In general, high risk car insurance is a phrase used to describe auto insurance coverage involving high premiums. The rates which are charged by insurance companies are much higher than the rates for standard auto insurance plans. Several items, like your driving record and the company you choose will play a part in your monthly premium.
Is it possible to know ahead of time if you will need this type of coverage? Look at the below factors, if any of these situations apply to you, it is possible you will have to get high risk car insurance:
- A history of accidents and insurance claims
- You have a suspended license
- Drivers with a past record of traffic violations
In the past, you have switched companies several times. You a have very poor credit history A senior driver older than 70. You have been arrested for DUI.
By looking at the list above, it becomes very obvious that there are many things that can cause someone to need high risk insurance. Because of this, thinking of this type of inaurance as bad driver auto insurance would not be quite fair. It is likely true that many people who do need high risk plans need them as a result of a poor driving record; however, first-time drivers or people who drive rare vehicles would resent having their insurance plans labeled as bad driver auto insurance.
Most individuals who need high risk auto insurance will be required to obtain an SR-22 from their car insurance company. If you are told you need this form in order to be able to drive, you will need to to obtain insurance from a company which is filed with the state to issue SR-22s.
Typically, people who have been convicted of a traffic violation and were not able to prove insurance will require this form. Also, individuals who caused an accident resulting from excessive driving violations. Every state will be a little different in the matter of the length of time a driver must file a SR-22, but on average, it is about 3 years. If you cancel your insurance or fail to pay within that time, the insurance provider will file an SR-26 informing the state you they are no longer insuring you.
If the name wasn’t enough, knowing you will be paying higher premiums can make high risk car insurance a annoying experience. These days, however, you can compare insurance premiums online in order to find the best deal. By being a safe driver and paying your premium on time, you can eventually be able to move to a non high risk policy and pay a lower premium.
