Maybe it’s not that your driving is bad – just that your driving record is. Whether it’s a string of traffic violations, a couple of insurance claims, or even a low credit score, there are many reasons an insurance company might consider you a higher risk to insure. Regardless of the reason, as a driver in Wisconsin, you still need car insurance.
Before you start your search for online car insurance quotes, there are some important things you should know. Continue reading to learn the secrets that no one tells you about getting an online car insurance quote for a high-risk driver.
Run from Companies that Promise ‘Cheap’ Rates
While a few flaws on your driving record shouldn’t sentence you to exorbitant rates, any company promising a cheap policy for high-risk drivers is one to be wary of. The fact is the price of car insurance is a reflective measure of your risk to the insurance company and the quality of the coverage offered on your policy. If you are already considered high risk, insurance companies compensate in another part of the equation – your coverage.
The last thing you want is to find out is that your insurance company will not pay for the damages to your vehicle after an accident or hail storm. You also don’t want to run into a nasty lawsuit and be left with thousands of dollars in liability damages after a ‘cheap’ online policy tapped out your coverage at the minimum required by state law.
Some Companies Are More Lenient than Others
It’s not all doom and gloom for high-risk drivers. In fact, it is possible to get high-quality coverage at competitive rates – you just have to find the right insurance company. Each company has its own formula for calculating risk. Some may put more weight on a person’s credit score, whereas another may be more concerned about past claims or traffic violations. The key to choosing an insurer is determining which factors are weighing down your insurance risk and finding the insurer who will be the most forgiving.
This is no easy task on your own. You could spend multiple hours getting an online car insurance quote and talking to insurance companies on the phone until you find the policy that is right for you, or you could work with an independent agent who can compare quotes from multiple insurance companies on your behalf. It is a process you can still begin online from an agency’s website and complete in a few simple steps over the phone or in person.
Consider a Driver Safety Course
Driver safety courses are not just for new drivers. Anyone in Wisconsin can take them, and there are many benefits – particularly for high-risk drivers. First, completion of an approved driver safety course could result in a reduction of 3 demerit points on your driving record once every three years. In addition, many insurance companies extend discounts of as much as 10 percent to drivers who voluntarily brush up on their driving skills. These aren’t just one-time rate reductions, either. Many insurers continue to offer the discount for three to five years after course completion. Not to mention, a driver safety course could help you learn how to drive safer and avoid accidents – tools that could help you shed your ‘high-risk’ label in the future.
