There are many factors, some of them less serious than others.
at fault accidents
serious offenses like DUI
several tickets
non payment of ticket including
parking tickets
multiple not at fault
accidents suggesting a pattern of reckless driving
not having continuous
coverage which suggests you have driven without insurance or have been
dropped by your insurance company
driving a high performance
sports car
In addition to the above, a poor credit history might combine with other
factors to put you in the high risk category. If you are a male or a teen, you
are considered to be a higher risk driver.
How can I lower high risk insurance costs?
Your main goal at this point is simply to stay on the road while being
insured. Think about driving an older car because the more expensive the car,
the higher the rates. Take the highest deductible you think you can handle.
Drop collision and comprehensive coverage.
I can't find anyone who will insure me; what should I do?
Contact your state's insurance commissioner. You will enter the state's
"shared market" where risk is "shared" among the insurance
companies doing business in that state. You will get bare bones insurance but
at least you will be insured.
My roommate has a DUI and now my premiums have gone up. This doesn't seem
fair.
If you are living with someone who has committed a serious traffic offense
and doesn't have his own insurance, your insurance will be affected. Your only
solution is to get a new roommate.
The DMV is requiring me to file an SR-22. What is that?
An SR-22 form notifies the DMV that a high risk driver with a suspended
license has insurance. Your license may have been suspended due to more moving
violations than allowed by law, DUIs, unpaid fines, or having an accident when
not insured. The insurance company issues the SR-22 and this removes the
suspension order placed by the DMV. The insurance company is required to notify
the DMV if your insurance is dropped for any reason.