How to Lower Rates If You're a "Bad Driver"
While the majority of drivers on the road today are considered good drivers, also labeled "standard," "low-risk," or "preferred" drivers, bad drivers do make up a significant number of motorists. If you are considered a bad or "high-risk" driver, your insurance rates will be among the highest rates in the industry, second only to male teen drivers. In many cases, as a bad driver, you will end up paying double or even triple the amount that standard drivers pay for auto insurance.
Other consequences of being a labeled a bad driver include:
- Fewer options for auto insurance coverage.
- Less flexibility with insurance companies.
- Little to no offers for discounts or rewards.
Since insurance companies don't test your driving skills, they rely on certain characteristics to separate the good drivers from the bad. Typically, "high risk " drivers have one or more of the following:
- Bad credit.
- Excessive number of accidents.
- Lapses in coverage (does not pay his/her premium on time).
- Own a high-performance vehicle such as a sports car, luxury car, or SUV.
- Poor driving record (DUIs, moving violations, numerous traffic tickets).
- Residence in an unsafe area.
Are you a bad driver? Make a Change!
If you are a considered a bad driver today, that doesn't mean you have to be one tomorrow. The situation is not hopeless and there are several things you can do to change your status from "bad driver" to "standard driver." You should:
- Avoid lapses in coverage by paying your premiums on time.
- Avoid traffic violations and accidents.
- Take steps to improve your credit.
- If at all possible, move to a "safer" area and/or park your car in a garage.
- Choose a low-performance sedan over a high-performance sports car.
As a bad driver, finding insurance coverage may be challenging, but eventually you will find an auto insurance company that is willing to work with you. However, this will likely be at a hefty price, so it's best to begin working on repairing your status today.