Affordable Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Having a questionable driving history can change the way insurers view drivers, so much so that you may end up in what is known as the non-standard tier for vehicle insurance. Drivers in such a category need non-standard auto insurance since they are considered more risky.

Other personal factors, like poor credit or lack of driving experience, can land drivers in this non-standard insurance tier.

What is Non-Standard Auto Insurance?

Non-standard auto insurance is a category of auto policies reserved for high-risk drivers. Non-standard coverage is the same as regular car insurance but has higher insurance premiums.

Drivers with multiple infractions on their driving record have a high chance that their insurance provider will put them in the non-standard tier. Non-standard car insurance is also reserved for drivers not fitting into the regular auto insurance categories.

For example, non-standard coverage may be required for drivers who need auto insurance but do not own a vehicle. Several major insurers offer these types of policies, but some companies specialize in this type of coverage.

Non-Standard vs. Standard Auto Insurance

Insurance companies break down their coverage offerings for drivers into three risk levels: non-standard, standard, and preferred.

• Standard Auto Insurance - Standard insurance is in the middle of the risk tiers for drivers at average risk. Drivers who qualify for standard insurance have good credit and a driving record with few or no accidents.
• Non-standard Auto Insurance - Non-standard auto insurance is the bottom tier. It is for drivers who are considered the most risky for insurers. These high-risk drivers may have poor credit, a history of accidents, and speeding and will pay the most for coverage.
• Preferred Auto Insurance - Preferred auto insurance is for drivers and is considered the least risk for an insurance company based on their driving record and vehicle. These drivers also have the cheapest rates.

How Much Does Non-Standard Auto Insurance Cost?

It is hard to definitively answer how much high-risk drivers will pay for non-standard auto insurance. Insurance rates mainly depend on drivers' factors, like their state and how they end up in the nonstandard risk tier.

For example, a DUI conviction and accident could end up costing you over $7,000 per year for insurance in the state of California. You will need to collect quotes to see what you will be paying, but know that non-standard auto insurance can cost you thousands of dollars per year. It is vastly more expensive than preferred and standard insurance because of your risk level.

How Does Non-Standard Auto Insurance Work?

When getting a non-standard auto insurance policy, drivers can receive coverage from their current insurance provider or search for a company specializing in non-standard insurance.

Drivers deemed too risky following a traffic violation will likely need to look for a high-risk auto insurance provider.

The process of purchasing non-standard insurance is similar to purchasing regular auto coverage. Drivers can get a quote from a car insurance company and buy the policy.

The only thing you have to be on the lookout for is any additional needs your state may require, depending on why you need a nonstandard policy.

Suppose you need an SR-22 along with your auto policy. In that case, you must notify your insurer to file the SR-22 with the state. Once you have your non-standard policy, you pay your premiums like usual and utilize the coverage in the event of an accident.

Reasons you might need Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Drivers can fall into the non-standard coverage category for several factors. Typically, any infraction or factors that can raise your auto insurance rates will put you in the non-standard auto insurance category.

Below are some instances when drivers may be in the non-standard tier for insurance coverage.

• High-Risk Drivers - Your insurance company will consider you a high-risk driver if you commit multiple traffic violations. Being a high-risk driver means your rates will increase, bumping you into the non-standard tier. Even just one DUI conviction can label you a high-risk driver and even have an effect on your insurance rates for years and years.
• Cars with Salvage Titles - Trying to insure a car with a salvage title may increase the premium your insurance company charges. A car with a salvage title means that a vehicle’s repairs cost more than the actual value that it is worth. Salvage titles are typically issued by insurance companies when your car is totaled. However, this only sometimes means you should get rid of the car. It still could need insurance, and then your insurer will put you in the non-standard tier.
• Drivers with Non-Owner Insurance - Non-owner car insurance is part of the non-standard tier. Non-owner insurance is for drivers who do not actually own a car but needs to drive. While providers can consider a non-owner car insurance policy non-standard, coverage is generally more affordable. Non-owner insurance does not mean you are a risky driver or have any traffic violations, so your rates may not be significantly affected.
• Drivers needing SR-22 Certification - For drivers convicted of a significant traffic violation like reckless driving or a DUI, their state will most likely require them to carry SR-22 insurance. SR22 insurance is not a type of insurance but proof that you carry the mandatory minimum amount of insurance established by your state’s government. Your state will usually notify you if you have to file an SR-22 with the DMV. Drivers are usually required to keep SR22 insurance for three years. As long as you are required to carry SR22 insurance, you will have to pay higher insurance rates.
• Drivers with Poor Credit - A bad credit score can seriously impact your insurance rates. Drivers with poor credit usually fall into the nonstandard tier, increasing their insurance rates. Insurance companies use credit scores to assess how responsible you are. They believe you will file more claims if you have a bad credit score. Due to this credit factor, you can be considered a high-risk driver.
• Foreign Drivers - Those with a driver’s license from another country may be put in the nonstandard tier if trying to get insurance while in the States. These drivers do not have a driving record in America that an insurance provider can assess the driving record. Companies need a driving record to establish a driver’s insurability risk. As a result of needing a driving record, your attempt to find coverage may be hindered or more expensive.
• Drivers with Gaps in coverage - Letting your insurance coverage lapse does not look good to other insurers. If you have had gaps in coverage, an insurance company may only offer non-standard coverage. Gaps in insurance may be a sign that you are riskier and not financially responsible, which can then lead insurers to believe you will file a claim more often.

How Do I Get Non-Standard Auto Insurance Coverage?

Not all insurance companies want to cover drivers who fall into the non-standard auto insurance tier. Your insurer can even drop you. From there, finding a different auto insurance policy will be up to you.

Some prominent insurers and smaller companies offer nonstandard coverage for high-risk drivers.

It is all a matter of researching and seeing what is available in your area. Do not just limit your search to national insurers. Local providers can offer riskier drivers valuable coverage at a decent rate. Purchasing a policy is no different from purchasing regular auto insurance.

How to Choose The Right Non-Standard Car Insurance Company

Shopping for a new insurance provider can be annoying and frustrating. However, you never want to settle for just any type of coverage.

To help your search, you should consider doing the following:

• Shop around with multiple insurance companies - Extend your search by looking both nationally and locally for car insurance companies. Finding non-standard auto insurance is not impossible, but it may take a bit of hunting because of your risk level. This is still worth it, as you want to avoid getting into accidents without insurance. That can come with more headaches and penalties.
• Compare auto insurance quotes and policies - It is always important to get quotes from every company you look into. Quotes are usually free and give valuable insight into your coverage and potential rates. Make sure you avoid just looking at the prices. While your budget should be at the forefront of your mind, you must ensure you are not skimping on coverage just for a reasonable rate.
• Be mindful of exclusions on your policy - Non-standard insurance comes with restrictions, and you want to educate yourself before signing onto a policy. Thoroughly review your coverage and ask your insurance agent any questions you have.
• Look at your state’s assigned risk pool for insurance - Some states have what is known as an assigned risk pool available to high-risk drivers whom most insurance providers have turned away. Insurers will be assigned uninsurable customers to cover regardless of at-fault accidents, driving record, credit score or claims history. Rates can get high, and this approach should be a last resort.

Get a Cheap Non-Standard Auto Quote Today!

Are you looking for a non-standard auto insurance policy? Call us today to get free cheap car insurance quotes. Make sure you let us know your zip code, your driving record, and information on your cars. We can better understand the coverage you need by providing us with all this. Insurance Navy can provide affordable, non-standard car insurance for all cars and drivers.

You can get a quote at one of our many locations or online via our website and mobile app. You can also start your quote over the phone. Get coverage today and drive worry-free tomorrow.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance is only a click or phone call away!

* This policy may only be available in some states; please call an insurance agent for more information on these auto insurance policies.