Best Car Insurance for Drivers with Multiple Tickets: A Complete Guide
If you have multiple traffic violations on your record, finding Best Car for Drivers with Multiple Tickets affordable and reliable car insurance can feel like an uphill battle. Insurance companies often see drivers with tickets as high-risk, leading to higher premiums—or even policy cancellations. However, not all insurers treat multiple violations the same way. Some specialize in offering reasonable rates to drivers with less-than-perfect records.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best car insurance options for drivers with multiple tickets, how to lower your rates, and what factors insurers consider when determining your premium.
Why Do Multiple Tickets Increase Car Insurance Rates?
Car insurance companies assess risk based on your driving history. The more tickets you have, the more likely you are to file a claim—at least in the eyes of insurers. Common violations that spike your rates include:
- Speeding tickets
- Reckless driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- At-fault accidents
- DUIs or DWIs
Each violation can stay on your record for 3 to 5 years, depending on your state and the severity of the offense. The more recent the tickets, the higher your premiums will be.
Best Car Insurance Companies for Drivers with Multiple Tickets
Not all insurers penalize drivers with multiple tickets equally. Some companies specialize in high-risk drivers and offer more competitive rates. Here are the top options:
1. State Farm – Best for Accident Forgiveness
State Farm is one of the few major insurers that may still offer reasonable rates to drivers with multiple tickets. They also provide accident forgiveness (in some states) after being claim-free for a certain period.
Pros:
- Competitive rates for minor violations
- Strong customer service
- Discounts for safe driving over time
Cons:
- Not the cheapest for major violations like DUIs
2. GEICO – Best for Affordable High-Risk Coverage
GEICO is known for offering some of the lowest rates, even for drivers with tickets. They also provide discounts for defensive driving courses, which can help offset high premiums.
Pros:
- Low rates compared to competitors
- Easy online quote process
- Good for drivers with minor violations
Cons:
- May not be the best for severe violations (e.g., DUIs)
3. Progressive – Best for High-Risk Drivers
Progressive specializes in non-standard auto insurance, making them a top choice for drivers with multiple tickets. Their Snapshot program rewards safe driving habits over time.
Pros:
- Flexible payment plans
- High-risk driver expertise
- Usage-based discounts available
Cons:
- Rates can still be high for recent serious violations
4. The General – Best for SR-22 and Severe Violations
If you have multiple serious violations (like DUIs or suspended licenses), The General specializes in SR-22 filings and high-risk policies.
Pros:
- Works with severely high-risk drivers
- Fast approval process
- Affordable for drivers who struggle to find coverage elsewhere
Cons:
- Higher premiums than standard insurers
5. USAA – Best for Military Members with Tickets
If you’re a military member or veteran with multiple tickets, USAA offers some of the best rates and forgiveness programs.
Pros:
- Low rates for eligible members
- Excellent customer service
- Accident forgiveness options
Cons:
- Only available to military-affiliated drivers
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Rates After Multiple Tickets
Even with a bad driving record, you can take steps to reduce your premiums:
1. Take a Defensive Driving Course
Many insurers offer discounts (up to 10%) for completing an approved defensive driving course. Some states may even remove a ticket from your record upon completion.
2. Shop Around and Compare Quotes
Rates vary widely between insurers. Always compare at least 3-5 companies before renewing or switching policies.
3. Opt for a Higher Deductible
Choosing a higher deductible (e.g., $1,000 instead of $500) can lower your monthly premium—just make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket cost if you file a claim.
4. Improve Your Credit Score
In most states, insurers use credit-based insurance scores to determine rates. Improving your credit can lead to lower premiums over time.
5. Avoid Further Violations
The longer you go without new tickets, the more your rates will decrease. Most violations lose their impact after 3-5 years.
6. Consider Usage-Based Insurance
Programs like Progressive’s Snapshot or State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save track your driving habits and can lead to discounts for safe behavior.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Best Car Insurance with Multiple Tickets
While multiple tickets make car insurance more expensive, you still have options. Companies like Progressive, GEICO, and The General specialize in high-risk drivers and can offer better rates than standard insurers. Additionally, taking steps like defensive driving courses, comparing quotes, and maintaining a clean record can help lower your premiums over time.
The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Car Insurance for Drivers with Multiple Tickets
If you’ve accumulated multiple traffic tickets, you already know how frustrating it can be to find affordable car insurance. Insurers see drivers with violations as high-risk, which often leads to sky-high premiums or even policy cancellations. But here’s the good news: not all insurance companies penalize drivers the same way. Some specialize in high-risk coverage and offer surprisingly reasonable rates—if you know where to look.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Why multiple tickets increase your rates
The best car insurance companies for drivers with violations
Proven strategies to lower your premiums
How long tickets affect your insurance
State-specific considerations
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to secure the best possible car insurance—even with a less-than-perfect driving record.
Why Do Multiple Tickets Make Car Insurance More Expensive?
Insurance companies base premiums on risk assessment. The more violations you have, the more likely you are to file a claim—at least statistically. Here’s how different tickets impact your rates:
Traffic Violations That Spike Your Insurance Rates
| Violation | Average Rate Increase | How Long It Stays on Record |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (10-15 mph over) | 20-30% | 3-5 years |
| Reckless driving | 50-100%+ | 5-7 years |
| Running a red light | 15-25% | 3-5 years |
| At-fault accident | 40-60% | 3-5 years |
| DUI/DWI | 80-150%+ | 7-10 years |
Key Insight:
- Multiple tickets compound the problem—two speeding tickets could increase rates more than a single reckless driving charge.
- Recency matters—a ticket from last month hurts more than one from three years ago.
- State laws vary—some states (like California) prohibit insurers from using older violations when calculating rates.
5 Best Car Insurance Companies for Drivers with Multiple Tickets
1. State Farm – Best for Long-Term Forgiveness
✔ Why? State Farm offers accident forgiveness (after 9 years claim-free) and tends to be more lenient with minor violations.
Best for: Drivers with 1-2 recent tickets who want stable rates.
Drawback: Not the cheapest for DUIs or serious violations.
2. GEICO – Best for Budget-Conscious Drivers
Why? GEICO often has the lowest starting rates, even for high-risk drivers.
✔ Best for: Drivers with minor speeding tickets looking for quick, affordable coverage.
Drawback: May non-renew policies after multiple severe violations.
3. Progressive – Best for High-Risk Drivers
✔ Why? Progressive specializes in non-standard insurance and offers usage-based discounts (Snapshot).
Best for: Drivers with multiple tickets (even DUIs) who want flexible payment plans.
Drawback: Premiums can still be high for recent serious offenses.
4. The General – Best for SR-22 & Extreme Cases
✔ Why? They specialize in SR-22 filings, DUIs, and license suspensions. Best for: Drivers who’ve been denied coverage elsewhere.
Drawback: Higher premiums than standard insurers.
5. USAA (Military Only) – Best for Veterans with Tickets
✔ Why? USAA offers forgiveness programs and low rates for military members.
Best for: Active-duty or veterans with minor violations.
Drawback: Only available to military-affiliated drivers.
7 Ways to Lower Your Rates (Even with Multiple Tickets)
1. Take a State-Approved Defensive Driving Course
- Potential Savings: 5-15%
- Some states (like NY and TX) allow ticket dismissal after course completion.
2. Shop Around Every 6-12 Months
- Why? Insurers re-evaluate risk differently. A company that denied you today might approve you in a year.
3. Increase Your Deductible
- Example: Raising your deductible from $500 → $1,000 could cut premiums by 10-20%.
4. Bundle Policies (Home + Auto)
- Potential Savings: Up to 25% with companies like State Farm or Allstate.
5. Improve Your Credit Score
- Why? In most states, better credit = lower insurance rates.
6. Ask About Low-Mileage Discounts
- Example: Driving under 7,500 miles/year could save 5-10%.
7. Wait It Out (Tickets Eventually Fall Off)
- Most violations stop affecting rates after 3-5 years (except DUIs, which can linger for 7-10 years).
State-Specific Considerations
- California: Insurers can’t use tickets older than 3 years to set rates.
- Florida: Requires FR-44 (similar to SR-22) for DUIs, doubling minimum coverage.
- Texas: Allows defensive driving courses to dismiss one ticket every 12 months.
Final Verdict: Can You Get Affordable Insurance with Multiple Tickets?
Yes—but you’ll need to be strategic.
- For minor tickets (1-2 speeding violations): Try GEICO or State Farm.
- For serious violations (DUIs, reckless driving): Progressive or The General may be your best bet.
- For military members: USAA offers unbeatable rates.
Pro Tip: The sooner you start comparing quotes, the faster you’ll find savings. Use online tools (like The Zebra or Compare.com) to check rates from multiple insurers at once.