Car insurance for "high risk" drivers?

[rubybpc]

After 10 years of driving with no accidents,this past year I was involved in 2 car accidents. One which a tiny scratch in the bumper which I had to report because the guy was claiming injury and the other was declared that both parties were at fault. None were given a citation to therefore I could not make arrangements with the Judge to keep off my driving record. Needless to say, it's renewal time. My insurance has gone up from $115 full coverage for 2 vehicles to a whooping $450. And it couldn't have come at a worse timing. We are in the process of paying off our December Disney Vacation and this expense will definitely put a big dent on our spending for our trip. Does anyone have any suggestions??

 

[mjkacmom]

Is that per month? That sounds like a lot (we only pay $1200 per year for 2 old vehicles without collision).

In the future, if you get into a fender bender, do not submit to your insurance company (and if you are at fault, beg the other driver to let you pay OOP).

 

[rubybpc]

yeah PER month. I know it's crazy! That was the plan until he began to complain about being injured. My insurance investigated and turned out his claim was bogus but the damage to my credit was already done.

 

[StephMK]

Year aog when we had issues, we used Progressive & they were the cheapest we found. Now that we have clean records but a "youthful" driver - DD18 - Progressive was once again the cheapest and we switched from AAA.

 

[jrmasm]

Year aog when we had issues, we used Progressive & they were the cheapest we found. Now that we have clean records but a "youthful" driver - DD18 - Progressive was once again the cheapest and we switched from AAA.

My husband had a similar string of accidents about 5-7 years ago. We were dropped by our insurance company, went with Progressive.

However after several years with them, our rates did not drop at all. Last year we switched to another company that is considerably cheaper even with a new teen driver. I think our new policy is close to half the cost of what we were paying Progressive for the same converage.

So OP, in your situation, I'd check out Progressive for now but don't assume they'll be a good deal for you in the future. They might be as a PP has shared but for us, not even close.

 

[rubybpc]

Thanks! I'll be looking into it asap!

 

[BelleBeautyandtheBeast]

Do you have an insurance agent? That has saved me a decent amount of money over the years, mine has always been able to get me lower rates than I have found on my own.

When I got divorced my rate for 1 minivan was more than double the rate from when we were married and 2 cars were on it. Who knows what they thought.

Anyways, my insurance agent found me a great rate with Progressive. And I shopped every insurance company that was available to me. Every few years I shop around and Progressive through my agent continues to work the best for me.

 

[StephMK]

My husband had a similar string of accidents about 5-7 years ago. We were dropped by our insurance company, went with Progressive.

However after several years with them, our rates did not drop at all. Last year we switched to another company that is considerably cheaper even with a new teen driver. I think our new policy is close to half the cost of what we were paying Progressive for the same converage.

So OP, in your situation, I'd check out Progressive for now but don't assume they'll be a good deal for you in the future. They might be as a PP has shared but for us, not even close.

Could you share who you are with now? I'm looking to shop again because ours are going up with Progressive, despite any claims or tickets. I check each renewal and so far, haven't found anything but I'm always looking for a better deal!

 

[rubybpc]

Before this string of unfortunate events GEICO gave us the cheapest quotes, just don't go having accidents and you should be fine..lol

 

[Fire14]

I personally Had good luck with State Auto and now with AAA ( wsstern ins). My neighbor says he has great rate with state farm. American family is another to check.

 

[seashoreCM]

yeah PER month. I know it's crazy! That was the plan until he began to complain about being injured. My insurance investigated and turned out his claim was bogus but the damage to my credit was already done.

If the other party makes a bogus claim then it should not be held against you. Couldn't you appeal it?

 

[rubybpc]

I don't know. My insurance paid for his scratches to get fixed, also. I was not cited so I could not talk top a judge about this being on my record.

 

[QueenElinor]

Talk to your agent about raising your deductible, that makes a big difference. Also, see if you can get a package deal along with your other vehicles, homeowner's or renter's insurance (and umbrella policy if you have one).

It's the injury claim that is driving this up- your insurance company can determine that it's bogus but that won't stop him from suing you & your company if he really wants to. Most states have a statute of limitations on that, usually three years. Then your rates will go down, but it's a long time until then.

 

[rantnnravin]

Can you ( and the other driver) take a defensive driving course to lower your rate. You can also increase your deductible, change your limits, or drop comp/ collision for a few months.

 

[rubybpc]

Yeah, 3 years is a long time =( I asked about the defensive driving course thing at or local DMV but it seemed like I was asking a question from outer space. I know Progressive has a little device thing that checks your driving for 30 days. And discounts are offered if you pass I guess. That would be something I'd like to try, if we go with Progressive. We're still shopping around for the best quotes.

 

[Fjobe]

I would look at increasing the deductible. That can make a big difference.

 

[rubybpc]

Sounds like a great idea. I'm going to change that in my online quotes.
Thank You!