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Have you or your loved one been given the title of a “high-risk driver” by an insurance provider in the past? Are you currently looking for a way to lower the premiums because of it? If so, then you need to learn more about the ways you can save money as a high-risk driver.
Doing so can give you a little more control over the monthly costs of your policy. While the rates will still be on the higher end, a little more flexibility is always a good thing!
See below for several ways that you can reduce the costs of your car insurance coverage and get back to driving on the road for less.
What Is a High-Risk Driver?
Let’s start by listing out what a high-risk driver is in the eyes of an insurance provider. Essentially, a high-risk driver is someone that they deem more likely to need a claim (or several) taken out than the typical driver.
Auto insurance providers don’t typically give this title to someone without proper cause. Generally speaking, a high-risk driver may have things on their record such as:
- A poor credit score
- A DUI
- A long line of car accidents they’ve been involved with in the past
- A bad history of traffic tickets and violations against them.
So how does your driving history play a factor in the rates you’re looking for today? Providers use it as a way to dictate your future. Right or wrong.
From the insurance company’s point of view, they want to take on clients that have the least amount of risk possible. That’s because their less likely to file a claim and, thus, the insurance provider doesn’t have to spend its money.
If you’re a high-risk driver, it’s far more likely that you’ll need to file a claim in some capacity during the length of your coverage. That’s not to say you can’t turn over a new leaf, but it’s rare to have such a dramatic shift so quickly.
How to Save Money as a High-Risk Driver
So now that you understand what a high-risk driver is and how it pertains to the rates that you’re likely to get, let’s talk about how to save. Believe it or not, there are still ways you can take back control of your premiums. See below for tips.
1. Raise Your Deductible
There are three main components to any auto insurance policy: the policy’s coverage amount, deductible, and premium rate. These three go hand in hand. If one gets raised, the others get lowered, in a way.
If you want to take back control of your monthly payments, then you can do so by raising your deductible. Your deductible is the amount you have to pay towards a claim before your provider takes over the rest of the cost.
So let’s say that you’re at fault for a car accident. Between your car and theirs, it’s going to cost around $10,000 to repair the damages. If your deductible is $2,000, then that means you’ll pay $2,000 towards the repairs, then your insurance provider will pay for the other $8,000.
But if you were to raise your deductible on purpose, say from $2,000 to $3,000, your provider will lower your monthly rates.
2. Find a High-Risk Auto Insurance Provider
There’s nothing wrong with having a history of mistakes on the road. Everyone has been in accidents or made a few slip-ups. It’s all about finding the right coverage and aiming to improve your record.
For many of you, that first step includes finding a high risk auto insurance provider. If you already have a policy with an insurance company, speak with them and ask if they offer high-risk auto insurance.
If not, then you can search either by using Google or finding someone that does offer it through your friends and family. Gather a few different quotes so that you can find the lowest rates possible, as well as the best coverage.
3. Boost Your Credit Score
Perhaps the only reason you’re considered a high-risk driver is because of your poor credit score. If so, then the solution is simple: improve your score!
You might think that’s easier said than done. While that may be true, we’ll combat that statement with this: it’s worth the extra effort.
There are many strategies and plans you can follow to get yourself out of debt and improve your score. You can also make quick fixes to your score by disputing any inaccuracies in your credit reports, paying off your credit card debt, and paying your cell and utility bills on time.
4. Choose the Right Car
Are you in the market for a new car during all of this? If so, then that’s perfect! The car that you drive plays a factor in the rates that you’re offered.
Look to purchase an older and more cost-efficient vehicle. As you might suspect, new cars cost more to insure. In fact, if you purchase models such as a sports car, it can be seen as a higher risk.
Look for that Goldilocks fit where the car is new enough to justify your investment, but old enough where your policy rates won’t break the bank.
Find the Best High-Risk Driver Rates With These Tips
Now that you have seen all of the different ways to save money on your policy as a high-risk driver, be sure to use them to your advantage.
Start by finding a few different providers you can reach out to. Gather quotes from each so that you can compare them side by side.
Be sure to browse our website for more articles on reducing car insurance costs, as well as many other great topics.
