Best Insurance For High-Risk Drivers With Multiple Accidents: Non-Standard Insurers to Consider

If you’ve had multiple accidents, insurance premiums and coverage options change fast. Standard carriers often drop or decline renewals for drivers with repeated claims. That’s where non-standard (or nontraditional) insurers step in — they specialize in higher-risk drivers and SR-22 filings, provide state-minimum liability, and offer pathways back to standard coverage.

This guide, focused on the United States (with examples for Florida, Texas and Ohio), outlines the best non-standard insurers to consider, realistic pricing ranges, how to compare options, and the next steps to rebuild your record.

Who needs a non-standard insurer?

  • Drivers with multiple at-fault accidents in the past 3–5 years
  • Drivers who were nonrenewed or canceled by standard carriers
  • Drivers needing SR-22 or high-risk endorsements after serious violations
  • Drivers looking for short-term, minimum-liability coverage while they repair their record

Non-standard companies accept higher risk profiles but often charge significantly higher premiums and offer more limited policy options than standard insurers.

What to expect in price (real-world ranges)

Non-standard insurers price policies based on recent claims, driving record, location, and required limits. Typical ranges for minimum liability or non-standard coverage in the U.S.:

  • Low-end (cheapest states / youngest discounts): $40–$100 per month
  • Typical non-standard: $75–$250 per month
  • High-end (high-cost states or multiple major violations): $250–$500+ per month

State factors: Florida and Miami-area drivers often pay among the highest premiums; Texas and Ohio can vary widely between urban and rural rates. SR-22 filing fees add $25–$100 in most states (state DMV fee) plus possible insurer administrative fees. (Sources: Forbes Advisor, The Zebra, SafeAuto)

External sources used for pricing and SR-22 info:

Best non-standard insurers to consider (companies, strengths, pricing)

Below are widely-known non-standard carriers that serve drivers with multiple accidents. Pricing shown is typical monthly ranges for minimum liability/non-standard policies — exact quotes vary by state, vehicle, and driving history.

Insurer Typical monthly range (minimum liability / non-standard) Strengths & notes
The General $70–$220 National reach; easy online quotes; accepts many high-risk profiles. Good SR-22 support.
SafeAuto $50–$180 Focused on minimum liability in many states (common in OH, KY, TX). Transparent online plans.
Acceptance Insurance (Drive Insurance) $45–$150 Strong presence in Southeast & Midwest; competitive for low-cost liability.
Dairyland (part of MAPFRE/Assurant partnerships) $60–$200 Well-known for non-standard products and roadside/legal add-ons.
Kemper Specialty / Infinity $80–$260 Offers more flexible coverage add-ons; available in selected states.

Notes:

  • These ranges are illustrative based on market data and insurer advertising; obtain a personalized quote for accuracy. (See: Forbes Advisor, SafeAuto)
  • In Florida (Miami), expect the top end of those ranges or higher due to state-wide rate pressure.
  • In Texas and Ohio, you may find lower mid-range rates, especially for older drivers with fewer recent violations.

How to choose among non-standard insurers

  1. Get multiple quotes — prices vary dramatically by carrier and state. Even with the same driving record, one insurer can be 30–70% cheaper than another.
  2. Confirm SR-22 support — if you need an SR-22, ask whether the insurer files it directly, the filing fee, and any related administrative costs.
  3. Check policy limits and exclusions — many non-standard policies only offer state-minimum liability. If you can afford higher liability limits, you’ll gain better protection.
  4. Compare customer service & claims handling — use J.D. Power, NAIC complaint index, and online reviews to vet insurers.
  5. Watch for add-ons — some carriers offer accident forgiveness after a period, towing, or rental reimbursement for an extra fee; evaluate if it’s worth the cost.
  6. Requalification timelines — ask how long before you’re eligible to transition back to standard carriers. (See: Best Insurance For High-Risk Drivers to Transition Back to Standard Coverage: Steps and Timelines)

State-focused tips (Florida, Texas, Ohio)

  • Florida (e.g., Miami): High claim frequency & fraud risk drive rates up. Non-standard carriers will be available, but expect monthly minimum policies to run well into the $200+ range for multiple accidents. Consider raising deductibles and increasing liability if financially feasible to avoid gap exposure.
  • Texas (e.g., Houston/Dallas): Competitive market — shop aggressively. Some non-standard policies here can be in the $60–$180/month band for drivers with prior accidents.
  • Ohio (e.g., Columbus/Cleveland): Many non-standard insurers (SafeAuto, Acceptance) operate here with some of the more affordable minimum policies—often $50–$150/month depending on driving history.

Steps to lower your non-standard premiums fast

  • Address outstanding fines/requirements (pay tickets, complete required classes) — unresolved issues add to risk.
  • Maintain continuous coverage — lapses increase rates drastically.
  • Complete defensive driving courses — many states or insurers offer discounts.
  • Switch to safer vehicle — older, less-powerful cars with safety features often lower rates.
  • Bundle policies — if available, bundling renters or life insurance may reduce cost.
  • Re-quote every 6–12 months — as your record ages, standard carriers may offer better rates. See Best Insurance For High-Risk Drivers Looking to Lower Premiums: Discounts and Requalification Timelines.

SR-22, cancellations and short-term coverage

  • If you need an SR-22, expect a state filing fee ($25–$100) and insurer charges. SR-22 itself doesn’t cost much, but the required high-risk policy does.
  • For short-term needs while rebuilding your record, some non-standard insurers offer month-to-month minimum coverage; however, continuous coverage is critical to avoid higher future premiums. For detailed SR-22 timelines and alternatives, see Best Insurance For High-Risk Drivers With SR-22 Requirements: Filing, Costs and Alternatives.

Quick checklist before buying

  • Obtain at least 3 quotes (include at least one national non-standard and one regional specialist).
  • Confirm SR-22 filing capability and fees.
  • Compare total annual cost (premiums + state fees + required add-ons).
  • Check financial strength/claims handling (AM Best or J.D. Power ratings).
  • Ask about requalification timelines and discounts.

Bottom line

Non-standard insurers provide essential coverage for drivers with multiple accidents when standard markets won’t write a policy. Expect higher premiums, especially in high-cost states like Florida, but you can control costs by shopping multiple carriers, confirming SR-22 procedures, and taking active steps to rebuild your driving record. Start with reputable non-standard carriers such as The General, SafeAuto, Acceptance Insurance, Dairyland, and Kemper/Infinity, and get customized quotes specific to your city and driving history.

Related reading:

Sources:

Recommended Articles