4 Common Reasons to Consider Non-Standard Auto Insurance

1. You’re A High-Risk Driver

Insurance companies prefer to minimize risk by insuring low-risk drivers. Low-risk drivers are people who have driven for a while and follow the rules of the road. For this reason, insurance companies assume low-risk drivers are less likely to get into or cause an accident than high-risk drivers.



Of course, that doesn’t mean an insurance company won’t insure a high-risk driver, but the high-risk driver will have a high premium. Therefore, many high-risk drivers do well with a non-standard insurance policy because they tend to have better rates. 

You may be considered a high-risk driver if you have a DUI, a recent accident, or recent speeding tickets/citations. However, in some cases, you can’t help being high-risk. For example, anyone who has just gotten their license is usually considered high-risk because they have less experience with defensive driving and driving in general.

2. You Lack a US Driving Record

Even if you’ve driven for years, a foreign driver’s license can pose a problem. If you’re visiting the US for an extended time, you may want to be able to drive yourself. To do so, you will need an international driving permit (IDP).



After obtaining your IDP, you still need to buy auto insurance, which can become expensive if you have a foreign license because the insurance carrier won’t be able to verify your driving history. Therefore, non-standard auto insurance may be the best choice.

If you extend your stay in the US, you can easily turn your IDP and foreign license into a US license without the need for a driving test. Once you have a US license, premiums for standard auto insurance lower.

3. You’ve Had a Lapse in Coverage

If you let your insurance policy lapse, you risk many consequences. If you are still paying off the car, the lender may repossess the vehicle after a lapse of coverage. You’ll also likely get a fine from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, and they may even suspend your license. When you do try to get another policy, expect potential higher rates.



Naturally, these risks make it important to get coverage again as soon as possible, but starting a new policy is expensive, making non-standard insurance policies a great choice after a lapse in coverage. As long as you spend a few years covered and following all the rules of the road, your rates should start to lower again.

4. You Have Bad Credit