Insurance Curator High-risk drivers — those with DUIs, multiple at-fault accidents, recent license suspensions, or poor credit — often pay steep premiums from standard insurers. Non-standard (or “nonpreferred”) carriers specialize in these profiles and can be significantly cheaper in certain states. This guide breaks down where non-standard policies tend to be the most cost-effective, names companies that frequently offer the best deals, gives realistic price ranges, and explains how to shop smarter so you pay less while meeting legal requirements like SR-22.
Why non-standard carriers can be cheaper in some states
Non-standard insurers focus on higher-risk profiles and price policies with different underwriting criteria. Non-standard policies can be cheaper in certain states because of:
- Market competition — More non-standard carriers competing (e.g., FL, TX) drives lower quotes.
- State insurance rules — States with assigned risk pools or recent regulatory changes affect pricing dynamics.
- Claims environment — High-claims states raise rates for everyone; competitive non-standard markets may still find niches to undercut standard carriers.
- Availability of discounts for requalification — Insurers that reward safe driving or SR-22 completion can lower the long-term cost.
Sources that quantify state variations and DUI impact on rates: ValuePenguin and The Zebra on state averages, and NerdWallet on SR-22 and DUI premium impacts. See:
- ValuePenguin — Average car insurance cost by state: https://www.valuepenguin.com/average-car-insurance-rates-by-state
- The Zebra — Average cost by state: https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/average-cost-by-state/
- NerdWallet — SR-22 & DUI cost implications: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/sr-22-insurance-cost
How much more does a DUI / high-risk record cost?
- Typical premium increase after a DUI: 60%–100% on average in the first 3 years, depending on state and driving history (NerdWallet).
- Typical SR-22 filing fees (one-time): $15–$50 (state-dependent), plus the required high-risk premium.
- National average: standard drivers often pay between $1,000–$2,000/yr, while high-risk drivers frequently see $2,000–$5,000+/yr depending on state and severity.
(These ranges are typical; actual quotes vary widely by age, ZIP code, vehicle, and history. Sources: ValuePenguin, The Zebra, NerdWallet.)
State spotlight: where non-standard policies are usually cheaper
Below are three high-population states where non-standard carriers are commonly more affordable for high-risk drivers, with representative insurers and realistic annual ranges for non-standard policies.
| State (City focus) | Common non-standard insurers | Typical annual range for high-risk driver* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida (Miami) | The General, Acceptance Insurance, National General, GEICO (select cases) | $1,800 – $4,200 | Florida’s high claim frequency pushes standard rates up; non-standard carriers aggressively price to capture market. |
| Texas (Houston) | Acceptance, Dairyland, The General, Progressive (nonstandard book) | $1,200 – $3,200 | Large nonstandard market and many independent agents make price shopping effective. |
| California (Los Angeles) | Farmers (select), National General, The General, Kemper | $1,600 – $3,600 | California’s regulations and high living costs mean big variation by ZIP; non-standard carriers can be competitive in metro areas. |
*Ranges reflect typical quotes for drivers with a DUI or multiple at-fault accidents within 3 years. Actual quotes vary. See state averages: ValuePenguin and The Zebra.
Representative company notes and pricing guidance
- The General — Known as a go-to for high-risk drivers nationwide. Typical annual quotes for high-risk profiles often fall in the $1,200–$3,500 range depending on state and record. Good for immediate SR-22 filing in many states.
- Acceptance Insurance (now part of Everest/Kemper channel in some states) — Strong in southern states (TX, FL, GA); often $900–$2,400/yr for non-standard drivers in those markets.
- Dairyland — Offers non-standard policies particularly in the Midwest and Texas; expect $1,000–$2,800/yr.
- National General / Allied / Kemper — Larger insurers with specialty non-standard divisions; quotes often $1,500–$3,500/yr.
- Progressive — Insures some high-risk drivers via its non-standard book; more likely to be competitive for drivers who can bundle or accept higher deductibles.
These ranges are illustrative. When comparing carriers, request bundled quotes (liability + state minimum vs. recommended coverage) and ask about SR-22 filing capabilities and costs.
State-specific examples (realistic scenarios)
- Miami, FL — 32-year-old male, DUI 2 years ago, clean other factors:
- The General: ~$2,800/yr
- Acceptance: ~$2,200/yr
- Large standard insurer: ~$4,500/yr
- Houston, TX — 28-year-old female, 2 at-fault accidents in 3 years:
- Acceptance/Dairyland: ~$1,600–$2,400/yr
- Progressive non-standard: ~$2,200–$3,000/yr
- Los Angeles, CA — 40-year-old, license suspension 18 months ago:
- National General/Kemper: ~$2,400–$3,300/yr
- Farmers (nonstandard options): ~$2,800–$3,600/yr
(These are sample market-typical quotes based on insurer published markets and industry reporting; get live quotes for exact numbers.)
How to shop and lower your premium as a high-risk driver
- Compare multiple non-standard carriers — rates vary dramatically by ZIP; use independent agents and comparison sites.
- Ask about SR-22 filing and bundled fees — some insurers file SR-22 for free while others charge a fee.
- Requalification tactics — safe-driving courses, maintaining continuous coverage, and improving credit (where allowed) can lower premiums over 2–5 years.
- Choose the right coverages — carry required minimums for legal compliance but understand reduced limits can increase out-of-pocket risk.
- Use discounts — defensive driving, multi-policy (home + auto), and paying in full can cut premiums.
For detailed strategies tied to specific situations like SR-22, DUIs, and requalification timelines, see these related guides:
- Best Insurance For High-Risk Drivers After a DUI or DWI: SR-22, Providers and Costs
- Best Insurance For High-Risk Drivers Comparing Non-Standard Insurers and Their Financial Strength
- Best Insurance For High-Risk Drivers Looking to Lower Premiums: Discounts and Requalification Timelines
Quick checklist before you buy
- Verify the insurer files SR-22 in your state and confirm the filing fee.
- Get at least 3 quotes (include at least one national non-standard carrier and one regional specialist).
- Compare annual cost, not just monthly — watch for setup or SR-22 fees.
- Confirm insurer financial strength (AM Best ratings) for claims-paying ability — see our comparison guide above.
- Keep continuous coverage and enroll in any state-approved safe-driving programs to reduce future costs.
Bottom line
Non-standard carriers can be significantly cheaper for high-risk drivers in states with active competition (notably Florida, Texas, and parts of California). The right insurer depends on state regulations, your driving history, and ZIP code. Shop widely, prioritize insurers that offer SR-22 filing and clear requalification paths, and use the internal guides above to move from non-standard back toward standard coverage as your record improves.
Sources and further reading:
- ValuePenguin — Average car insurance rates by state: https://www.valuepenguin.com/average-car-insurance-rates-by-state
- The Zebra — Average cost by state: https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/average-cost-by-state/
- NerdWallet — SR-22 and DUI cost information: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/sr-22-insurance-cost