There are many reasons why someone might be considered a “high risk” driver. Aside from young age and bad driving records, these “reasons” might surprise you!

Young drivers are almost always labeled as high risk drivers. Let’s face it, the average teenage driver does not have the best driving record. And, thanks to statistical data about teenage drivers, anyone under the age of 30 will be categorized and labeled as high risk.

Drivers who have a large number of speeding tickets on their driving record will also be classified as high risk, regardless of age. Speeding citations present that the driver has a certain disregard for “safe” speeds, thumbs their nose at figures of authority, and has no thought for the well-being of other drivers on the road. These drivers routinely put their cars and themselves at risk, and therefore, they are rightly classified as “high risk” drivers.

If you are male, you are also considered a high risk driver. The thought might be sexist, but traffic statistics indicate that more men are keen in automotive accidents than women. In previous years, this difference could be chalked up to the number of men drivers versus women drivers on the road, but today that number is equal nationwide. Yet nobody can argue against the fact that men are more aggressive than women, and this contrast is reflected in homes, in public, and behind the wheel.

Monster vehicles won’t do your insurance any favors, either. High performance or sports cars are considered high risk, regardless of the driver’s record. This happens for a number of reasons. A rapid ride means there is a higher likelihood of breaking the speed limit, which in turn reflects on the driver. Faster speeds also mean that the driver has less reaction time in some instances. If something were to go wrong, such as an unexpected deer crossing the highway, there is less time to avert the hazard. In addition, high performance vehicles are much more expensive to repair, and therefore, create a greater risk for the insurance company.

Poor credit or no credit is another reason why insurance premiums could be placed in the high risk category. As far as the insurance industry is concerned, poor credit equals dreadful risk. One reason has to do with the likelihood that the client will file a claim instead of dipping into savings or using credit cards to repair the damage. Customers with bad credit are also more likely to file a claim with their absorb insurance rather than to wait on the other party to consume up the bill, primarily because they have no other alternative.

Another factor for being placed into a high risk category involves how far you drive. If you travel long distances on a regular basis, you are considered a high risk because of the potential exposure to risk elements. In comparison to an individual who drives only a couple hundred miles in a month’s time, you will be much more likely to be involved in an accident if you drive a thousand miles.

Another prime factor is geographical location. Metropolitan area drivers are most likely to be involved in an auto accident or need auto repairs in comparison to rural areas.

If you are without insurance for a period of time, this can also cause you to be placed into a high risk category. Unless you can provide reasonable and valid arguments for why you did not continue to keep insurance (such as being on active duty with the military), chances are that your rates will be much higher. The insurance industry assumes that any driver who drives without insurance is a liability risk. Or, if you did not have insurance because your previous agent dropped you, they will demand why they made this decision, or cause your rates to go up.

There are a few insurance companies who specialize in providing insurance coverage for high risk drivers or conditions. Many of today’s larger firms also have special departments who aid their high risk customers. You may not get a wonderful rate, but at least you will have insurance coverage. Likewise, since the insurance is provided through a large company, you are less likely to obtain dropped.