Guide to Cheap High Risk Auto Insurance for Bad Drivers

Some people wear their speeding tickets like badges of honor. “What, you’ve only had one ticket your entire life? I got two on the way here!”

Nobody wants to be thought of as the proverbial Sunday driver, but there are things that are more important than your reputation as a speed demon. One of which is your safety. Another is your bank account - speeding tickets aren’t cheap, and they’re getting more expensive almost each and every year. Third, is your freedom - your license could be suspended, or ultimately, you could end up in jail.

The fourth and final reason is the subject of this article, and it’s a double whammy combining elements of reasons #2 and #3. The more points you get on your license, the higher your insurance premiums are going to be. If they get high enough, you may be unable to afford insurance. If, like many people in this situation, you need a car in order to get to work, you have to make the decision, “Should I break the law and risk going to jail, or should I quit my job and risk starvation and homelessness?”

Which Would You Prefer - Unemployment or Incarceration?

As bad a fate as losing your job may be, it pales in comparison to landing in jail. True, you’ll have a home and three square meals a day, but that’s beside the point. It is never a good idea to drive without insurance - take the bus, ride a bike, or if both of this options are inapplicable, pay a coworker to chauffer you. The damage to your ego and pocketbook, even if he mercilessly razzes you and charges you $20 a day, will be nothing compared to the pain of a stay in the county jail.

Options for the “Uninsurable“

If you’re unable to afford your car insurance premiums and you know that the reason they’re so high is your driving record, the first step is to change your behavior. Stop speeding. If you’ve been convicted of driving while intoxicated, resolve to never again take the wheel after even one drink - adopt a zero tolerance policy. While the changes in your behavior will take some time to materialize in the form of reduced premiums, you need to make the necessary changes without delay.

If you’ve made those changes and you still can’t afford car insurance, consider some other changes that could reduce your premiums. Do you live in a seedy part of town? Try moving to an apartment in a nearby, quiet neighborhood. The fewer cars there are on the roads near where you live, the lower the insurance company’s risk. The lower their risk, the lower your premiums. Otherwise, a year or two (and several tickets) from now, you’ll wish that you did.

If you have a sporty car, consider trading it in for a more mundane coupe or sedan. This act alone could make your insurance more affordable.

Finally, the best thing that you can do to save on your insurance premiums is to shop around. Maybe your hometown insurance agent views you as a captive customer, or maybe he just doesn’t like you or is unwilling to take the time to really evaluate your needs. Fortunately, there are plenty of insurance agents and companies out there who will compete for your business by working with you to find you the best deal for your situation, whatever it may be.