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest. Increasing your deductible can significantly reduce your premium, but make sure you’re comfortable paying the higher out-of-pocket cost if you need to file a claim.

Coverage TypeStandard DeductibleHigher DeductibleCollision$500$1,000Comprehensive$500$1,000LiabilityN/AN/A

Step 8: Maintain Continuous Coverage

It’s important to keep your coverage active to avoid lapsing. If you let your car insurance lapse, it can make it even harder (and more expensive) to get coverage in the future. Additionally, some insurers may offer discounts for continuous coverage.

Table: Tips for Finding Car Insurance with a Bad Driving Record

TipDetailsShop around for quotesGet quotes from multiple insurers to compare rates.Consider high-risk insurersLook into providers that specialize in covering high-risk drivers.Choose the right coverageDon’t just opt for the minimum; choose comprehensive and collision coverage if affordable.Ask about discountsLook for discounts like defensive driving courses, bundling, and low-mileage savings.Improve your recordMaintain a clean record moving forward to help reduce rates over time.Increase your deductibleOpt for a higher deductible to lower your monthly premium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Get Car Insurance with a Bad Driving Record?

Yes, you can still get car insurance with a bad driving record, although it may be more expensive. Many insurance providers specialize in high-risk drivers, and shopping around will help you find the best rates.

2. How Can I Lower My Car Insurance After an Accident?

To lower your rates after an accident, consider taking a defensive driving course, improving your driving record, or increasing your deductible. Additionally, be sure to shop around for quotes regularly.

3. Will My Insurance Rates Go Down After a Traffic Violation?

Insurance rates usually go up after a traffic violation. However, the increase is typically temporary. After a few years without further violations, your rates may decrease.

4. What Is the Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers with Bad Records?

The cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad records will vary depending on your location and circumstances. High-risk insurers like Progressive, Geico, and The General may offer affordable options.

5. How Long Will a Bad Driving Record Affect My Insurance?

A bad driving record can affect your insurance rates for 3–5 years, depending on the severity of your violations or accidents.

Conclusion: Getting Car Insurance with a Bad Driving Record

While it may be more challenging to secure affordable car insurance with a bad driving record, it’s definitely possible. By shopping around, choosing the right coverage, taking advantage of discounts, and improving your record over time, you can find a policy that meets your needs without draining your wallet. Remember, persistence is key, and over time, your driving history can improve, allowing you to qualify for lower rates.