Non Standard Auto Insurance Companies: The Complete List

Non standard auto insurance, also known as high-risk auto insurance, is car insurance designed for drivers who have a hard time qualifying for standard insurance policies due to their driving history or other risk factors. Non standard insurance typically costs more than regular insurance but provides a way for high-risk drivers to legally drive.

Finding affordable non standard auto insurance can be challenging since rates are higher. That’s why it pays to shop around and compare multiple companies.

Below is a complete list of insurers that offer non standard car insurance policies, as well as some key information about each provider.

Major Non Standard Auto Insurers

Direct Auto Insurance

  • Specializes in non standard auto insurance
  • Operates in AZ, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MI, MO, MS, OK, SC, TN and VA
  • Policies available for cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles
  • Discount opportunities include safe driver, multi-vehicle, paid-in-full, good student and prior insurance

Kemper Auto Insurance

  • Offers non standard insurance in addition to standard policies
  • Available in 42 states and DC
  • Secured credit card available to help drivers build credit
  • Online quotes, policy management and claims reporting

Gainsco Auto Insurance

  • Focuses on high-risk and non standard auto insurance
  • Primarily operates in AZ, AR, FL, GA, OK, NV, NM, SC, TN and TX
  • Policies available for cars, motorcycles and classic vehicles
  • Online account access and electronic documents

Dairyland Auto Insurance

  • Specializes in high-risk drivers and non standard policies
  • Offered in 13 states: AZ, CA, IL, IN, NM, OK, OR, TX, WA, WI and more
  • Accepts cash payments in addition to credit cards and bank withdrawals

The General Auto Insurance

  • Caters to high-risk drivers who may not qualify elsewhere
  • Available in 46 states and DC
  • Policies start at just $29/month for minimum coverage
  • Discount opportunities for safe driving, anti-theft devices, insuring multiple cars and more

Other Non Standard Insurers

Here are some additional non standard insurance companies to consider:

  • Geico
  • Progressive
  • Safe Auto
  • National General
  • Foremost
  • Bristol West
  • Titan
  • Hallmark
  • Founders Insurance
  • Infinity Auto Insurance
  • Access Insurance
  • Windhaven Insurance
    -Infinity Auto Insurance
    -Access Insurance
    -Windhaven Insurance

While Geico and Progressive also offer standard insurance, they provide non standard policies as well. The rest of these insurers specialize in covering high-risk drivers.

What is Non Standard Auto Insurance?

Non standard auto insurance is a type of coverage designed for drivers classified as “high-risk.” This includes:

  • Drivers with poor driving records
  • Drivers with serious violations like DUIs
  • Drivers with limited or no prior insurance
  • Young drivers and teenagers
  • Drivers requiring an SR-22 filing

Insurers consider these drivers more likely to file claims, which is why regular policies are out of reach or unaffordable. Non standard insurance provides a way to comply with state minimum requirements.

Non standard policies offer the same core coverages as regular car insurance but often have:

  • Higher premiums
  • Lower coverage limits
  • Fewer additional coverage options
  • Stricter eligibility guidelines

Do You Need Non Standard Insurance?

See if any of the following apply to your situation:

  • Your driving record has multiple at-fault accidents or moving violations
  • You need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form with the DMV
  • You have major violations like DUI or reckless driving
  • You’ve had insurance lapses or gaps in coverage
  • You’re under 25 years old or a teen driver
  • You have poor credit which makes insurers see you as risky

If so, you will likely pay very high rates for regular insurance, if you can find a standard insurer willing to cover you at all. In that case, non standard insurance makes sense.

How Much Does Non Standard Insurance Cost?

Non standard auto insurance costs substantially more than regular insurance on average. Rates can vary dramatically depending on your specific risk profile.

According to 2021 data from Quadrant Information Services, the national average annual premium for a non standard policy was $1,864. That’s compared to just $885 for a preferred policy from a standard insurer.

In some states, non standard insurance could cost two, three or even five times as much as regular coverage. Still, it provides the liability protection required by law. Over time, maintaining insurance and improving your driving can help you earn back the ability to qualify for a standard policy at lower cost.

How to Find the Best Non Standard Insurance Rates

Because non standard auto insurance is so expensive, finding the lowest possible rate is important. Here are some tips:

  • Shop around and compare quotes from at least 5-6 different non standard insurance companies
  • Ask each insurer about discounts you may qualify for
  • Consider increasing your deductible to lower your premium
  • Drop optional coverages you may not need
  • Ask about policy term lengths; longer terms may come with discounts
  • Maintain a clean driving record and good credit
  • Enroll in telematics or usage-based programs if available
  • Bundle home or renters insurance with the same provider

Using these strategies can help you secure the most affordable high-risk policy. Non standard insurance gives you the chance to legally drive while working on improving as a driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is non standard auto insurance different from regular insurance?

Non standard insurance is specifically designed for high-risk drivers, with different eligibility guidelines, higher rates, and less flexibility than standard policies. Standard insurers avoid risky drivers, while non standard carriers specialize in covering them.

Is non standard insurance required?

Non standard insurance isn’t required. But having at least basic liability coverage meeting your state’s minimum requirements is mandatory. Non standard policies satisfy these mandatory minimums for drivers who can’t obtain standard insurance.

Can non standard policies be converted to regular insurance?

Possibly, yes. As you maintain your non standard policy, avoid claims and traffic violations, and build a safer driving history, many companies will convert your policy to a standard one after a period of time, usually around 3 years. This allows you to earn lower premiums.

What is the cheapest non standard auto insurance company?

The cheapest non standard insurer varies a lot by state and individual factors. On average, Direct Auto, Kemper and The General tend to offer some of the lowest rates. But it’s critical to shop around and compare quotes. A company that’s cheapest for your neighbor may not be the best value for you.

Should I use an independent agent to get non standard insurance?

Independent agents who work with multiple non standard insurance companies are very helpful. They simplifying the process of finding the right high-risk policy at a good price. An independent agent shops the market for you and provides expert advice.

Does non standard insurance cover rental cars?

Rental car coverage is typically an optional add-on with non standard policies, as with regular insurance. Some non standard insurers don’t offer rental coverage at all. If it’s available, you’ll pay extra but can add protection for rentals to your policy.

The Bottom Line

  • Non standard auto insurance provides coverage options for high-risk drivers unable to get standard insurance.

  • It costs significantly more than regular car insurance but meets state minimum liability requirements.

  • To find affordable rates, compare quotes from national and regional non standard insurance companies.

  • Maintaining non standard insurance helps improve your driving record so you can potentially earn a standard policy down the road.

  • Working with an independent insurance agent makes finding the right non standard insurer easier.

For drivers classified as high-risk, non standard insurance delivers flexible coverage solutions. Shopping carefully maximizes savings on non standard auto insurance premiums.

Non Standard Policies and How They Work

FAQ

What insurance companies are non standard?

The best non-standard auto insurance companies are Direct Auto Insurance, Kemper Insurance, The General and Dairyland. These insurers offer the most affordable policies for high-risk drivers, whose driving records make obtaining coverage difficult.

What defines non standard insurance?

Nonstandard auto insurance is offered to drivers who are considered to be higher-risk by the insurance company, often due to a history of accidents or traffic violations. Nonstandard auto insurance typically comes with higher monthly premiums compared to a standard policy.

Is Progressive insurance standard or non standard?

Progressive Casualty Insurance Company is founded to be the first specialty underwriters of nonstandard insurance. At the time we had 40 employees and $2.6 million in written premium.

What are the three types of insurance companies?

Main Types of Insurance Companies Among the largest categories of insurance companies are accident and health insurers; property and casualty insurers; and financial guarantors.

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