What Is Non-Standard Auto Insurance?

Last Updated on December 21, 2025

When shopping for car insurance, you may hear the term non-standard auto insurance. It sounds complicated, but it’s really just a label insurers use for policies written for drivers they consider higher risk than “standard” customers.

Below is a clear explanation of what non-standard insurance is, who typically needs it, what to watch out for, and how to move back to standard pricing over time.

Key Takeaways

• Non-standard auto insurance is coverage designed for higher-risk or hard-to-insure drivers who may not qualify for standard or preferred pricing.
• Common reasons include SR-22 requirements, multiple tickets/accidents, lapses in coverage, limited driving history, or poor credit (where allowed).
• Non-standard policies often cost more and may have stricter payment terms or fewer perks, so compare limits, deductibles, and fees carefully.
• Non-standard status isn’t permanent—maintaining continuous coverage and clean driving, then shopping every 6–12 months, can help you return to standard rates.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance Explained

Non-standard auto insurance is coverage designed for drivers who don’t easily qualify for “standard” or “preferred” pricing. Insurers group applicants into broad tiers based on risk. In general:

• Preferred: lowest rates (strong driving history, stable insurance history, low-risk profile)
• Standard: average rates (typical drivers with minor risk factors)
• Non-standard: higher rates (more risk factors, limited history, or past issues)

Non-standard doesn’t mean you’re “uninsurable.” It means the insurer expects a higher chance of claims or payment issues, so it charges more (or offers fewer perks) to offset that risk. In the most severe situations, some insurers may deny coverage—which is why non-standard carriers exist.

Many companies offer non-standard policies, and some specialize in them. If you’re looking for providers that are more open to higher-risk drivers, start here: non-standard car insurance companies.

Who Typically Needs Non-Standard Auto Insurance?

You may end up in the non-standard market if you have limited driving/insurance history or red flags that insurers price aggressively. Common examples include:

• New drivers with little or no insurance history. (See: rates for new drivers.)
• Non-owner drivers who need liability coverage even though they don’t own a car. (See: non-owner car insurance.)
• Drivers required to file an SR-22 (often after a DUI or serious violation). (See: SR-22 insurance and how much insurance goes up after a DUI.)
• Drivers labeled “high risk” due to multiple accidents/tickets/claims. (See: moving from high-risk to standard and traffic violations and premiums.)
• Drivers with a lapse in coverage (even a short lapse can raise prices). (See: what if my car insurance lapses?)
• Drivers with poor credit in states where credit-based insurance scoring is allowed. (See: no credit check auto insurance.)

One important note: being over 65 doesn’t automatically mean you need non-standard coverage. Many older drivers still qualify for standard or preferred pricing—especially with a clean record and low annual mileage.

How Is Non-Standard Auto Insurance Different?

Non-standard insurance often looks similar to standard insurance on paper (liability, collision, comprehensive), but the differences usually show up in pricing and policy features, such as:

• Higher premiums and fewer pricing breaks
• Stricter payment rules (bigger down payments, fewer installment options, less forgiveness for late payments)
• Lower initial limits offered in quotes unless you request higher coverage
• More fees (installment fees, reinstatement fees, SR-22 filing fees, etc.)
• Coverage restrictions (some carriers limit certain add-ons or require proof/inspection for physical damage coverage)

This is why it’s crucial to read the policy carefully before you buy—especially if you think you’ll need to file a claim soon.

How Can I Get Non-Standard Auto Insurance?

If you think you need non-standard auto insurance, use this approach:

• Identify the “why.” Is it tickets, SR-22, a lapse, poor credit, no history, or something else? Knowing the driver helps you shop smarter.
• Get multiple quotes. Prices can vary wildly between companies, even for the exact same driver.
• Compare the same coverages. Make sure deductibles and limits match so you’re not comparing apples to oranges. (If you need a refresher: types of auto insurance.)
• Consider an assigned risk plan if you’re truly stuck. Many states have an assigned risk pool that places drivers with insurers when they can’t find coverage in the normal market (not available everywhere).

If you’re still able to get standard quotes from mainstream carriers, compare those first. A “traditional” provider may still be the better deal for your situation. Here’s a starting point: top auto insurance companies.

How to Move From Non-Standard Back to Standard Insurance

Non-standard pricing isn’t permanent. Most risk factors fade with time and clean driving. Here’s what helps you graduate back to standard rates:

• Keep continuous coverage (avoid lapses)
• Avoid new tickets and accidents while your old ones age off
• Pay on time (non-standard carriers are often strict about reinstatement)
• Re-shop every 6–12 months—especially after violations/claims get older

Your driving record changes over time, and carriers typically weigh recent incidents most heavily. This explainer helps connect the dots: how your driving history affects your insurance rates.

FAQs on Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Final Word on Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard auto insurance exists for a reason: it helps drivers get legally required coverage when standard insurers won’t offer good pricing—or won’t offer coverage at all. You’ll usually pay more, and you may have fewer perks, but you can still get reliable coverage. Shop multiple quotes, understand the limitations, and re-check the market regularly so you can move back to standard pricing as soon as your risk factors improve.