Best cheap car insurance for drivers with multiple accidents

We have all made mistakes behind the wheel. But when those mistakes stack up—two fender benders in a year, a major at-fault collision, or a few speeding tickets—the insurance industry starts to see you not as a driver, but as a liability. If you are currently shopping for insurance with a record that includes multiple accidents, you have likely experienced the dreaded “rate increase” email that makes your heart sink. You might be paying more for your monthly premium than for your actual car payment.

The good news is that “cheap” is not a fantasy. While your rates will be higher than those of a perfect driver, the difference between the first quote you get and the best possible rate can be hundreds of dollars per month. This guide is designed to navigate the complex world of high-risk auto insurance. We will look at the companies that specialize in “non-standard” drivers, the legal requirements you must meet (like SR-22s), and the behavioral changes that can slowly bring your rates back down to earth.

Let us get you back on the road without breaking the bank.

Why Multiple Accidents Skyrocket Your Premiums (The Actuarial Science)

To find cheap insurance, you first need to understand why you are being charged so much. Insurance is a game of statistics. Insurers employ mathematicians called actuaries who analyze millions of data points to predict the future. Their data shows a clear trend: Past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.

If you have had two or three accidents in the last three to five years, the statistical model predicts you are significantly more likely to have another one than someone with a clean record. According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, a single at-fault accident can increase your premium by an average of 41%. A second accident can compound that, pushing rates up by 80% to 100% or more, depending on the state and severity.

• The “Lapse” Danger: 
  One of the biggest factors keeping high-risk drivers in the expensive pool is a lapse in coverage. If you let your insurance cancel because you couldn’t afford the new rate, you create a “gap.” Insurers see a lapse as an even bigger red flag than an accident, as it suggests financial instability or irresponsibility.
• Accident Forgiveness is Gone:
   Most standard insurance companies (like GEICO or Progressive) offer accident forgiveness as an add-on or after several years of safe driving. If you have multiple accidents, you have likely used up that forgiveness, or you never qualified for it in the first place.

Understanding this helps you realize that you are now shopping in a different market: the “Non-Standard” or “High-Risk” market. You cannot expect the same low rates offered to safe drivers, but you can find the most competitive rate within this risk pool.

The SR-22 Nightmare: What It Is and How to File It Cheaply

If your multiple accidents were accompanied by a DUI, driving without a license, or if you were deemed a “high-risk” operator by the DMV, you may be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44 (in Florida and Virginia). This is not insurance itself; it is a certificate of financial responsibility.

Expert Tip: Many people panic when they hear “SR-22,” thinking it is a special, expensive type of insurance. In reality, it is just a form. Your insurance company files it with the state to prove you carry the minimum required liability coverage.

• The Cost: The actual SR-22 filing fee is usually between $15 and $50. The reason your premium goes up is because the reason you need the SR-22 (usually a serious violation) already makes you high-risk.
• Non-Owner SR-22: If you have multiple accidents but no longer own a car, you still need to maintain insurance to get your license back. You can purchase a Non-Owner car insurance policy with an SR-22 attached. This is often the cheapest way to satisfy the state requirement while you are car-less.

What NOT to do: 

Do not let your insurance lapse while an SR-22 is active. If your policy cancels, the insurance company is legally obligated to notify the DMV immediately. This can result in an automatic suspension of your license, forcing you to start the entire process over again.

Top 5 Companies Offering Cheap Car Insurance for Drivers with Multiple Accidents

Not all insurance companies are created equal. The “Big Names” like State Farm or Allstate often focus on “Preferred” drivers (those with clean records). For drivers with multiple accidents, you need to look at companies that specialize in the “Non-Standard” market or have robust high-risk divisions.

1. Progressive

Progressive is often the first stop for high-risk drivers. They have an aggressive underwriting model that accepts a wider range of risks than most competitors. Their “Name Your Price” tool is helpful for budget-conscious drivers.

• Pros: They compare their rates to other companies (even though they are a broker for themselves), and they offer a usage-based program (Snapshot) that can lower your rate after proving safe driving post-accident.
• Cons: If you are truly high-risk, the initial quote might still be high, but they are very likely to offer you a policy when others deny you.

2. The General

You have probably seen their catchy commercials. The General specifically markets to drivers who have had issues in the past, including accidents, tickets, or lapses in coverage.

• Pros: They specialize in “no refusal” insurance. If you need an SR-22, they are one of the easiest to work with online.
• Cons: Payment plans can be strict, and customer service reviews are mixed. However, for immediate coverage, they are a viable option.

3. Dairyland

Dairyland is a lesser-known powerhouse in the high-risk motorcycle and auto insurance niche. They have been insuring non-standard drivers for decades.

• Pros: They offer very flexible payment plans (monthly, quarterly) and specialize in SR-22 filings. Their underwriting is often more lenient regarding the time since the last accident rather than the number of total accidents.
• Cons: Their standard liability rates might be higher than Progressive, but for high-risk drivers, they often come out competitive.

4. National General (formerly GMAC)

National General is a major player in the non-standard market. They work with a lot of independent agents, which can be beneficial.

• Pros: They have a good appetite for risk and offer a wide variety of discounts that high-risk drivers can actually qualify for (like paying in full or multi-car).
• Cons: Their online infrastructure is not as robust as Progressive’s, so going through an agent is often the best route.

5. USAA

Eligibility: Military members, veterans, and their families.
If you have a military affiliation, USAA is consistently rated the top insurer for customer satisfaction. While they prefer good drivers, they are often more lenient with their own members who have had a rough patch.

• Pros: Exceptional customer service and claims handling. If you qualify, their rates for high-risk drivers are often lower than the specialized non-standard companies.
• Cons: Strict eligibility requirements.

Case Study: How a 3-At-Fault Driver Saved $1,200

The Scenario: Mark, a 34-year-old driver from Ohio, had three at-fault accidents in four years (two minor fender benders and one more serious collision in a parking lot). His current insurer, a major national carrier, raised his six-month premium to $2,400.

The Strategy: Mark did not just renew. He spent a weekend gathering quotes.

1. He checked his LexisNexis report (a consumer reporting agency that tracks claims) to ensure the accidents were reported correctly.
2. He got a quote from his current insurer (the baseline).
3. He got quotes from Progressive (online), Dairyland (via phone), and a local independent agent who accesses National General.

The Outcome:

• Current Insurer: $2,400
• Progressive: $1,900
• Dairyland: $1,650
• Independent Agent (National General): $1,550

The Result: 

By switching to the policy found by the independent agent, Mark saved $850 on his six-month premium ($1,700 annually). He also enrolled in the company’s telematics program to prove his driving was improving, which guaranteed a small discount at the next renewal. Total savings: $1,200+ per year.

State-by-State Loopholes: Where Insurance is Cheaper for High-Risk Drivers

Where you live dramatically impacts your rate, especially if you have accidents.

• California: Insurance companies here are restricted in how much they can raise rates based on accidents compared to other factors (like miles driven). If you have multiple accidents but drive very little, you might find a better deal here than in other states.
• North Carolina: This state has a “Safe Driver Incentive Plan” which standardizes surcharges. A major accident adds points, but the cost per point is capped. This prevents the massive rate hikes seen in places like Florida or Michigan.
• Michigan: Historically the most expensive state for insurance due to unlimited medical coverage (PIP). If you have multiple accidents in Michigan, you are looking at the highest rates in the nation. However, recent legislative changes allow drivers to choose lower levels of PIP coverage, which is a lifeline for high-risk drivers.
• Low-Cost States: If you are moving, rural states like Maine, Vermont, and rural parts of Ohio and Wisconsin generally have lower base rates, mitigating the surcharge for accidents.

Expert Tip: 

If you live in a no-fault state (like Florida or New York), your insurance pays for your injuries regardless of fault. Multiple accidents here increase your “Personal Injury Protection” (PIP) rates substantially because you are statistically more likely to file a medical claim.

Practical Steps to Lower Your Rate Immediately

You cannot erase your accidents, but you can change the way the insurance company calculates your risk today.

1. Increase Your Deductible: 
   This is the quickest way to lower your premium. If you have a history of claims, the insurance company is afraid of small, frequent payouts. If you raise your collision deductible from $500 to $1,000, you signal that you will handle the small bumps yourself. This can lower your premium by 10% to 20%.
2. Drop Collision on Older Cars:
    If your car is worth less than $3,000-$4,000, consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage entirely. If you total it, the insurance payout is minimal. Keeping only liability coverage slashes your premium significantly.
3. Take a Defensive Driving Course: 
   Many states require insurers to offer a discount to drivers over 55 who take a course. However, some insurers offer this discount to any driver who voluntarily takes an approved course. It shows the insurer you are serious about improving.
4. Bundle, Bundle, Bundle:
    If you rent an apartment or own a home, move your renters or homeowners insurance to the same carrier as your auto. The multi-policy discount is often substantial and can offset the high-risk surcharge.
5. Pay in Full: 
   If you have the cash, paying your six-month premium in full rather than monthly can save you installment fees (which can add up to $10-$15/month).

Common Mistakes That Keep Your Rates High

Expert Insight from Niaz Khan: “I have seen drivers pay thousands more than they need to for years simply because they made one of these three errors. Avoiding them is the fastest path back to standard rates.”

• Mistake #1: Assuming All Companies Have the Same Rates. 
  This is the biggest trap. You must shop around every six months or year until your record clears. Insurance companies are constantly changing their algorithms. The company that was cheapest for high-risk drivers last year might be the most expensive this year.
• Mistake #2: Guessing Your Mileage. 
  When asked “Annual Mileage,” do not guess high. If you only drive 5,000 miles a year to commute and run errands, say so. Lower mileage equals lower risk. If you estimate 12,000 miles but only drive 8,000, you are overpaying.
• Mistake #3: Not Checking Your Credit Score.
   In most states (excluding California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts), your credit-based insurance score heavily influences your rate. If your credit took a hit, your insurance rates will rise. Check your credit report for free and dispute any errors.
• Mistake #4: Staying with the Same Company Out of Loyalty.
   Loyalty does not pay in insurance. Insurers often rely on “price walking,” where they slowly increase rates on existing customers who don’t shop around. New customers often get the best introductory rates.

Pros and Cons of High-Risk Auto Insurance

Pros

• Legal Compliance: Allows you to legally drive and satisfy state financial responsibility laws.
• License Reinstatement: Necessary for obtaining an SR-22 and getting your license back after a suspension.
• Financial Protection: Even at higher rates, it protects you from devastating lawsuits if you cause another accident.
• Path to Standard Rates: Maintaining a high-risk policy without lapses is the only way to eventually qualify for standard insurance again.

Cons

• High Cost: Premiums can be 2x to 3x higher than standard rates.
• Limited Discounts: Many affinity or loyalty discounts are not available to high-risk policyholders.
• Stricter Payment Terms: Companies may require larger down payments or more stringent payment schedules.
• Potential for Non-Renewal: If you have another accident, the company might drop you entirely, forcing you into the even more expensive “assigned risk” pool.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will my insurance rates go down after my accidents fall off my record?
A: Yes. In most states, accidents fall off your driving record (and insurance score) after three to five years. Your rates should automatically decrease at that point, but you should still shop around for quotes.

Q: Is it worth filing a claim for a small accident if I already have multiple accidents?
A: No. If you have multiple accidents, avoid small claims at all costs. Pay for minor damages out of pocket. Filing a claim guarantees a rate increase or non-renewal.

Q: Can I get car insurance if I have multiple accidents and a suspended license?
A: Yes, but only after the suspension period is served. You will need to get a restricted or fully reinstated license first. You may then need a Non-Owner policy with an SR-22.

Q: What is the “Assigned Risk Pool”?
A: It is a state-mandated program for drivers who cannot get insurance anywhere else. It is the most expensive option, but it guarantees coverage.

Q: Does accident forgiveness exist for drivers with multiple accidents?
A: Generally, no. Accident forgiveness is a perk for good drivers. If you already have multiple accidents, you are unlikely to qualify for it until you have several years of clean driving.

Q: Should I use a broker or go direct?
A: For high-risk drivers, a broker is often better. They have access to multiple “non-standard” companies (like Dairyland, National General) that you might not find on a comparison site.

Conclusion: Your Roadmap Back to Low Rates

Having multiple accidents on your record feels like a financial prison sentence, but it is temporary. The key to finding best cheap car insurance for drivers with multiple accidents lies in understanding that you are in a different insurance pool, shopping aggressively, and avoiding behaviors that keep you there.

Start today by checking your LexisNexis report, calling an independent agent who specializes in high-risk coverage, and getting quotes from Progressive and The General. Accept that you will pay more now, but view this as a short-term phase. By driving defensively, maintaining continuous coverage, and re-shopping your policy every six months, you will eventually graduate back to the standard insurance market where affordable rates are the norm.

Premium Tips from Niaz Khan Expert:

1. The “Double Down” Strategy: If you have multiple accidents, consider taking both a defensive driving course and signing up for a telematics (app-based monitoring) program immediately. This double-action shows the insurance algorithm you are actively trying to mitigate risk, often unlocking hidden discounts the agent can’t see.
2. The Independent Agent Goldmine: Do not rely solely on aggregators like Gabi or The Zebra for high-risk insurance. These tools are great for standard drivers but often miss niche carriers like “Safe Auto” or “Bristol West.” Pick up the phone and call a local independent agent who has been in business for 20+ years; they know exactly which underwriter is currently “hungry” for high-risk business in your zip code.
3. Legislative Reset: If you feel your rates are unfairly high due to an old accident, look into your state’s “Insurance Commissioner” website. Sometimes, filing a formal complaint or requesting a review can force the insurer to justify their rate hike, leading to a manual review and potential adjustment if an error was made in their automated scoring.

Disclaimer:

 This article provides general information and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Insurance regulations and rates vary significantly by state and individual circumstances. Always consult with a licensed insurance professional regarding your specific situation. The author and publisher are not responsible for any actions taken based on this information.

Written By Niaz Khan