What You Need to Know About High-Risk Car Insurance

Q: How long will I be considered high-risk?

Usually between 3 and 5 years, depending on your driving record. DUIs may take longer to drop off.

Q: Is high-risk insurance really that much more expensive?

Yes, it often costs significantly more, especially in Los Angeles, but every insurer calculates risk differently.

Q: Do all high-risk drivers need an SR-22?

Not always. It depends on why you’re considered high-risk. DUIs usually require it.

Q: Can I switch companies if I’m labeled high-risk?

Yes, and you should. Some insurers offer more affordable policies for high-risk drivers.

Q: Will my rates ever go back down?

Absolutely. With time, safe driving, and no claims, your premiums can drop.

Q: Does e360 specialize in high-risk car insurance Los Angeles?

Yes, e360 Insurance Services helps Los Angeles drivers find affordable, reliable policies, no matter their driving history.

By Infinite | September 4, 2025

Driving in Los Angeles is not for the faint of heart. Between bumper-to-bumper traffic on the 405, creative lane changes in Hollywood, and parking that costs more than lunch, the LA driving scene is already a challenge.

Now, if you’ve had a few hiccups on your driving record, maybe an accident, a ticket (or three), or a DUI, you might find yourself labeled as a “high-risk driver.”

And that’s when things get tricky with insurance. If you’re shopping for car insurance in Los Angeles and you’re considered high-risk, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed. It just means you need to understand your options and probably get a little extra help navigating them.

What Does “High-Risk” Car Insurance Even Mean?

Insurance companies don’t use the word “high-risk” lightly. It simply means they believe you’re more likely than the average driver to file a claim. Common reasons drivers get placed in this category include:

Multiple speeding tickets or accidents in a short time.
A DUI or reckless driving conviction.
Having no driving history (brand-new drivers are risky too).
A lapse in coverage (even a small one can raise eyebrows).
Driving a car that’s expensive or difficult to insure.

In other words, if your driving history has raised red flags, insurers may decide you’re not as “safe” to cover. But here’s the good news: high-risk doesn’t last forever.

How High-Risk Car Insurance Los Angeles

Since California law requires every driver to carry liability insurance, even high-risk drivers must be insured. But in Los Angeles, where traffic collisions are more common than coffee shops (okay, almost), high-risk coverage usually comes with:

Higher premiums than standard coverage.
Fewer coverage options depending on the insurer.
Possible requirement of an SR-22, which is basically proof that you’re financially responsible.

The combination of LA’s traffic, accident rates, and population density means rates are already higher than the national average. If you’re high-risk, those rates may feel like LA rent prices, painful, but necessary.

How to Lower Your High-Risk Insurance Costs

The good news? You’re not stuck at high premiums forever. With a little patience and some smart moves, you can start lowering your rates. Here are a few strategies:

Strategy	Why It Helps
Take a defensive driving course	Signals to insurers that you’re serious about safer driving.
Shop around	Not all companies treat high-risk drivers the same; some actually specialize in it.
Maintain continuous coverage	Lapses only make things worse, so keep that policy active.
Drive like a saint	Every ticket-free, accident-free year works in your favor.
Bundle policies	Pairing car coverage with home or renters’ insurance can unlock discounts.

Why Work With e360 Insurance Services

Here’s the thing: trying to figure out high-risk insurance on your own can feel like trying to parallel park in downtown LA during rush hour: stressful and nearly impossible. That’s where we come in.

At e360 Insurance Services, we know the ins and outs of high-risk policies in California. We:

Work with multiple carriers to shop around for better rates.
Explain your options in plain English (no confusing “insurance-ese”).
Help with SR-22 filings if you need one.
Create a plan to help you transition back to standard coverage as your record improves.

We’re here to make the process less painful and more doable, so you can focus on driving safely.

Book a consultation today.

Final Word

Being considered a high-risk driver doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck there forever. With the right coverage and some safer habits, you can absolutely work your way back to lower, more reasonable rates. In the meantime, you still need solid car insurance in Los Angeles to keep you legal and protected, and we’re here to help make that happen.