What Makes You A High Risk Driver?

No matter what kind of car you drive, where you live, or what your age is, there is one thing that all drivers have in common; they all need to have car insurance if they are going to legally and safely be allowed to drive on public roads. 

When you are searching for car insurance, you might find that some quotes are much higher than others – you might even discover that some insurers won’t offer you a policy at all. This will usually be because you are seen as a ‘high risk driver’. This is why you’ll have to pay more for your insurance, assuming you can get insurance at all. Because you’re seen as more likely to be involved in an accident, the insurer will charge you more. What is it that makes you a high risk driver? Read on to find out what some of the reasons might be. 

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You’re A New Driver 

The longer you have been driving, the more experience you’ll have of adverse weather conditions, other road users, and the process of driving a car itself. When you’re a new driver, you won’t have gained this experience, and you won’t have the knowledge that will tell you when you’re in a bad situation or what to do when you find yourself there. Because of this, you will be considered a high risk driver as you’re more likely to have an accident. 

Your Age 

Some insurers take age into account, and if you are under the age of 25 and over 70, you may have to pay more. This is because of studies that have shown those under 25 are more likely to have an accident (possibly due to lack of experience, as mentioned above). Those studies have also shown that drivers over 70, although they are less likely to be involved in an accident, when they are, it is usually more serious. Either way, it could be costly for the insurance company, which means it becomes expensive for you. 

You Have a DUI 

According to the experts at thefloridatriallawyer.com/dui/, if you have a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction, intentionally or unintentionally, you’ve made a significant error. Not only were you not thinking of your own safety, but you put other road users at risk. Insurers don’t look kindly on a DUI or a DWI (driving while intoxicated) ruling, and they may choose not to insure you at all. If they are willing to insure you, you can be sure that you’ll be treated as a high risk driver, and you’ll have to pay more because of that. Hiring a good DUI lawyer can help, however. You will still have the conviction, but it might be removed from your record sooner, giving you a chance to obtain better insurance rates. 

You Have A Certain Type Of Vehicle 

Some cars will automatically make you a high risk driver, no matter what your age, your experience, or your driving record. A sports car, for example, will often have higher insurance rates attached to it because you can drive it fast, and there is more chance that it will be stolen; both of these problems are issues for insurers.