It’s no secret that having a criminal record can make life difficult. Obtaining car insurance after being convicted of a crime is just one more challenge that must be faced.
However, it is possible to get cheap insurance for convicted drivers.
If you’ve been convicted of a crime, in most cases, your rates will be higher than someone with a clean driving record.
There are still options available to you. Let’s look at what you can expect when shopping for car insurance after a conviction.
How to Get Car Insurance After a Conviction
The first thing you need to do is shop around. Insurance companies all have different criteria when it comes to determining rates.
Some companies may be more lenient than others when it comes to convictions. It’s important to get quotes from several different companies so that you can compare rates.
Be Prepared to Pay a Higher Deductible
Another thing to remember is that you may have to pay a higher car insurance deductible if you have a conviction on your record.
You’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you need to make a claim. However, this is still usually cheaper than not having insurance at all.
Some companies specialize in insuring high-risk drivers. These companies may be able to offer you a better rate than a standard insurer.
What to Expect From Your Insurance Company After an Accident
No one likes dealing with their insurance company after an accident, but it’s important to know what to expect. Before you are forced to deal with the trauma of a car accident, you’ll have to go through the standard car accident reporting steps.
Your insurance company will likely ask for a police report and any other documentation related to the accident. They may also ask you to submit a statement about what happened.
If you’re found at fault, your rates will likely go up. You may also be placed on a high-risk driver list, making it difficult to find affordable insurance in the future.
Your insurance rates will almost certainly go up if you’re convicted of a crime. In some cases, your insurance company may even cancel your policy.
Be Honest With Your Insurance Provider & Know Your Rights
Several companies specialize in providing affordable insurance to high-risk drivers, so you should be able to find a policy that fits your budget.
In general, it’s best, to be honest with your insurance company after an accident or conviction. Lying about what happened will only make things worse in the long run.
If you’re not sure what to say, it’s best to consult with an attorney before giving any statements to your insurance company. They can help you understand your rights and ensure that you don’t say anything that could hurt your case.
How to Find the Best Rates for Drivers With a Criminal Record
Finding cheap car insurance can be difficult if you have a criminal record. However, you can do a few things to help get the best rates possible.
- Ask about discounts: Most insurance companies offer some type of discount for drivers with a clean driving record. If you have a criminal record, ask if the company offers any discounts that could apply to you.
- Consider a higher deductible: If you’re willing to pay a higher deductible, you may be able to get a lower premium. This is something to consider if you have the extra money available.
- Pay in full: Many insurance companies offer a discount for drivers who pay their premiums. This is usually around five percent, so it’s worth considering if you can do so.
- Shop around: Get quotes from several different companies and compare them side-by-side.
These are just a few tips to help you get the best rates possible on car insurance if you have a criminal record. Remember, shop around and compare quotes before making a final decision.
With a little work, you should be able to find relatively affordable car insurance.
Shop Around for Car Insurance Quotes
It’s important to shop around and compare car insurance quotes from different companies before purchasing a policy. Not all insurers will penalize you for having a criminal record, but some may charge higher rates.
Some states have “assigned risk” plans that help drivers who are having trouble finding coverage. These plans assign high-risk drivers to participate insurers.
You may also consider increasing your deductible or buying a policy with limited coverage to save money on your premium. Check with your state’s insurance department to see what options are available.
Stay on Top of Your Payments
Once you’ve managed to get a new insurance policy, it is vital to stay on top of your payments. If you fall behind for too long, your insurance company may end up canceling your coverage completely.
In addition, if you have any outstanding tickets or fines, make sure to pay those off as well.
The longer you wait, the larger the fine will become. Additionally, if you let your car insurance lapse, you could pay even more in fines.
To avoid this, make sure you set up automatic payments for your car insurance, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting.
Start by working these new payments into your budget. You can also set up reminders for yourself to know when your payment is due.
By staying on top of your car insurance payments and any outstanding tickets or fines, you can save yourself a lot of money and hassle in the long run.
Be Patient When Looking for the Right Policy
When it comes to insurance, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You might have to shop around for a while before you find the right policy for your needs — but it’ll be worth it.
There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible:
- Compare coverages and benefits.
- Get quotes from multiple insurers.
- Read the fine print carefully.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, either — the insurer’s customer service reps should be able to help you understand your policy and what exactly it covers.
And if you’re ever in doubt, remember: you can always reach out to an insurance agent or broker for help.
Finding the right policy might take a little time and effort, but it’s worth it. So be patient, do your research, and find the perfect fit for you and your family.
Luke Williams writes and researches for the car insurance site, CarInsuranceComparison.com. His passions include best practices for insurance and helping convicted drivers secure the best coverage.
