Car Insurance Quotes for Drivers with Bad Driving Records

Last Updated on December 27, 2025

If you’ve had a few tickets, an at-fault accident, or something more serious on your record, you can still get insured. The tradeoff is that your driving history affects your insurance rates, so you’ll usually pay more—and some companies may decline to quote altogether.

This guide breaks down what insurers consider a “bad driving record,” what quotes typically look like for high-risk drivers, and the smartest ways to lower your premium while you rebuild your record.

Key Takeaways

• You can still get car insurance with a bad driving record, but quotes will vary widely—so comparing multiple insurers is essential.
• Most tickets and at-fault accidents affect pricing most heavily for the first few years, while serious offenses (like DUI) can impact quotes longer depending on state rules and insurer guidelines.
• An SR-22 (and in some states an FR-44) is a proof-of-coverage filing—not a special policy—and it typically comes with higher premiums due to the underlying violation.
• To lower costs, avoid coverage lapses, consider higher deductibles, match coverage to the vehicle’s value, and stack every legitimate discount available.

Can You Get Car Insurance Quotes With a Bad Driving Record?

Yes. Most drivers can still find coverage, even after multiple violations. Insurers price policies based on risk—your age, location, vehicle, coverage choices, insurance history, and (most importantly here) your driving record. If your record suggests you’re more likely to file a claim, your quote will reflect that.

It’s also common for premiums to jump at renewal after violations or claims. If you’re wondering why your bill suddenly increased, this overview explains common reasons insurers adjust pricing: why car insurance companies raise rates.

What Insurers Consider a Bad Driving Record

“Bad” is relative—each company uses its own underwriting rules. In general, the following can push you into a higher-risk pricing tier:

• Multiple speeding tickets or other moving violations (especially within the last 3 years)
• At-fault accidents or multiple claims
• Serious violations (DUI/DWI, reckless driving, excessive speeding, hit-and-run)
• Driving uninsured or having a lapse in coverage
• License suspension or revocation

Even one serious offense—like a DUI—can have an outsized impact on quotes. If you’re shopping after a conviction, start here: DUI/DWI car insurance options. Reckless driving can also trigger steep increases and even non-renewal: how reckless driving affects auto insurance.

How Long Tickets and Accidents Affect Car Insurance Quotes

Most insurers weigh recent driving history the most heavily. A common range is about 3 years for many moving violations and at-fault accidents—though some serious violations can affect pricing for longer depending on your state and insurer. DMV.org notes that many carriers increase premiums for around three years after a serious moving violation.

Bottom line: the fastest way to improve quotes is to avoid new violations, maintain continuous coverage, and re-shop periodically as older incidents age off your rating profile.

SR-22 and FR-44: What They Are and When You Need One

Some drivers with serious violations or coverage lapses are required by their state to file proof of financial responsibility. This is where SR-22 (and in a couple states, FR-44) comes in.

What Is an SR-22?

SR-22 “insurance” isn’t a separate policy—it’s a filing your insurer submits to the state showing you carry the required liability coverage. You might need an SR-22 after driving uninsured, certain suspensions, or serious violations. GEICO explains SR-22 as a certificate your insurer files with the DMV/state to prove you have the required coverage.

If you’ve been told you need an SR-22, you’ll usually pay (1) a filing fee and (2) higher premiums because the underlying reason for the SR-22 (like a DUI or multiple violations) makes you riskier to insure. Shopping matters a lot here: how to find cheaper SR-22 insurance.

What Is an FR-44?

FR-44 is similar to SR-22, but typically requires higher liability limits and is used in Florida and Virginia for certain serious offenses (often DUI-related). Progressive’s overview explains FR-44 and how it differs from SR-22.

What If Insurers Decline Your Application?

If multiple standard insurers refuse to quote or won’t renew you, you still have options:

• Nonstandard/high-risk insurers: These companies specialize in higher-risk drivers (often at higher premiums).
• State “assigned risk” or residual market plans: Many states have a last-resort mechanism that places eligible drivers with a participating insurer. AIPSO manages or supports many of these plans and explains how assigned risk plans work.
• Rebuild and re-shop: After 6–12 months of continuous coverage and a clean period, more insurers may be willing to quote you competitively.

If you’re in this situation, you may also find it helpful to review options geared toward high-risk drivers.

How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance With a Bad Driving Record

Bad-record pricing can vary wildly by company, which is why the “best” strategy is usually a bundle of small wins. These approaches tend to move the needle the most:

Compare Quotes the Smart Way

Don’t rely on one insurer. Get multiple quotes and compare the same coverages and deductibles. If you recently had a ticket or accident, it can also be worth re-shopping again at your next renewal—some companies are more forgiving than others.

Avoid Coverage Lapses

Continuous coverage helps. A lapse can make you look riskier and can lead to much higher quotes (or fewer options). If you’re selling your car but still drive occasionally, ask about a non-owner policy so your insurance history stays active.

Choose Coverage That Fits the Vehicle

If you own an older car outright, you may be able to lower premiums by adjusting physical damage coverage. Just be careful: dropping collision/comprehensive means you’re paying out of pocket if your vehicle is damaged. If you’re trying to keep costs as low as possible, understand what you’re getting with minimum coverage auto insurance before you commit.

Raise Your Deductibles (If You Can Afford It)

Higher deductibles often lower premiums. The key is making sure you actually have the deductible saved—otherwise a claim can turn into a financial emergency.

Ask About Telematics and Driver-Tracking Discounts

Usage-based insurance programs can reward safer driving habits. They’re not ideal for everyone, but if you’re confident you can drive smoothly (speeding, hard braking, nighttime driving, and mileage often matter), it can help offset a rough past record.

Take Every Legit Discount You Can

Multi-policy bundling, paid-in-full, paperless billing, defensive driving courses (where approved), and good-student discounts (for households with eligible drivers) can all help. For more ideas, see these ways to save money on car expenses.

What Quotes Might Look Like in Today’s Market

Auto insurance has become more expensive nationwide, even for drivers with clean records. Recent analyses put average annual premiums for full coverage in the neighborhood of roughly $2,700–$2,900 (with minimum coverage often well under that), depending on the dataset and methodology.

With violations or at-fault accidents, quotes can rise substantially. In some cases, even a single moving violation can cause a dramatic premium increase, and multiple incidents can push you into high-risk pricing tiers.

FAQs on Car Insurance Quotes for Bad Driving Records

Conclusion

A bad driving record doesn’t automatically disqualify you from car insurance—but it does mean you need to shop more carefully. Compare multiple quotes, maintain continuous coverage, and focus on clean driving going forward. As incidents get older, your pricing usually improves, and more insurers may be willing to compete for your business.