For drivers with incidents on their record, car insurance can be tricky. Insurance companies tend to group drivers with tickets, accidents, or DUIs on record as being “high-risk,” which in turn means that these drivers are often charged more for coverage. This doesn’t necessarily have to be the case, though. If you’re hoping to avoid some of these extra costs, one good place to start is shopping for a new policy altogether.
Drivers with tickets and accidents will likely find the application and quotes process to be the same as it is for any driver trying to change policies, with the added caveat that any incidents be disclosed. For drivers with a DUI, however, there are some extra steps.
In most states, drivers convicted of a DUI must ask their insurance companies to file an SR-22 on their behalf in order to have their license reinstated. How many years the form must be valid for depends on the state in question, but most states require it for three years. In general, an SR-22 includes a one-time filing of $25, which your insurance company will add to your statement, though some will file it for free.
Once an SR-22 is filed, it is important that you do not let your insurance coverage lapse. By law, if you stop purchasing insurance or your insurance goes below the state minimum, your insurance company must contact the state and your license may be revoked. If you cannot find a company that will file the form for you, some states will work with you. They will partner with certain carriers and have them file the form for you. However, these policies are often expensive, making them better to avoid when possible.
States that do not require an FR-22: Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia (FR-44), and Florida (FR-44)
The FR-44 is the equivalent of the SR-22 used in Virginia and Florida. In Virginia, drivers convicted of getting into a DUI accident that injured another party, driving with a previously revoked license, or violating the DUI laws of another state are required to file an FR-44. In Florida, any driver who gets a DUI must do so. In both Virginia and Florida, drivers who have had to file a FR-44 are also required to purchase more than the usual state minimum liability insurance.
Even if you are considered a high-risk driver by most insurance companies, you don’t have to resign yourself to paying for overpriced insurance indefinitely. Here are the some of the best ways you can still save on car insurance:
While risk factors involving your basic demographics cannot be changed, factors related to your driving record should be a focus of improvement if you hope to see your rates lowered.
Making the effort to improve your driving habits will lead to fewer incidents and better car insurance prices in the future. Though it is difficult to change how you’ve done something for years, the savings and the added safety are worth it. Taking a defensive driving course can both suggest to your insurance company that you are serious about changing your driving habits and give you a different perspective on driving.
Even if you currently have a ticket, accident, or DUI on your driving record, don’t lose hope. There are still several ways to save on car insurance, both immediate and gradual, and over time you may even be able to take yourself out of high-risk category altogether.
Even if you have tickets, accidents, or a DUI, Compare-Auto-Insurance-Quotes.com can help you save. We will match you to the best quotes from companies that specialize in your driver type. Start now!