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Let’s face it, no one dreams of being labeled a high risk driver, but it just kind of happens, maybe it was a DUI a few years back or a couple of speeding ticked you wish you could take back.
So maybe life got in the way and your insurance lapsed for a while, whatever it is, now you are stuck with high sky quotes and fewer options.
But there is always a good news or a new way, being high risk does not mean you are out of luck!
So there are ways to cut down your insurance costs even if the system seems like its working against you.
Let’s explore the 7 moves that could help you find cheaper car insurance, no matter how bad your driving record looks right now.
1. Compare, you have to compare and don’t stop
This one might seem obvious, but a lot of people do not actually do it right, so let’s see how we can help you here.
When you are a high risk driver, the price difference between insurers can be massive, one company might quote you $3.800 per year, but another one can be around $2.400 for the same coverage, that is more than a grand in your pocket!
There are plenty of car insurers, don’t just check the big names like Geico or Progressive, try companies that specifically work with high-risk drivers like The General, Dairyland or SafeAuto, also do not ignore local or regional companies either, they somtimes can surprise you.
This one might seem obvious, but a lot of people don’t actually do it right. When you’re high-risk, the price difference between insurers can be massive. One company might quote you $3,800 per year. Another? $2,400 for the same coverage. That’s more than a grand in your pocket.
Tip: Use quote comparison sites, but also call a few companies directly. Some discounts only show up over the phone.
2. Raise your deductible, if you can swing it
If you’re okay taking on more of the risk in case of an accident, increasing your deductible can shave a good chunk off your premium. Say you go from a $500 deductible to $1,000, you might drop your annual cost by 10% or more.
Just be realistic. If a $1,000 repair would ruin your month, keep the deductible where it is. But if you’ve got some savings, it could be a smart trade.
3. Take a defensive driving course
Sounds boring, but this one’s underrated. Some states actually require insurers to offer a discount, anywhere from 5% to 15%, if you complete an approved safe driving course.
A lot of these can be done online, in your pajamas, in just a few hours. It’s not fun, but if it saves you a few hundred bucks a year, it might be the easiest win on this list.
And for what it’s worth? It shows insurers you’re trying to improve, and that can help down the line.
4. Try usage-based insurance (But only if you’re actually driving safely)
Here’s how this works: your insurer gives you a tracking device or an app that monitors how you drive, braking, acceleration, mileage, time of day, and more.
If you drive responsibly, you could get big discounts, sometimes 30% or higher.
Programs to look at:
- Progressive Snapshot
- Allstate Drivewise
- GEICO DriveEasy
But be warned: if you’re still slamming the brakes or speeding a lot, this could backfire. Only use it if you’re confident your current driving is clean.
5. Stack every discount you can get
Even if you’re high-risk, insurers still offer a long list of discounts. Some examples:
- Bundle auto and home/renters insurance
- Pay your premium upfront
- Go paperless or enroll in autopay
- Drive fewer miles annually
- Use anti-theft devices
- Belong to military or student programs
On their own, these may not seem like much—but stack a few, and the savings add up fast.
Pro tip: Always ask what discounts are available. Don’t assume they’re automatically applied.
6. Switch to basic liability
If your car isn’t worth much, or if you barely drive, you might not need full coverage. Switching to liability-only could slash your premium.
And if you don’t own a car but borrow or rent one occasionally, non-owner insurance might be a much cheaper way to stay covered.
Just make sure you’re not skimping on what you really need. A cheap policy that leaves you stranded after a crash isn’t worth it.
7. Play the long game
Here’s something many people don’t realize—most violations only stay on your insurance record for about three to five years.
So while the cost is high now, it won’t stay that way forever.
In the meantime:
- Keep a clean record going forward
- Don’t let your policy lapse again
- Try to improve your credit score if your state allows credit-based pricing
- Ask your insurer to remove your SR-22 as soon as you’re eligible
And every year or so? Shop around again. Your status changes over time, and your rates should too.
What can we say more?
Nobody wants to be called high-risk, but that’s life and it happens, mistakes happen even if you are good enough. What matters is how you respond, and that includes finding smart ways to bring your car insurance down to a manageable level.
These 7 strategies aren’t magic, but they are real, legal, and proven to help drivers like you lower their costs, sometimes significantly.
Take one step at a time. Maybe start with a quote from someone new. Or sign up for that online defensive course. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just better than yesterday.
