Insurance companies do more than just offer you a policy that pays for car repairs in the case of an accident. There is a complexity to how and who they offer their insurance policies to, and at what price. In order to offer you a policy, your insurance carrier will assess the amount of risk you will bring to them. Your policy rate will be determined by this decision while the carrier is doing their best to keep the rate affordable but at the same time profitable for them. All of this is reflected upon their ability to provide you with an insurance policy that will protect you and your family in the case of an accident.
After reading that, you might assume that insurance companies will only provide policies for drivers who are low risk - drivers with no accidents, too many tickets or for sure not a DUI. But, insurance companies will in fact offer high risk drivers a policy; it just may be a little harder and more expensive to come by. If you are a high risk driver, an independent insurance agent can work with you to find insurers that will provide you with high risk auto insurance, and to submit your SR-22 if you are required to do so.
What Is Considered High-Risk?
Accidents, tickets and other moving violations result in points being placed on your driving record. After a certain amount of points, an insurer may decide that you are now considered a high risk. Also, young or older drivers may be considered high risk solely because of their age. Here are some reasons why you may be considered high-risk:
· Teenage drivers, especially those just learning how to drive
· Elderly drivers
· Drivers with an excess of tickets
· Drivers with a suspended license
· Drivers who have caused more than one traffic accident
· Drivers who’ve repetitively driven without insurance coverage
· Drivers with a DWI or DUI
Finding a High-Risk Policy
Once you find out you are considered a high risk driver, the easiest way to find an insurance policy is to talk to an independent agent. An independent agent has access to policies from many different companies, including non-standard and high-risk insurance, as well as SR-22’s. They will honestly work with your driving record in order to find a policy that will cover you, and be as affordable as possible, regardless of your history.
In order for your agent to be able to find you the best policy, you need to:
In order for your agent to be able to find you the best policy, you need to:
· Be completely open and honest about your driving history
· Take and document any driver’s safety classes.
· Prove that you are trying to improve your driving habits.
· Drive safe! Do whatever you can to avoid adding anything to your record.
SR-22 Filings
Your independent insurance agent will be able to submit an SR-22 for you if you are required to do. They will be able to do this for whatever the amount of time is determined that you are required to submit one.
Keeping the Insurance
Finding an insurance company that will cover a high-risk driver is half the battle. Now, you need to do everything you can to keep the insurance on your car. After a couple of years, you can search around for a lower cost insurance but for the time being, it is best to maintain your insurance so you can drive legally. Make sure you:
· Pay your insurance premium on time. If possible, set up automatic payments with the insurance company.
· Renew your policy completely and on time
· Do not get any accidents, tickets or other moving violations on your record.
If you’re ready to start exploring your high-risk auto insurance options, let Americo Direct Insurance know at 214-374-9997. We can help you find the right company and Dallas auto insurance policy for all your non-standard needs.
