3 Tips for Choosing a High Risk Auto Insurance Provider in Miami
You might have a squeaky-clean driving record, but sometimes that doesn’t matter. You might still have to pay for high risk auto insurance.
How do you know if you need this type of insurance? And how do you find a high risk insurance provider in Miami? We’ve put together this guide to help answer your questions.
Make sure you keep reading below to learn more.
Are You a High Risk Driver?
An insurance company will consider you a high risk driver if they believe, for any reason, you’re more likely to get into an accident. Because of this, most high risk drivers are teenagers who haven’t spent a lot of time behind the wheel or seniors who may have more trouble on the road than they used to.
But there are many other drivers who can fit into this category, including:
- Inexperienced drivers (people who’ve been driving for less than eight years)
- Young drivers (people 25 and under)
- Drivers with a bad credit score
- Drivers who’ve been involved in one or more accidents
- Drivers who’ve been convicted of a DUI or DWI
- Drivers who’ve received multiple speeding tickets
- Drivers who own a high-value car
These types of drivers are often more likely than others to get into trouble when they get in the car. If one of these categories applies to your situation, you may have to make the switch to high risk insurance.
Is High Risk Auto Insurance More Expensive Than “Normal” Insurance?
The short answer to this question is yes.
However, it’s difficult to put an exact price tag on high risk auto insurance. The amount you pay will depend on the reason you need it and how “risky” the company considers you. For example, you’ll end up paying a lot more for your insurance if you’ve been charged with a DUI (especially if you’ve been charged with more than one) than if you received a few speeding tickets.
The price also depends on the insurance provider.
Every provider has different rates, so you may be able to save money for the same offense if you choose the right company.
Can You Get By Without It?
Don’t want to spend all that extra money on high risk insurance? Driving without insurance is often much more expensive in the long run (and in Miami, it’s also illegal). If you get into a car accident without insurance, you’ll have to pay for all the damages yourself, which can cost thousands upon thousands of dollars.
And this doesn’t include the fines you’ll have to pay if you’re caught without driving while uninsured.
You should never leave yourself uninsured while on the road, no matter how expensive the insurance will cost. All it does is get you (and your wallet) in more trouble.
How to Find a High Risk Insurance Provider in Miami
You should find a high risk insurance provider as fast as you can after learning you need to make the switch (so you can get back on the road quickly), but that doesn’t mean you should just pick the first company you stumble across online. Take your time and follow these tips as you’re looking for an affordable provider.
1. Talk to Your Current Provider
Not all companies offer high risk insurance, but it’s worth asking your current provider about their policies. You may be able to update your plan and stick with your current provider. If they don’t have any high risk options, they may be able to recommend other high risk providers in your area.
2. Research Options in the Miami Area
Need to start your search from scratch?
Talk to your friends and family members first. They may be able to recommend a high risk insurance company they’re using or have used in the past. Since you already trust your friends and family, you’ll know the company is a reputable one.
You can also search for “high risk insurance providers in Miami” on Google. This should give you several options to choose from, but don’t just click on the first result and call it a day. Instead, spend some time scrolling through their websites and reading reviews on third-party sites like Yelp.
Stay away from companies that have a large number of negative reviews. No matter how affordable the insurance is, choosing a company that has poor reviews will likely leave you with bad service and coverage.
3. Compare Quotes
Make a list of your top three to five choices and give each provider a call (or visit them in person). Talk to them about their rates and ask plenty of questions. Once you get this information, you can compare quotes and pick the option that best fits with your budget.
However, again, this doesn’t mean you should just pick the cheapest option. While this might be the best fit for you in some circumstances, cheap doesn’t always equal better. In fact, often the opposite is true.
It’s better to invest a bit of extra money to get quality coverage.
You Aren’t Stuck as a High Risk Driver Forever
Just because you need high risk insurance right now doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying for it forever. Driving penalties won’t stay on your record for the rest of your life, and if you’re proactive and learn better driving habits, you may be able to go back to normal car insurance in a few years.
But in the meantime, you can use this guide to help you find a high risk insurance provider in Miami.
Not sure where to start your search? We’ve got you covered! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to learn more about our services.