How to Compare Car Insurance Rates 2024
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Cheap Car Insurance After a Bad Driving Record

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Content was accurate at the time of publication.

You’ll usually pay more for car insurance with a bad driving record. Comparing the average rates of different insurance companies can help you find cheap car insurance after an infraction.

Find the Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Your Area

A driving infraction or accident on your record usually raises your insurance rate. Depending on the severity of the violation, you may also see car insurance companies refuse coverage or cancel your policy.

Car insurance companies do these things because experience suggests drivers with an accident, speeding ticket or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction on their records are considered high-risk drivers and more likely to file a claim. Charging you a higher rate helps offset those potential added costs.

You’ll usually only see your car insurance rate increase after a moving violation. Parking tickets don’t often result in an increase.

Most drivers looking for full-coverage car insurance after a speeding ticket get the cheapest rate with State Farm, at an average rate of $1,616 a year.

USAA has the overall cheapest rate after a speeding ticket, at $1,457 a year. However, USAA only sells insurance to active duty and veteran military members, along with their families.

Cheapest car insurance companies after a speeding ticket

CompanyAverage annual rate
State Farm$1,616
American Family$2,352
Travelers$2,468
Geico$2,493
Progressive$2,606
Nationwide$2,839
Allstate$3,073
Farmers$4,252
AAA$4,925
USAA*$1,457

*USAA only available to active duty military, veterans and their families.

A speeding ticket stays on your driving record for an average of three to five years. Car insurance companies tend to keep track of such infractions for a similar span of time. You can expect to see your rate increase at renewal time after a speeding ticket, although some companies may not raise your rates unless you get a second ticket.

State Farm has the cheapest car insurance for most drivers with an accident on their driving record, with rates averaging $1,843 a year.

Cheapest car insurance companies after an accident

CompanyAverage annual rate
State Farm$1,843
American Family$2,980
Travelers$2,699
Geico$3,341
Progressive$3,026
Nationwide$3,460
Allstate$4,125
Farmers$4,598
AAA$6,454
USAA*$1,658

An accident stays on your driving record for three to five years. If you are the at-fault driver, you will probably see your auto insurance premium increase for that time period. Your premium may not go up if you can get information from the police that shows you didn’t cause the accident.

Note that liability car insurance only covers damage and injuries you cause to others in an accident. You need full-coverage car insurance if you want your own vehicle damage covered.

Most drivers find the cheapest car insurance after a DUI from Progressive, which charges an average rate of $2,547 a year.

Cheapest car insurance companies after a DUI

CompanyAverage annual rate
Progressive$2,547
Travelers$2,893
American Family$3,114
Allstate$3,875
Nationwide$4,376
State Farm$4,402
Geico$4,584
Farmers$4,758
AAA$7,867
USAA*$2,252

A DUI is one of the biggest risk factors for car insurance companies, and it often results in the highest rate increases. Depending on where you live, a DUI will usually stay on your record for five to 10 years. In some states, such as Massachusetts and Texas, the DUI stays on your record permanently. You’ll typically pay more for car insurance as long as the DUI is on your record.

In many states, you are legally required to file an SR-22 form with the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) after a DUI to get your license reinstated. An SR-22 proves you’re carrying your state’s minimum amount of liability insurance.

The amount of time you need to carry an SR-22 varies from state to state. If you let the SR-22 lapse, the DMV will be notified and your license will be suspended again.

Find the Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Your Area

To save money on car insurance after a driving infraction, look into used-based insurance, consider a defensive driving course and/or compare quotes from several companies.

Take a defensive driving course

After a speeding ticket or a DUI, some car insurance companies offer a discount for completing an approved defensive driving course. These courses are available online or in a classroom setting.

Look into usage-based car insurance

Usage-based auto insurance is a good way to reduce your car insurance rates after a driving violation. Using a telematic device, insurers track factors like speed, braking, driving time and mileage to gauge your driving habits. If you meet their safety criteria, you may get a discount.

Compare car insurance quotes

If your car insurance rate increases too much after a violation, compare car insurance quotes from several companies to find cheaper coverage. Car insurance companies weigh risks differently when calculating your quotes, which is why they can vary so much. Getting multiple quotes is a great way to find the coverage you need at an affordable price.

Methodology

We looked at thousands of car insurance quotes in the U.S. for a 30-year-old man with good credit and, for each respective category, one speeding ticket, accident or DUI using a 2015 Honda Civic EX.

The following coverage limits were used:

  • Bodily injury liability: 50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
  • Property damage liability: $25,000
  • Uninsured motorist: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, where required by law
  • Personal injury protection: minimum limits, where required by law
  • Collision: $500 deductible
  • Comprehensive: $500 deductible

*USAA only available to active duty military, veterans and their families.