What Is the Best Car Insurance for Drivers with Points?
Last Updated on November 10, 2025
If you’ve recently accumulated points on your driving record from traffic violations, you may have noticed your car insurance premiums increasing. Insurance companies see points as a sign of higher risk, which means you’ll likely pay more for coverage. Fortunately, you still have plenty of options — and some insurers are much more forgiving than others.
Below, we’ll explain how license points affect your car insurance, which companies are best for drivers with points, and how you can reduce your premiums over time.
Key Takeaways
- Points raise your premiums because they reflect recent driving violations — but their impact depends on severity, state laws, and insurer policies.
- Progressive, GEICO, State Farm, Nationwide, The General, Dairyland, and Bristol West are among the top companies for drivers with points in 2025.
- High-risk and non-standard insurers specialize in covering drivers with multiple violations or SR-22 requirements.
- Telematics programs (like Snapshot, DriveEasy, and SmartRide) let you prove safe driving habits and earn discounts faster.
- Rates can increase 20%–200% depending on your violation type, but clean driving for three years can significantly reduce premiums.
- Defensive driving courses, bundling policies, and increasing deductibles can help offset higher premiums while you rebuild your record.
How Points on Your License Affect Car Insurance
Car insurance companies don’t typically base your rates directly on the number of points you have. Instead, they look at the violations behind those points — things like speeding tickets, DUIs, or at-fault accidents.
Each state and insurer handles points differently, but the general rule is simple: more recent and serious violations lead to higher premiums. Points usually stay on your record for three to five years, although major offenses can impact your rates for longer.
Factors that influence how points affect your rate include:
- The type of violation (e.g., speeding vs. reckless driving).
- How recently the violation occurred.
- How many total points or violations you have.
- Your state’s point system and how long points remain on record.
- The insurer’s own rating system for high-risk drivers.
What Kind of Car Insurance Works Best for Drivers with Points
When you have points, it’s smart to focus on coverage and insurers designed for higher-risk drivers. Here’s what to look for:
- High-Risk or “Non-Standard” Insurers: Some companies specialize in helping drivers with poor driving records. These insurers may cost more but often provide the coverage others won’t.
- Usage-Based or Telematics Programs: Many insurers now let you prove your good driving habits through mobile apps that track your speed, braking, and mileage. Safe behavior can earn discounts and rebuild your record faster.
- SR-22 or FR-44 Filings: After certain serious violations, you may need proof-of-insurance filings. Look for insurers that handle SR-22 or FR-44 filings directly.
- Short-Term Policy Renewals: Some insurers offer 6-month renewals instead of 12 months, giving you faster opportunities to earn lower rates as your record improves.
Best Car Insurance Companies for Drivers with Points (2025)
While prices vary by state and driver profile, some insurers consistently perform better for drivers with license points. These companies tend to offer more lenient underwriting, helpful discount programs, and strong telematics options.
| Company | Why It’s Good for Drivers with Points | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | One of the most forgiving major insurers for drivers with minor violations. | Snapshot telematics program, SR-22 support, competitive rates for high-risk drivers. |
| GEICO | Widely available and known for moderate rate increases after minor offenses. | Defensive driver discounts, telematics option (DriveEasy), accident forgiveness available. |
| State Farm | Offers flexible options for drivers with points, especially younger drivers. | Drive Safe & Save app, defensive driving discounts, wide agent support. |
| Nationwide | Balances affordability with solid coverage for drivers with one or two violations. | SmartRide telematics, accident forgiveness options, multi-policy discounts. |
| The General | Specializes in high-risk and non-standard insurance. | Easy approval for drivers with points or SR-22 requirements, fast online quotes. |
| Dairyland | A solid option for drivers needing SR-22 or short-term coverage. | High-risk expertise, flexible down payments, available in most states. |
| Bristol West | Known for working with drivers who have multiple violations or accidents. | Flexible payment plans, high-risk acceptance, backed by Farmers Insurance. |
These companies vary by region, so it’s always best to compare several quotes. Drivers with points can often find rate differences of 30% or more between insurers.
How Much More Will You Pay?
Having points on your record can raise your premium anywhere from 20% to 200%, depending on the severity of your violation and how recent it was.
For example:
- Minor speeding tickets (1–2 points) may raise your rate 15% to 25%.
- At-fault accidents (2–3 points) could increase it 40% to 60%.
- Serious violations like DUIs (4+ points) often double or triple your premiums.
The good news? If you maintain a clean record going forward, most points “age off” after three years, and your rates will gradually decrease.
How to Lower Your Rates After Getting Points
You can still save money on car insurance even with points. Here’s how:
- Drive clean from now on. The longer you go without new violations, the better.
- Take a defensive driving course. Many states allow you to remove points or earn insurance discounts this way.
- Join a telematics program. Proving safe driving habits through an app can offset previous violations.
- Shop around regularly. After 6–12 months, get new quotes — your old insurer might not offer the best rate anymore.
- Increase your deductible temporarily. This can reduce your monthly premium until your record improves.
- Bundle policies. Combine auto with renters or homeowners insurance for extra savings.
Final Word: The Best Strategy for Drivers with Points
There’s no single “best” insurance company for every driver with points — but there’s always a best fit for your situation. Compare multiple insurers, consider usage-based programs, and take advantage of defensive driving discounts.
Even if you’re classified as a high-risk driver today, clean driving habits and smart insurer selection can help you get back to affordable rates faster than you think.
