Who is considered a high-risk driver?

Insurance companies assess risk based on a variety of factors that could indicate a higher likelihood of a claim or more costly claims. High risk drivers are typically those who insurance providers view as more likely to make this sort of claim.

 

Factors that could make you a higher-risk driver

If your car insurance costs seem higher than average, it’s possible that insurers are categorising you as a higher-risk driver, which could be based on one on more of the following factors:

• A history of motoring offences: If you have points on your licence, this could put you in the higher risk category.
  
  
• Disqualification from driving: If you’ve previously had your licence taken away, you’re likely to be seen as a high-risk driver.
  
  
• Non-driving convictions: A history of criminal convictions, even if they weren’t for driving, will often cause you to be viewed as a higher risk driver.
  
  
• Claims history: Being involved in a number of incidents on the roads – regardless of whether or not they were your fault – is seen as risky for insurance providers.
  
  
• New driver: If you’re new behind the wheel (passed your test in the last two years), you’ll likely be viewed as higher risk.
  
  
• An unsettled insurance claim: If you have a recent insurance claim that’s yet to be settled, it will likely place you as a high-risk driver for car insurance purposes.
  
  
• Missed payments: Missing payments on your car insurance or car finance agreement can often cause you to be seen as high risk in the eyes of insurers.

The impact of driving related convictions

If you have any driving-related convictions, such as for drink driving, speeding, or driving without insurance, insurers may see you as a higher-risk driver. Even if you’re not at fault in an accident, a conviction can still impact your premiums and you may even need specialist car insurance.

Similarly, if you’ve been disqualified from driving for totting up points on your licence (12 or more within three years) you’re more likely be seen as high risk. This is also the case for young drivers disqualified for accruing six or more points within the first two years of driving.

Can my vehicle make me a higher risk driver?

The short answer is yes. This is likely to be the case if your insurer thinks your car:

• Increases the risk of you getting into an accident
  
  
• Is hard or more costly to repair
  
  
• Is more tempting for thieves
  
  

Often this is because your car is:

Valuable: The more expensive the car, the more likely it is to be expensive to repair if involved in an accident.

Modified: Car modifications – whether gearbox alterations or alloy wheels – can make it more expensive to repair and potentially more attractive to thieves. Modifying the car to make it faster could also increase the risk of accidents.

Powerful: High-performance cars like sportscars for example are more desirable to thieves and potentially more likely to be involved in accidents. They can be more expensive to repair too.

Imported: Often insurers struggle to assess the risk of imported cars. Plus, if parts are difficult to find, repairs can be more expensive.

A kit car: Self-built vehicles often need specialist insurance, which can be more expensive.

Security: If your car has outdated security or anti-theft systems, it can be easier to steal. Insurers may view this as high risk.

 

Can I lower my risk level and premium?

While certain factors – like past convictions or points on your licence – are difficult to change, there are steps you can take to lower your overall risk level and reduce your premiums, such as:

• Being a safe driver: The longer you go without making a claim, the more chance to have of building up a no claims discount on your insurance.
  
  
• Take a Pass Plus advanced driving course: If you do this within two years of passing your test, some insurers (but not all) will reduce the cost of your car insurance premiums.
  
  
• Choose telematics (black box) insurance: You’ll either have a black box fitted in your car or use an app on your phone to track your driving. It will look at how you drive and send the data to your insurance provider. By proving you’re a safer driver, you may get lower premiums when it comes time to renew your policy.
  
  
• Change your car: Switching your car to one in a lower insurance group will help reduce the cost of your car insurance.
  
  
• Increase your voluntary excess: This is the amount you pay first when making a claim, with the insurer covering the rest. Opting for a higher voluntary excess should bring down the cost of your car insurance. Just make sure you put down a figure you can actually afford and are comfortable paying.
  
  
• Reduce your mileage: If you drive less, insurers view you as less likely to have an accident. Just remember, insurers expect you to give a valid estimate of your annual mileage and may ask for odometer readings to back it up. And if you do make a claim and have underestimated your mileage, it can void your insurance.
  
  

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