High-risk drivers often have numerous traffic violations, DUI convictions, and no car insurance, putting other drivers in dangerous situations on the road.
What is a Risky Driver?
The term “high-risk driver” is often used by car insurance companies who rate drivers on the basis of prior driving behaviors. In many cases, an insurance company will not cover a high-risk driver with prior accidents and violations because the insurance companies determine those drivers to be unsafe and prone to more claims.
When certain conditions exist, a driver may be categorized as a risky or high-risk driver by a preferred insurance carrier who may deny coverage. Risky conditions include:
- Multiple traffic violations within one year
- DUI convictions on record
- Driving without car insurance
- Driver’s license suspensions or revocations
- Young drivers between the ages of 18 -24
- Elderly drivers over the age of 65
In some cases, a driver is considered to be high-risk if he/she does not have proof of insurance for at least six consecutive months. This can even apply to drivers who just got their driver’s license.
Although a single-car accident may be considered an at-fault event, multiple traffic tickets and moving violations may quickly disqualify a driver from getting car insurance through a preferred carrier. Multiple violations can add six points or more against a driver’s license, making it difficult for a driver to get car insurance. A DUI conviction always means higher insurance rates and the possibility of insurance cancellation by the insurance carrier. When DUI accidents happen, Indiana accident lawyers often see immediate cancellation of the at-fault driver’s insurance once the driver is charged or convicted.
In most cases, high-risk drivers pay about 25% more for car insurance. While preferred carriers may decline to provide insurance to high-risk at-fault drivers, carriers who specialize in high-risk policies may provide insurance at higher rates.
A risky driver will need to improve his/her driving record to qualify for preferred car insurance and better rates. High-risk drivers can accomplish this by taking a defensive driving course, improving credit scores, avoiding traffic violations, and/or driving a vehicle with additional safety features. Driving safety plays a major role in insurance rates, so it is important to pay attention to the road and drive with safety in mind.