Your driving history is among the most important rating elements used by car insurance providers to determine a premium. According to statistics, drivers who have had prior infractions or collisions are more likely to have collisions in the future. Additionally, your car insurance provider may assign you to a non-standard policy and raise your premiums to make up for the increased risk if you have several points on your driving record, a lapse in coverage, or a serious infraction. Here are some things you need to know about non-standard auto insurance as well as some suggestions on how to save costs if your insurer considers you a high-risk driver.
What is non-standard auto insurance?
To put it simply, you can think of a non-standard coverage as a high-risk driver’s vehicle insurance policy. If your insurance provider puts you on a non-standard policy, not much will fundamentally change, but you should anticipate increased premiums. The average annual cost of auto insurance for a full coverage policy is $1,771, however if you have non-standard auto insurance, you will probably pay more than the average.
Standard and non-standard auto insurance provide the same coverage, although the latter may have fewer possibilities for you. These coverage restrictions might be imposed by the DMV, your insurance provider, or both.
Imagine you were found guilty of DUI. The DMV mandated that you maintain a FR44 and liability coverage limits of 100/300/50 as a result. Your insurance provider switched you to a non-standard policy as a result of the DUI. The liability coverage that a policyholder may carry under a non-standard policy may be limited by some insurance firms; in the case in question, the limit is 100/300/50. You would have no choice but to carry 100/300/50 if that were the case. Anything lower won’t comply with DMV regulations, but anything higher is also not permissible because of your employer’s coverage limitations for non-standard auto policies.
Why would someone need non-standard car insurance?
If you have enough traffic tickets, your insurance provider may switch you to non-standard coverage. This classification broadly refers to motorists who pose a higher insurance risk, typically as a result of more significant insurance or traffic infractions, such as:
- DUI
- Numerous tickets
- Driving without insurance
- Suspended license
- Reckless driving
These types of violations render a driver a higher financial risk for the insurance company, especially when there are numerous incidences. For example, a person who speeds frequently or has a history of DUIs is more likely to be involved in a serious collision.
How do you get a non-standard car insurance policy?
You might not even need to transfer carriers because many of the bigger auto insurance providers offer non-standard insurance choices. However, it might be a good idea to compare prices. Some auto insurance focus on high-risk drivers and may provide those clients with more affordable premiums as a result.
To set a foundation for fair charges in your area, you might want to also research the average cost of auto insurance in your state before you start shopping.
When comparing estimates, if in doubt, speak with a professional insurance agent about your insurance requirements. You can traverse all the possibilities available with the aid of a certified specialist.
How do you save money if you have higher premiums because of a non-standard policy?
Shop around: Requesting quotes from the cheapest car insurance companies may help ensure you’re getting the most competitive rate possible.
Review your discount opportunities: You should be sure to take advantage of all offers for savings, even if they might need a little extra work. For instance, if you pass a defensive driving course, some providers might give you a discount on your auto insurance.
Consider bundling: Many insurance companies offer a bundling discount if you carry your auto and property policies under the same roof.
Improve your driving record: Although improving your driving record isn’t a quick fix, it may result in car insurance savings over the long term.
Work on your credit: The process of raising your credit score takes time, just like improving your driving record does. A rise in your credit score could result in a decrease in your premium if your state permits car insurance providers to base their decision on your credit score.
