subject: Purchasing High Risk Auto Insurance [print this page] In most US states, and many other counties as well, there is a requirement that drivers carry car insurance. For those drivers with less than perfect records, this can mean having to secure high risk car insurance. While it is almost always more expensive than policies for drivers with better records, there are some ways to decrease the costs associated with this type of plan.
High risk auto insurance is a term generally used to describe plans for drivers with a certain number of violations on their record. These may include a certain number of moving violations such as speeding or reckless driving tickets, or a single convictions for driving under the influence, vehicular negligent injury, or other similar incident. Usually, these must have occurred within a certain number of months or years in order for them to count against the driver.
These types of policies are not necessarily different from regular plans except that they cost more because there is a greater likelihood of the company having to pay out. Policies for teenage drivers often fall under this umbrella term, even though they don't necessarily have poor driving records. Instead, they generally have no driving record and statistically, are at much greater risk for getting into accidents.
Another group of drivers that is at a statistically higher risk for accidents are the elderly, usually defined as those age 70 and over. But this group generally have driving records, and their policies will be adjusted based on that record, as well as taking into account their age. In general, however, plans do go up as drivers age.
To avoid having to pay more for your plan, practice safe driving skills and avoid getting into accidents or receiving tickets. Speeding tickets especially can cause your policy to go up, so stick close to the speed limit. If you require a high risk car insurance plan right now, that doesn't mean that you always will, so drive more carefully and you can decrease your future policy costs.
Everyone should shop around to find the best price, but this especially important if you have been categorized as high risk. Different companies will view your driving record as more or less problematic, and charge you different prices. There are some companies that specialize in these kinds of policies, and they may be cheaper than 'regular' companies. But check the prices at different 'regular' companies, too, as sometimes they can surprise you.
by: Lance Thorington
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