Cheap Auto Insurance for a Bad Driving Record in 2025 (Top 10 Companies for Savings)

The top pick for cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record is State Farm, offering the most affordable rates starting at $151 per month. Alongside State Farm, USAA and Geico also provide competitive pricing and reliable coverage for high-risk drivers.

These top providers excel in balancing cost and coverage, making them ideal choices for those struggling with a poor driving history. Their ability to provide both budget-friendly premiums and reliable auto insurance coverage makes them particularly well-suited for drivers facing higher risk classifications.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Cheap Auto Insurance for a Bad Driving Record

This guide will help you navigate the best choices, highlighting essential factors like SR-22 insurance and available discounts to keep your premiums low despite a high-risk status. For the most affordable rates and comprehensive coverage, comparing these leading providers is crucial.

#1 – State Farm: Overall Top Pick

Pros:

• Affordable Rates for High-Risk Drivers: State Farm offers some of the most competitive premiums for cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record, starting at $151 per month.
• Strong Financial Stability: State Farm’s solid financial strength ensures reliable coverage for high-risk drivers, giving peace of mind. See our State Farm review for more details.
• Wide Network of Agents: With a vast network, State Farm provides personalized service and tailored options for cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record.

Cons:

• Higher Rates for SR-22 Insurance: For drivers needing SR-22 insurance, State Farm’s rates can be higher compared to some competitors.
• Limited Discounts for High-Risk Drivers: State Farm offers fewer discounts specifically for those with a bad driving record, which can affect overall affordability.

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#2 – USAA: Best for Military Members

Pros:

• Discounts for Military Families: USAA provides significant savings on cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record for military members and their families.
• Excellent Customer Service: Known for outstanding customer support, USAA helps navigate cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record efficiently.
• Comprehensive Coverage Options: USAA offers broad coverage options, making it easier to find affordable insurance for a bad driving record. Find the full list in our USAA insurance review.

Cons:

• Eligibility Restrictions: USAA’s policies are only available to military members and their families, limiting access for others seeking cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record.
• Limited Availability of Discounts: While it provides excellent rates, USAA has fewer discounts targeted at improving affordability for those with poor driving records.

#3 – Geico: Best for Senior Discounts

Pros:

• Senior-Specific Discounts: Geico offers special discounts for seniors, making cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record more affordable for older drivers.
• Competitive Rates: Geico provides cost-effective premiums, making it a strong choice for cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record. Learn more in our Geico insurance review.
• User-Friendly Online Tools: Geico’s digital resources simplify managing policies and claims, benefiting those with a poor driving history.

Cons:

• Higher Costs for High-Risk Profiles: Drivers with severe infractions may face higher costs compared to other companies, even with discounts.
• Fewer Customizable Options: Geico’s policies may offer less flexibility in adjusting coverage for drivers with a bad driving record.

#4 – American Family: Best for Claims Service

Pros:

• Efficient Claims Processing: American Family is known for fast and efficient claims handling, ideal for drivers with a bad record. Discover details in our American Family insurance review.
• Affordable Premiums: Provides competitively priced options for cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record, making coverage more accessible.
• Personalized Customer Support: Offers tailored assistance to high-risk drivers, ensuring better management of insurance needs.

Cons:

• Higher Premiums for Severe Cases: American Family’s rates might be higher for drivers with extreme records compared to some competitors.
• Limited Discount Options: The availability of discounts specifically designed for those with poor driving records may be limited.

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#5 – Progressive: Best for Online Management

Pros:

• Convenient Online Tools: Progressive’s online management system simplifies the process of finding and managing cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record.
• Competitive Pricing: Offers budget-friendly options for high-risk drivers seeking cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record. Explore our Progressive insurance review.
• Customizable Coverage Options: Progressive provides flexible policy options that can be tailored to fit specific needs of drivers with poor records.

Cons:

• Higher Premiums for Severe Risk Profiles: Progressive’s rates can be less favorable for drivers with extreme driving infractions.
• Limited Local Agent Support: For those who prefer face-to-face interactions, Progressive’s strong online focus may not be as supportive.

#6 – Nationwide: Best for Accident Forgiveness

Pros:

• Accident Forgiveness Program: Nationwide’s accident forgiveness helps maintain lower rates for drivers with a bad driving record who have had an accident.
• Affordable Coverage Options: Provides cost-effective insurance solutions, making cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record more accessible.
• Comprehensive Policy Benefits: Offers broad coverage options that can be advantageous for high-risk drivers. Get a complete view in our Nationwide review.

Cons:

• Higher Initial Premiums: Rates can be higher initially for high-risk drivers before benefits like accident forgiveness apply.
• Limited Discounts for High-Risk Drivers: The range of discounts specifically targeting those with a poor driving record may be restricted.

#7 – Travelers: Best for Safe Drivers

Pros:

• Discounts for Safe Driving: Travelers offers discounts for maintaining a clean driving record, which can indirectly benefit those working to improve their bad record.
• Affordable High-Risk Options: Provides competitive rates for cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record, making coverage affordable.
• Comprehensive Coverage Plans: Travelers offers a wide range of coverage options suitable for drivers with various risk profiles. See our Travelers review for more.

Cons:

• Higher Costs for New High-Risk Drivers: New high-risk drivers may face higher premiums before benefiting from discounts or improved rates.
• Limited Online Resources: Travelers may not offer as extensive online management tools as some competitors, which could be a drawback for tech-savvy users.

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#8 – Allstate: Best for Safe-Driving Discounts

Pros:

• Generous Safe-Driving Discounts: Allstate’s discounts for safe driving can help lower premiums, even for those with a bad driving record working to improve their habits.
• Competitive Rates: Offers affordable rates for cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record, making it accessible for many drivers.
• Extensive Coverage Options: Provides a wide array of coverage options to suit various needs and risk levels. Read our review of Allstate insurance for full details.

Cons:

• Higher Premiums for Severe Records: Drivers with very poor records might still face higher premiums despite available discounts.
• Complex Policy Terms: Some drivers may find Allstate’s policy terms and options more complicated compared to simpler providers.

#9 – Farmers: Best for Family Plans

Pros:

• Family-Oriented Discounts: Farmers offers special discounts for family plans, which can be beneficial for households seeking cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Provides extensive coverage options, making it easier to find affordable insurance despite a poor driving record. Find additional info in our review of Farmers insurance.
• Flexible Policy Adjustments: Allows for adjustments in coverage that can help cater to high-risk drivers’ specific needs.

Cons:

• Higher Costs for High-Risk Drivers: Farmers’ rates can be higher for drivers with severe infractions compared to some competitors.
• Limited Individual Discounts: Discounts specifically for individuals with a bad driving record may not be as comprehensive.

#10 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Multi-Policy Discounts

Pros:

• Multi-Policy Savings: Liberty Mutual offers significant savings for bundling policies, which can make cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record more affordable.
• Competitive Rates: Provides budget-friendly premiums for drivers with poor records, helping keep costs down. Check out our Liberty Mutual insurance review for insights.
• Customizable Coverage: Offers a range of coverage options that can be tailored to high-risk drivers.

Cons:

• Higher Premiums Without Bundles: For those not bundling policies, Liberty Mutual’s rates can be higher for drivers with a bad driving record.
• Limited Discounts for Severe Records: The availability of discounts for very high-risk drivers might be limited.

Finding auto insurance with a bad driving record can be challenging, but understanding the rates and discounts available can help you make an informed decision. This guide provides a detailed comparison of monthly rates and discounts from top insurance providers for drivers with a poor driving history.

Whether you need minimum or full coverage, our table breaks down the costs by provider to help you find the best deal. Additionally, we outline available discounts that can further reduce your premiums, making it easier to manage insurance costs despite a high-risk profile.

Bad Driving Record Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Coverage Level

Navigating auto insurance options with a bad driving record requires careful consideration of both monthly rates and available discounts. By comparing the rates and discounts offered by various insurance companies, you can find the best affordable coverage that meets your needs.

Understanding a Bad Driving Record

Identifying High-Risk Drivers for Auto Insurance

Determining if you’re a high-risk driver is essential, as it significantly impacts your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies evaluate multiple factors to classify drivers based on the likelihood of filing claims. Understanding these criteria can help you take steps to lower your risk and find more affordable insurance options.

• Driving Record: Accidents or multiple traffic violations, such as speeding tickets or DUIs, increase your risk.
• Age: Younger drivers, particularly teens, are considered high-risk due to inexperience.
• Location: Living in areas with high accident rates or frequent vehicle theft can affect your insurance rates.
• Insurance Gaps: Breaks in your insurance coverage, even for valid reasons, can mark you as a high-risk driver.
• Credit Score: A low credit score often leads insurers to charge higher rates, as it’s linked to claim frequency.

Being labeled a high-risk driver can lead to significantly higher insurance premiums, but understanding the factors that contribute to this classification is the first step toward improving your situation. By maintaining a clean driving record, addressing gaps in coverage, improving your credit score, and being aware of how your age and location affect your risk, you can gradually lower your insurance rates.

Additionally, many insurers offer discounts or specialized policies for high-risk drivers, allowing you to find more affordable coverage. Taking proactive steps now can help you secure cheaper auto insurance and reduce the financial impact of being considered high-risk in the future.

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Auto Insurance Rates by Provider & Driving Record

If you have a bad driving record, finding a cheap auto insurance can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Several companies still offer competitive rates for drivers with accidents, speeding violations, or DUIs. Below is a table comparing average annual rates from top insurers for those with various driving infractions.

Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates Based on Driving Record

The table above outlines the average annual rates from several major providers, helping you identify which companies offer the best deals for your specific situation. Remember, even one accident or violation can significantly impact your premiums, so it’s crucial to drive safely and explore multiple insurance options to ensure you get the best coverage at the lowest price.

Discounts to Lower Auto Insurance Rates with a Bad Driving Record

Securing affordable auto insurance with a poor driving record can be daunting, but leveraging available discounts can significantly help reduce your premiums. Even with a history of traffic violations or accidents, understanding when high-risk auto insurance is required and applying available discounts can significantly help manage your insurance costs.

Understanding and applying these discounts not only aids in making coverage more affordable but also helps in improving your overall financial outlook. Here’s how you can take advantage of discounts to lower your auto insurance rates.

• Good Credit Discount: A strong credit score can significantly lower your premiums, as insurers see good credit as a sign of lower risk, helping offset a bad driving record.
• Safe Driver Discount: Taking a defensive driving course or improving your driving habits can earn you discounts and lower your premiums.
• Low Mileage Discount: Lower annual mileage may qualify you for a discount, as less driving reduces accident risk and can lead to lower rates.
• Bundling Discounts: Bundling auto insurance with home or renters’ insurance often results in lower rates. It’s a cost-effective strategy that insurers use to attract and keep customers.
• Vehicle Safety Features Discount: Vehicles with advanced safety features, such as anti-lock brakes or collision avoidance systems, may qualify for discounts due to their reduced accident risk.

Understanding how credit history impacts auto insurance rates is crucial for managing your premiums. The data shows a clear correlation: better credit scores generally result in lower monthly rates, while poorer credit scores lead to higher costs.

Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates by Company and Credit History

A good credit discount significantly affects auto insurance rates. By reviewing rates across various credit histories, you can see the financial benefits of maintaining a strong credit profile. This information underscores the importance of managing your credit to potentially lower your insurance premiums and achieve more affordable coverage.

How can I lower my high-risk insurance rates?

Navigating the world of high-risk auto insurance can be challenging due to elevated premiums. However, there are proactive steps you can take to potentially lower your rates and improve your overall financial situation. Understanding the various strategies available is crucial to finding a plan that works for you. Below are several effective methods to consider when aiming to reduce your high-risk insurance costs.

• Improve Your Driving Record: Focus on safe driving practices and avoid traffic violations. A cleaner driving record over time can lead to reduced insurance premiums and a better risk assessment from insurers.
• Shop Around for Quotes: Different insurance providers have varying criteria for high-risk drivers. By comparing quotes from multiple insurers, you can identify the most competitive rates available to you.
• Take Advantage of Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for completing defensive driving courses, maintaining good credit, or bundling multiple policies. Investigate these opportunities to lower your overall premium.
• Increase Your Deductible: Raising your deductible can lower your monthly insurance payments. Ensure you have the financial means to cover the higher deductible amount if a claim arises.
• Consider SR-22 Insurance: If required in your state, SR-22 insurance acts as proof of financial responsibility. Keeping up with SR-22 requirements can help you eventually secure more favorable insurance rates.

By implementing these strategies, you can take control of your high-risk insurance situation. While it may take time to see significant reductions in your premiums, consistently applying these methods will not only help lower your rates but also encourage better driving habits and improve your overall safety on the road.