If you have a less than perfect driving record, you might be wondering if there really are insurance policies available for you at affordable rates. Perhaps you’ve already been denied by several companies. Or maybe you’ve received an auto insurance quote, but it was extremely high and way out of your budget. You’ve probably heard or read many ads for auto insurance online stating they can get you the best premium even if you’re a high risk driver. These ads do seem promising, but the reality is most car insurance agencies (online or off-line) will charge more if you are a high-risk driver. The good news is some are less than others; you’ll just need to find them.

There are several qualifying factors that will classify you as a high-risk driver. One is having a shaky driving background with multiple speeding tickets or other traffic violations. Another is a previous DUI or DWI on your driving record. This can affect your car insurance premium tremendously, and may even result in the need to purchase a special type of insurance called SR-22, depending on your state. If you are a young driver under the age of 25, or if you own a sports car versus a family car, you may be considered high risk. If you’ve had prior insurance claims due to accidents, this can cause your insurance to be higher. Even your financial credit rating can affect your auto insurance premium. Read the rest of this entry »