Most people are considered low-risk drivers and qualify for standard car insurance
. But those with a history of accidents or serious traffic violations could be required to purchase non-standard car insurance—a type of insurance specially designed for high-risk drivers. For many drivers, buying auto insurance coverage is a relatively straightforward process. You might do a little research first or spend some time comparing quotes, but you’ll probably be eligible for coverage with almost any insurance company.
But for non-standard drivers with a DUI conviction
or bad credit history or drivers who own a salvage-title car, purchasing an auto insurance policy can be a little more complicated. You may not qualify for standard car insurance, so you’ll have to work with an insurance provider who offers non-standard or high-risk coverage. What’s the difference between standard and non-standard car insurance?
Standard car insurance refers to the typical policies car insurance companies write for low-risk drivers. Whether you choose basic liability insurance
or full-coverage insurance
, drivers who qualify for standard policies usually have lower premiums and get access to more coverage options. On the other hand, people who have a complicated driving history, have had their driver’s licenses suspended or revoked, have racked up a lot of speeding tickets, or have other factors that make them risky to insure may only qualify for non-standard coverage. Unfortunately, these policies are usually more expensive since they’re designed with higher-risk drivers in mind.
But paying higher insurance costs is still better than driving with no car insurance
at all. 
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers When do you need non-standard auto insurance?
You need non-standard auto insurance when you don’t qualify for standard coverage. But even if you think you might be considered a high-risk driver, try to purchase standard car insurance first. No matter what your driving history looks like, a standard policy is almost always cheaper than a non-standard policy.
Here are a few reasons why you might need non-standard car insurance:
You have a bad driving record. If you’ve racked up a lot of traffic violations, committed a major violation such as reckless driving, been in multiple at-fault accidents, or are required to carry an SR-22 for any reason, you might need high-risk car insurance.
You have poor credit. Many insurance companies consider drivers who have a credit score below 500 too risky for standard coverage.
You’ve made too many insurance claims. While most insurance companies expect customers to submit a claim or two over the course of their policy term, drivers who file a high number of claims within a short time could become ineligible for coverage renewal.
You just got your first driver’s license. Some auto insurance companies consider young drivers or new drivers with limited driving experience too high risk for standard coverage.
You have a foreign driver’s license. Temporary residents who want to drive in the U.S. with an international license are only eligible for high-risk coverage.
You drive a rebuilt salvage vehicle. Cars with a salvage or rebuilt title
are prone to mechanical problems and car accidents, making them serious insurance risks.
What insurance companies offer policies for high-risk drivers
If you were denied car insurance or your insurance company canceled your policy, one way to find new coverage is by looking for providers who specialize in non-standard auto insurance policies. These providers are more likely to approve high-risk drivers, but they come with one major downside: significantly higher insurance rates.
So before you purchase coverage from a non-standard auto insurance company, look for a provider who offers both standard and non-standard coverage such as State Farm
or GEICO
. These companies may not approve all high-risk drivers, but those who are approved can usually get more affordable insurance premiums. Here are a few car insurance companies that specialize in non-standard policies:
And some that offer both standard and non-standard coverage:
Keep in mind that even if you’re a high-risk driver who needs non-standard coverage, you’re still entitled to shop around and collect insurance quotes to find the best rates available. Take the time to do your research and speak with insurance agents about their coverage options.
Key Takeaway Drivers who need a non-standard policy will have an easier time getting coverage from non-standard car insurance companies—but providers who offer both standard and non-standard coverage usually have cheaper rates.
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