Glossary

High-risk driver

A driver insurers expect to cost more in claims because of a DUI, tickets, crashes, a coverage lapse, little experience or similar factors.

Also called: high risk driver, nonstandard driver, substandard risk

A high-risk driver is someone insurers classify as more likely than average to file claims, or more expensive when they do. There is no single legal definition; each insurer applies its own underwriting rules. Common reasons include a DUI or other major violation, several tickets or at-fault accidents in a few years, a suspended or revoked license, a requirement to file an SR-22, a lapse in coverage, very little driving experience and sometimes an expensive or high-performance car.

The label affects both price and availability. Standard insurers may surcharge heavily, decline to renew or refuse to quote. Nonstandard insurers specialize in these drivers and accept more risk for higher premiums, often with fewer coverage options and stricter payment terms. If no insurer will voluntarily cover you, every state offers a residual market, such as an assigned risk plan, to provide at least the legal minimum.

High-risk status is usually temporary. Most violations and accidents stop counting after three to five years, depending on the state and insurer, though DUIs can count longer. In the meantime, compare several nonstandard auto insurance companies, keep coverage continuous, take a defensive driving course where it helps, consider a higher deductible and avoid new violations. Once your record clears, ask for standard-market quotes again.

Last reviewed October 4, 2026

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Related terms

Nonstandard auto insurance Coverage sold to drivers that standard insurers decline or price steeply, such as those with DUIs, many tickets, lapses or little license history. SR-22 A form an insurer files with the state to certify that a high-risk driver carries the required liability coverage, often for about three years. Assigned risk plan A state program that guarantees basic liability coverage to drivers no insurer will voluntarily cover, by assigning them to insurers in the state. Major violation A serious driving offense, such as DUI, reckless driving or driving with a suspended license, that brings large surcharges and can lead to nonrenewal. DUI Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, an offense that brings license penalties, possible SR-22 or FR-44 filings and steep insurance increases. Lapse in coverage A period when a vehicle or driver has no active auto insurance, often from missed payments, which can bring penalties and higher future rates.

Related guides

Assigned risk plans: insurance of last resort How state assigned risk plans and other residual market programs insure drivers no company will take, who qualifies, what it costs and how to apply. High-risk car insurance: options when insurers say no What makes a driver high risk, the three places to find coverage after a refusal (standard, nonstandard, the state plan), and how to get back to normal rates. Nonstandard auto insurers: who they serve and what to watch Nonstandard auto insurers cover drivers with violations, lapses, SR-22s or thin credit. The main companies, how policies differ and what to check. Penalties for driving without insurance What happens if you drive uninsured: fines, suspensions, impoundment and SR-22 filings by state, plus the bigger cost of an uninsured crash and how to recover. SR-22 insurance explained An SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files to prove you carry required liability coverage: who needs one, how long it lasts and what a lapse does. When bundling does not save money The situations where a home or renters bundle costs more than separate policies, why it happens, and a simple test to find out before you renew.

Related insurers

Anchor General Insurance A privately owned San Diego insurer that sells nonstandard auto liability and physical damage coverage through agents in California, Arizona and Texas. Aspire General Insurance California-based nonstandard auto insurer, founded in 2013, selling low-down-payment policies through independent brokers in California, Arizona and Texas. Mendota Insurance (Citadel Partners Group) The NAIC group behind Mendota Insurance, a Nashville-area nonstandard auto insurer sold through independent agents to drivers other carriers turn away. First Acceptance Insurance Nashville nonstandard auto insurer controlled by investor Gerald J. Ford, selling through independent agents in 15 states since it sold its stores in 2023. The General Nashville-based nonstandard auto brand known for Shaquille O'Neal ads, owned by Sentry Insurance since Sentry bought it from American Family at the end of 2024.