Cheap Auto Insurance With a Bad Driving Record in 2025 (Save Money With These 10 Companies)

It can be more difficult to find cheap auto insurance with a bad driving record, but USAA, Geico, and State Farm all have lower rates for drivers with poor driving records.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Cheap Auto Insurance With a Bad Driving Record

USAA is our top pick overall because of its affordability, but it is sold only to military and veteran families. Geico is the next cheapest choice for non-military drivers and offers great deals with its technology-based discounts. State Farm is also an affordable option and has a widespread agent network to offer in-person assistance to drivers with bad driving records.

Read on to learn how to find affordable insurance with a bad driving record. No matter what your record, you can find the best deal in your area by putting your ZIP in our free quote tool.

#1 – USAA: Cheapest for Military Families

Pros

• Military Family Benefits: United Services Automobile Association(USAA) is ideal for military or veteran families, as it offers perks such as discounts on shopping with a USAA membership.
• Financial Strength: USAA has an A++ rating, the highest possible, from A.M. Best. This means it is finally able to meet obligations like paying out claims.
• Bundling Discount: USAA also sells home and renters insurance, which can be bundled with auto coverage for a 10% discount.

Cons

• Limited Eligibility: You must be a veteran or military member to purchase USAA insurance. Learn who qualifies in our USAA insurance review.
• SafePilot Not in All States: USAA’s good driver discount program is not available in California, Delaware, and New Jersey.

#2 – Geico: Cheapest for Tech Users

Pros

• Tech Users: Geico’s mobile app is ideal for tech users who want to manage their policies from their phones. Find out more in our Geico auto insurance review.
• Drivewise Program: Poor drivers can join the Drivewise usage-based program to try and save up to 25% on their policies.
• Good Student Discount: Young drivers who have poor records can still save up by having good grades.

Cons

• No Gap Insurance: New car owners can’t buy gap insurance from Geico, which covers the difference between what is left on a loan and the value of a totaled car.
• Limited In-Person Services: Geico doesn’t have many local agents, so most communication will be done over the phone.

#3 – State Farm: Best for Local Agent Network

Pros

• Network of Local Agents: State Farm has local agents stationed throughout the U.S. Learn more about their customer service in our State Farm insurance review.
• Bundling Discount: State Farm offers savings up to 17% if customers purchase auto insurance with home or renters insurance.
• Simple App: State Farm’s general app allows customers to view their policies online, pay bills, and more.

Cons

• Drive Safe & Save State Availability: State Farm’s discount program is not available in every state.
• Coverage Options: State Farm doesn’t have as many add-on options as other companies, such as custom parts coverage.

Enter your ZIP code below to compare cheap insurance rates.

Auto Home Health Life Business Motorcycle Pet Medicare Rental

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

#4 – Progressive: Best for App and Tools

Pros

• App and Tools: Progressive has a well-rated general app and free tools like Name Your Price, which helps customers determine how much coverage they can afford.
• Add-On Coverages: Progressive offers extra coverages like roadside assistance, gap coverage, and more that drivers with poor records can add for extra protection.
• Anti-Theft Discount: Progressive offers a large discount, up to 25%, for drivers who install anti-theft devices in their cars (Read More: Progressive Auto Insurance Review).

Cons

• Snapshot Rate Increases: While Progressive’s usage-based discount program can lower rates, poor driving may result in a rate increase.
• Lower Bundling Discount: Progressive offers a 10% discount for bundling, which is on the lower end compared to the companies on this list.

#5 – Travelers: Best for Driver Rewards

Pros

• Driver Rewards: Travelers offers up to 30% off auto insurance to drivers who participate in its IntelliDrive program.
• Coverage Variety: Drivers with poor records can protect themselves in future accidents with a variety of add-on coverages, like gap insurance. Find out more in our Travelers auto insurance review.
• Bundling Options: Travelers offers a 13% discount to customers who bundle home or renters coverage with car insurance.

Cons

• IntelliDrive Rate Increases: While most drivers will end up saving in the program, a poor score in the program could lead to rate increases.
• Customer Reviews are Mixed: Not all customer feedback is positive, with a 1.12 complaint ratio (slightly higher than average) listed on the NAIC.

#6 – American Family: Best for Claims Satisfaction

Pros

• Claims Satisfaction: American Family has a score of 831/ 1,000 from J.D. Power for above-average claims satisfaction.
• Roadside Assistance: American Family offers roadside assistance as an add-on, which can be useful for drivers more prone to accidents.
• Bundling Discount: American Family’s home or renters insurance can be bundled with auto for a 25% discount.

Cons

• State Availability: American Family does not operate in all states. Read our American Family auto insurance review for more information.
• Not Cheapest for DUI Drivers: American Family’s DUI rates start at $270, which is in the middle for affordability.

Enter your ZIP code below to compare cheap insurance rates.

Auto Home Health Life Business Motorcycle Pet Medicare Rental

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

#7 – Nationwide: Best for Accident Forgiveness

Pros

• Accident Forgiveness: Drivers who have never had an accident before may qualify to be forgiven for their first at-fault accident at Nationwide (Learn More: Nationwide Auto Insurance Review).
• SmartRide Program: Poor drivers can participate in SmartRide to try to earn up to 40% off on their auto insurance policy.
• Local Agents: Most customers can get help with navigating their poor driving record rates in person with a local Nationwide agent.

Cons

• State Availability: Nationwide is not available for purchase in Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Massachusetts.
• Lower Anti-Theft Discount: Nationwide has the smallest discount on our list, offering only 5% for installing anti-theft devices.

#8 – Farmers: Cheap Family Plans

Pros

• Family Plans: Farmers Insurance offers discounts for families with young drivers, like a 15% good student discount.
• Local Support: Most customers should be able to find a local Farmers agent who can provide in-person support with managing a poor driving record.
• Bundling Option: Purchasing your home or renters insurance as well from Farmers will save you 20%.

Cons

• Customer Complaints: Farmers has a higher-than-average number of complaints, with a score of 1.70 at the NAIC.
• High DUI Rates: Farmers has the most expensive rates for DUI drivers on our list, with rates starting at $305 per month.

#9 – Allstate: Cheap Discount Options

Pros

• Discount Options: Allstate offers up to a 30% discount to drivers who participate in Allstate’s usage-based program, Drivewise.
• Accident Forgiveness: Drivers with a previously clean record may be forgiven their first at-fault accident at Allstate. Find out more in our Allstate auto insurance review.
• Low Mileage Insurance: Poor drivers with low annual mileages may be interested in Allstate’s Milewise program, where you pay by the mile.

Cons

• Drivewise Rate Increases: In some states, a poor driving score in Drivewise may result in rate increases for customers.
• Higher DUI Rates: Allstate is the second most expensive company on our list for DUI drivers, with rates starting at $295 per month.

Enter your ZIP code below to compare cheap insurance rates.

Auto Home Health Life Business Motorcycle Pet Medicare Rental

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

#10 – Liberty Mutual: Cheap Bundling Deals

Pros

• Bundling Deals: Liberty Mutual offers 25% off to customers who bundle home and auto or home and renters insurance at Liberty Mutual.
• State Availability: Drivers with a poor driving record can purchase Liberty Mutual insurance in all 50 states.
• Anti-Theft Discount: Liberty Mutual offers up to 35% to customers who install anti-theft discounts in their vehicle.

Cons

• Mixed Customer Reviews: Not all customers are satisfied with Liberty Mutual’s customer service. Learn more in our Liberty Mutual auto insurance review.
• Fewer Local Agents: In-person assistance is not widely available, as there aren’t as many local agents provided by Liberty Mutual as other companies like State Farm.

Rates for Drivers with Poor Records

What is the best company for high-risk drivers? How much you’ll pay at the cheapest companies depends on a variety of factors, such as the level of coverage you choose and what offenses you have on your driving record. Minimum coverage will be the cheapest option for drivers with a poor driving record, but it doesn’t offer much financial protection.

Take a look at the full coverage rates at the best companies for poor driving record drivers below.

If you can afford full coverage, this will offer the best protection in the event of a future accident. As for what incidents on your driving record will influence rates, there are several instances that can cause someone to have a bad driving record.

At-fault accidents occur when you are considered to be responsible for causing a traffic accident, either partially or entirely. These types of accidents include rear-ending another vehicle and causing a collision while driving.

Receiving multiple traffic violations is another one of the factors that can contribute to a bad driving record. These citations include speeding tickets, running red lights or stop signs, and failing to yield.

Plus, a DUI will have long-term effects on your car insurance rates. The Insurance Information Institute states that a DUI will increase your car insurance premiums by about 74%.

Read More: Best Auto Insurance for High-Risk Drivers 

Getting caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will also result in serious consequences, including hefty fines, mandatory education classes, community service, license revocation, and even jail time.

Take a look at how these different violations will affect your rates at the cheapest companies.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for Bad Drivers by Violation

It is important to evaluate the cheapest companies’ rates based on the incidents on your driving record. A company that is cheap for drivers with an at-fault accident may not be as affordable for a driver with a DUI on their record.

Coverage Options for Drivers With a Bad Driving Record

Not sure what coverage you should be carrying? If you have a bad driving record, you may want to consider carrying full coverage auto insurance, even though it costs more.

If you don’t have full coverage and cause an accident, your own accident costs won’t be covered. Full coverage, on the other hand, will protect you in a variety of incidents, from colliding with another car to hitting an animal. Some other insurance options to consider include:

• Rental Car Reimbursement: This coverage helps pay for a rental car while your car is in the shop after a covered claim.
• Roadside Assistance: This coverage helps provide assistance with breakdowns and tows from dead batteries, flat tires, and more.

Just keep in mind that the more optional add-ons you add to your policy, the higher your auto insurance rates will be.

Enter your ZIP code below to compare cheap insurance rates.

Auto Home Health Life Business Motorcycle Pet Medicare Rental

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Ways to Lower Your Insurance Rates With a Bad Record

The cheapest companies for drivers with bad driving records offer numerous ways for customers to save on their auto insurance coverage. Take a look at the top discounts offered below.

Auto Insurance Discounts with a Bad Driving Record by Provider

You can use technology to improve your driving and save with telematics insurance coverage discounts. Many insurance companies now offer telematics devices or driver monitoring apps that track your driving habits and provide feedback on areas where you can improve.

For example, Allstate’s app will notify you if you are turning corners too fast or slamming on the brakes a lot. It will help you be aware of these driving habits that can quickly turn into accidents or costly reckless driving tickets.

Top driver monitoring programs include Allstate’s Drivewise, Progressive’s Snapshot program, State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save, and Geico’s Drive Easy.

You can start today to turn things around when shopping for cheap auto insurance with a bad driving record. We compiled some tips to help you earn a clean driving record and lower car insurance rates, such as taking a driver education course to brush up on traffic laws and regulations in your area, which will help you avoid traffic violations and tickets (Read More: Best Defensive Driver Car Insurance Discounts).

• Take a Defensive Driving Course: A driver education course will improve your driving skills, reduce your risk of accidents, and may get you a discount.
• Practice Safe Driving Habits: This may seem obvious, but following traffic laws and practicing safe driving habits can go a long way toward improving your driving record in the long run.
• Don’t Get Moving Violations: Traffic citations such as speeding tickets and running red lights usually stay on your driving record for at least 5 years and will lead to higher car insurance rates.
• Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks, ensures that your car is in good condition and less likely to break down or cause accidents.

Following these tips can help lead to lower auto insurance rates over time, even with a bad driving record. Ready to shop for cheap auto insurance today? Find the best rates with free quotes by entering your ZIP in our quote tool.

Enter your ZIP code below to compare cheap insurance rates.

Auto Home Health Life Business Motorcycle Pet Medicare Rental

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption