Choosing a High Risk Car Insurance Company

If you have been labeled a high risk driver, then you are in for a hard time! The law insists that you have an insurance policy before you get your car on the road.  Premiums become sky-high if you are high risk: that is if you can get any company to issue you an insurance policy at all! There are several companies who do provide high risk car insurance but how do you choose the best company out of the thousands vying for your business without getting cheated?

A Few Tips

• Internet Quotes - There are several great companies on the internet who cater specifically for high risk drivers. Take your time to bargain and choose. You can find specific quotes and then ask the insurance companies to provide the best quote for you. Insurance companies may appear snippy but everyone wants a good high-paying customer so they are more than happy to bargain.
• Old Companies - If you already have home and personal insurance with a specific company, then you are in your rights to get a discount on your “high-risk” car policy too. If you are a regular paying customer with no liabilities on the previous policies then companies are more than willing to cut a deal for more of your business.
• 800 Quotes - You know those 800 numbers which have several insurance agents selling policies on the phone? As these companies sell direct they do not have to give a 15% cut to their local offices: that discount gets transferred to you! Before you sign up do get a quote and use that quote to bargain competitively.
• Independent Agents - Most of the insurance market is cornered by STATE FARM and ALLSTATE who have 15% and 18% of the insurance market. But they are picky about whom they take on. If you have more than one DUI or traffic accident and violation, they will refuse your request. But its a good idea to take the valuation they have made and use it to bargain a better deal from smaller firms. As independent agents work with several firms, they can wheedle a better deal from at least one of their parent companies. That is definitely to your advantage.
• Agency Writers - Again this works out well if you have the patience to follow thorough. Several companies have independent agents who sell their insurance policies for them. For example, Travelers and The Hartford, A. Central Insurance Co etc all follow this policy. These agents get a good commission off your policy if you sign through them. At the same time, independent agents know the loopholes in the market and if you are a high-risk driver then can find you the perfect company and the ideal policy for your needs.
• Non-Standard Companies - Non-standard policies refer to high-risk policies and not every company carries them. But on the internet there is a treasure trove of companies who deal wholly with this category of drivers. Try them out after a comprehensive look at the policy.
• If All Fails! - It happens! If your driving record is that bad you might not get anyone to cover you! In that case go with the state's assigned risk plan! You will get detailed information if you write in to them.