High Risk Auto Insurance In New Jersey

It is not unusual to find yourself with an unflattering driving record. In this case, it is difficult to get the standard insurance coverage given to drivers with a clean record. High risk auto insurance coverage in New Jersey is an insurance policy specially designed for high-risk drivers.

Who qualifies as a High Risk Driver?

There are many factors that are considered in categorizing a driver as high risk. Here are the most common ones:

• Driving Record - When you first get your driver’s license, it is clean without any records. All the tickets, at-fault and not-at -fault accidents you’re involved in are all recorded under your driver’s license. Studies have shown that each speeding ticket you get increases your chances of causing an accident by about 85- 100%. With this high risk of causing accident, insurance companies consider you a high risk driver.
• Driving under Influence - When you drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you risk causing an accident because of poor concentration. If you are caught by the police Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Influenced (DWI), insurance companies will consider you a high risk driver. If you are involved in a serious DUI-accident even if you not at fault or under influence, you could be considered high risk.
• Suspended License - You are considered a high risk driver if your license has been suspended or revoked. The only exception in New Jersey is if your license is revoked because of failure to pay child support. But still, not paying child support may be seen by insurance companies as poor financial management and general irresponsibility. Here are other factors considered in categorizing drivers are high risk:
• Age-under 20’s and over 70’s drivers are seen as high risk.
• Poor Credit record.
• Driving experience.
• Personal profile.
• Where you live.

Premium Rates for High Risk Driver

In general, the insurance rates for high risk drivers are high. How high they go depends on the specific offense/s. In most cases, the rates triple and remain so for up to 3 years.

How to Reduce Premiums for High Risk Drivers

• Defensive Driving Course - This is re-fresher driving cause offered to high risk drivers. You will be required to pay for this course from your pocket. Depending on your insurance provider, this course can qualify you for up to 15% off your rates.
• Use a Low Risk Car - This will definitely lower your rates. A car is considered low risk if it has the following safety features:
• airbags
• automatic seat belts
• Alarms.
• Anti-lock brakes
• Cheap/common cars with readily available spare parts will lower your rates.

Explore all discounts offered by insurance companies. These include:

• Affinity Discounts – given to employees of companies.
• New family discount.
• Consider moving to a low risk area.
• Discounts for sticking with one insurance company for a long time.

In the long term, you need to purpose to follow all traffic rules in order to keep the rates low. If you repeat the offense, your rates could remain high for a long time.

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