Each insurer has its own guidelines that it follows and as they receive an application for automobile coverage they will evaluate the risks associated with insuring particular individuals and determine rates based on the chances that the potential policyholder will cause a loss. There are many reasons that can make a motorist seem riskier to insure and unfortunately, car insurance for high risk drivers can become less affordable and in some cases downright expensive for certain consumers.

Motorists who have been convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will likely find themselves in the high risk category and end up paying more for coverage for many years to come; statistics show that one in three persons arrested for a DUI are repeat offenders. In the eye of insures this means that the policyholder with a prior conviction of driving under the influence is pretty likely to do so again and operating a vehicle while impaired will definitely increase the chance of a traffic collision; therefore, providers must increase premiums to compensate for the potential loss.

Although individuals have the choice not to drive while impaired, there are drivers who may pay more for auto insurance due to factors beyond their control. Motorists under the age of 25 are charged more for premiums, especially in their teenage years; teens are statically shown to be four times more likely to be involved in a traffic accident than more mature drivers and insurers will charge accordingly. While this may seem unfair, the statistics compiled are gathered and analyzed by reputable safety advocates and carriers must protect themselves from losses in the form of higher rates.

Affordable Insurance for Riskier Drivers

As with just about any product or service, the best way to find the most affordable price is through comparison shopping; even for those who are consider to be riskier to insure. The ability to shop around and compare quotes is the most effective tool that high risk drivers have to help them locate a company that can offer the coverage needed at a reasonable price. With so many companies out there competing for business, there will always be one out there that can offer the lowest rate and this is something that must be used to the advantage of risky motorists.

Consumers must understand that there are carriers that target different types of clientele and that some insurers aim to secure business from “non standard” customers. On the other hand, there are companies that do the exact opposite and may be willing to cover a driver with higher risks, but at a price that is much more expensive than a company that specializes in the non-standard market. Motorists must take the time to obtain and compare as many quotes as they can from insurers to help weed out unaffordable policies and get insured at the cheapest rate possible. It may also be a good idea to understand the various factors that carriers take into consideration when rating an applicant; this can be done by referring to the Ohio Department of Insurance Shopper’s Guide or the guides provided by the state in which the person resides, by doing so, individuals may be able to lower their risks and get cheaper coverage.

Source: http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/learn/high-risk-drivers.htm