Getting car insurance with a bad driving record (DUI, accidents, speeding tickets, etc.) can be expensive and frustrating, but it’s not impossible. Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding coverage, lowering costs, and rebuilding your record over time.
1. Understand How a Bad Record Affects You
Insurance companies see you as high-risk, which means:
Higher premiums (sometimes 2–3x normal rates).
Limited options (some insurers may refuse to cover you).
Possible SR-22/FR-44 requirement (court-mandated proof of insurance after serious violations like DUIs).
2. Find High-Risk Insurance Providers
Some insurers specialize in non-standard auto insurance for drivers with bad records:
The General
Dairyland
SafeAuto
Bristol West
Fred Loya (for budget options)
Pro Tip:
Use an independent insurance agent—they work with multiple companies to find the best rate.
3. Compare Quotes (Even If Rates Are High)
Get quotes from at least 5 insurers (rates vary widely).
Use comparison sites like:
TheZebra
Compare.com
Insurance.com
Check local/regional insurers (sometimes cheaper than big names).
