Today, a driving conviction usually makes it more difficult to obtain vehicle insurance as a driver. And even if you succeed, this is sometimes far more expensive than for those who have not been convicted. Thus, we have highlighted some of the best car insurance for convicted drivers below.
Furthermore, for significant traffic violations, driving convictions are enforced in addition to penalties and points. The length of time is usually dependent on the severity of the traffic violation. The more serious the traffic offense, the longer the driving conviction will be. In the United States, more than a quarter of a million motorists are routinely convicted each year. To aid you, here are some of the best car insurance for drivers who have been convicted.
Offenses that can lead to a Driving Conviction
In all, obtaining insurance during driving conviction may be difficult. As a result, it’s recommended to stay away from situations that could lead to this. The following are some of the offenses that might result in a driving conviction:
Excessive speed
The most prevalent reason for a driving conviction is excessive speeding. If you wish to keep your driver’s license, then you should never go over the following speed limits:
- 30 km/h in the city
- 40 km/h outside of town
Furthermore, driving too fast can jeopardize your driver’s license. If you are flashed repeatedly with a speed of more than 25 km/h in less than a year, you will be banned from driving.
Driving while drunk
Insurance companies consider drunk driving to be a severe offense because there is a considerable risk of property damage (including your automobile) as well as injuries or death. As a result, your auto insurance premium may quadruple, and you will be required to pay a considerably higher premium if you submit a claim. Some insurance firms will refuse to insure you at all.
- If your driving offense is severe – for example, death by dangerous driving – the conviction will stay on your record for up to 11 years.
- A four-week driving ban is also possible if the value is between 0.5 and 1.0 per mile (at the first offense). However, be aware that your driver’s license might be suspended for as low as 0.3 per mile for an accident. There is also the possibility of a fine and jail.
Driving while under the influence of narcotics
Driving while under the influence of hard drugs (e.g., cannabis) will result in a fine of at least $500 and two points, as well as a driving conviction for the first offense.
An inattentive railway crossing
Passing a railway crossing without waiting, ignoring yellow/red light indicators, or lowering barriers might result in a driving conviction.
Getting through a red traffic signal
A breach of a red light or stop line that lasts more than one second or is related to a hazard will earn you a driving conviction. This carries a minimum fine of $200 and two points too.
Talking on your phone while driving
All road users are at risk when they drive and use a cell phone. Since its debut, the use of mobile phones that causes property damage or a hazard to road traffic has been grounds for a driving conviction.
Best Car Insurance for Convicted Drivers
Having learned about some offenses that can lead to a driving conviction, below is a highlight of some of the best car insurance for convicted drivers:
Acceptance auto insurance
If you’ve been barred from driving or have a questionable driving record, you can be classified as a high-risk driver and have problems finding good coverage with traditional insurers. In 17 states, Acceptance Insurance offers high-risk vehicle insurance coverage to these drivers. The company also provides a comparison shopping agency with 12 partners, which allows you to compare insurance plans.
In addition to basic car insurance coverage, Acceptance auto insurance provides the following:
Standard coverage: Comprehensive, damage, uninsured driver, rental car, and roadside assistance coverage are standard features of Acceptance auto insurance. You can usually expand your liability limits beyond the state-mandated minimums in most cases.
Ticket Proof program: The Ticket Proof program of Acceptance auto insurance reimburses drivers for costs related to speeding fines and other traffic violations, including legal bills of $200 and $250 for judicially defensive driving instruction.
SR-22 form: Acceptance will prepare an SR-22 form if you require one to demonstrate that you have adequate auto insurance. For persons who have had a DUI conviction, been found driving without insurance, or perpetrated other major traffic violations, states may demand this form.
Bristol West
Bristol West works with a network of agents and brokers in 42 states to provide vehicle insurance for banned drivers. Farmers Insurance, one of the top ten car insurance firms in the United States, owns it.
Bristol West vehicle insurance coverage is also available through Foremost Insurance, a further Farmers brand.
In addition to basic car insurance coverage, Bristol West auto insurance provides the following:
Liability car insurance: Bristol west provides liability automobile insurance as well as other state-required coverage kinds. The company also provides complete and collision coverage and standard add-ons like breakdown cover and rental car refund.
SR-22 and FR-44 availability: After a DUI or other major offense, several states require you to fill out an SR-22 form to confirm you have insurance. You may need an FR-44 form to confirm you have enough coverage in Florida and Virginia.
Gap insurance: If you borrow more on your loan or lease, then your policy will pay out if your automobile is totaled or stolen. Bristol West’s gap insurance will pay the difference, less your deductible.
Rideshare cover for drivers: If you drive for a service like Uber or Lyft, you’ll be covered while you’re waiting for trip requests. The policies of rideshare providers only cover you when you’re on the way to pick up passengers or while they’re in your car, leaving a gap in coverage between rides.
National General
National General, popularly known as “NatGen,” is a company that focuses on offering affordable coverage to banned drivers. Insurance products from National General are widely available, both on the internet and through brokers.
In addition to basic car insurance coverage, National General provides the following:
SR-22 form availability: After a DUI or other significant offense, several states need an SR-22 form to establish that a driver has insurance. Drivers in Florida and Georgia may need an FR-44 form to prove they have much more than the state’s minimum needed vehicle insurance.
Client satisfaction guarantee: If you aren’t impressed with National General’s claims service, it will waive a portion of your deductible (up to $250).
Emergency expenditure allowance: If you have a covered claim, National General will cover your food, accommodation, and travel costs up to a daily limit so that you won’t be stuck.
Dairyland Insurance
Dairyland Insurance offers comprehensive car insurance to banned drivers who are unable to obtain coverage elsewhere. This includes persons who have committed significant or repeated traffic violations or have been convicted of DUI. Dairyland might be appropriate for you if you’ve been labeled a high-risk driver.
Dairyland, based in Wisconsin, has focused on prohibited drivers since its inception in 1953. It’s a component of the auto insurance industry’s “nonstandard” market, charging reasonable rates.
In addition to basic car insurance coverage, National General provides the following:
Special equipment insurance: This protects your car from harm caused by special parts you’ve installed.
Lienholder policy: This provides coverage of any special touches that need to be repaired after an accident on a bank-owned vehicle.
Non-owner coverage: This protects you if you encounter an accident while driving someone else’s automobile and are at fault. This extra coverage helps cover damages that aren’t covered by the car’s regular insurance. If you don’t own a car, need an SR-22, or drive just occasionally, you may need this coverage. This policy is neither quoted nor sold by Dairyland on the internet.
SR 22 forms: Dairyland normally provides SR 22 forms for free. After a DUI or other major offense, your state may need you to fill out an SR-22 form to demonstrate that you have met your state’s minimum vehicle insurance requirements.
Gainsco
It is a Dallas-based company that specializes in car insurance for convicted drivers. Gainsco vehicle insurance is supplied through its subsidiary, MGA Insurance Co., which was founded in 1978.
In various states, it provides policies through comparison websites and independent agents.
Gainsco was acquired by State Farm, the largest insurer in the United States, in late 2020. State Farm will ultimately provide integrated products, though Gainsco will continue to operate independently.
In addition to basic car insurance coverage, Gainsco provides the following:
Standard coverage: Comprehensive, damage, uninsured driver, rental car, and roadside assistance coverage are all standard features of Gainsco auto insurance. You can usually expand your liability limits beyond the state-mandated minimums in most cases.
Special equipment insurance: This protects your car from harm caused by special parts you’ve installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can convictions have an impact on vehicle insurance?
Yes. Having a conviction record will raise your auto insurance cost, whether or not your conviction is related to driving.
Is it possible to get insurance if you’re a disqualified driver?
Yes. Some major insurers will not insure drivers who have been disqualified. However, there are a handful of specialized insurers who will.
What is the impact of a driving conviction on your insurance?
A driving conviction can have a five-year impact on your insurance.
What happens if you don’t tell your vehicle insurance company about a conviction?
You risk losing your insurance claim if you intentionally fail to reveal your convictions when requested by the insurance company.
Conclusion
In conclusion, insurance comes with diverse merits for drivers. And if you have been convicted due to a driving offense, the highlight of the best car insurance for convicted drivers above will aid you immensely.