Insurance Articles

Being considered by insurers to be a driver with higher risks to insure can lead to difficulty finding affordable rates and even locating a company who will offer a policy. Depending on why a motorist may be considered riskier to carriers will also play a big part in the cost of obtaining coverage. One of the most common ways that a person can find themselves in the high risk pool is by being convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI); this is a very dangerous practice and statistics show that individuals who have been convicted of this offense are likely to obtain a second conviction.

Of course, driving impaired will greatly increase the likelihood of being involved in a traffic accident due to a slower reaction time in dangerous situations, inability to focus and being easily distracted. Once convicted, motorists will not only be in need of high risk auto insurance, but may have driving privileges suspended and also need to obtain an SR 22 for up to 3 years following the conviction date; this will need to be maintained continuously. In addition, these motorists may find it difficult to find a company willing to accept their risk and if an insurer is found, the cost of coverage can be much more than a low-risk driver. Drinking and driving is simply not worth it, not only because of increased premiums, but it puts the lives of the motorist as well as others in danger.

Additional Reasons High Risk Auto Insurance may be Needed

Motorists may be considered to be riskier behind the wheel for a number of reasons, some which they may be able to control and some they cannot. Individuals who acquire several tickets for moving traffic violations can find themselves in this category and will more than likely pay more for coverage; this can easily be avoided by following the rules of the road and aside from inflated premiums, having to take the time to go to court and pay fines just adds to unnecessary costs. Causing traffic accidents may also have an individual searching for high risk auto insurance; most companies review a driver’s claims history and a pattern of at-fault accidents can lead to higher rates and some carriers will even deny coverage.

Unfortunately for younger motorists, they are viewed as risky drivers and charged more in premiums until they reach a more mature age; this is especially true for teenagers and even more so if they are male. While this may not seem to be very fair to young motorists, the truth of the matter is that they lack experience and the chances of them being involved in a collision is very likely; traffic accidents is the leading cause of death amongst teens and motorists between the age of 16 and 19 are approximately four times more likely to be involved in a traffic accident than mature operators.

Motorists who wish to erase the “high risk” label can take many steps to doing so and even prevent being considered a risky driver in the first place. By driving safely, avoiding operating an automobile while impaired and obeying traffic laws, over time driving records will start to clear up and more affordable premiums can become available. For those who cannot currently find a carrier due to prior incidents may be able to obtain assistance from state programs such as the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association which may be able to provide coverage to consumers who have been denied by at least two insurers.