If you have a recent accident, traffic violations, a lapse in coverage, limited insurance history, or another factor affecting your eligibility, you may come across a different group of auto insurance companies than drivers in the preferred market.
These companies are often described as non-standard auto insurance companies because they serve drivers who may not fit the underwriting guidelines of traditional or preferred insurance programs.
Some, including Save Money Car Insurance, The General, GAINSCO, and AssuranceAmerica, have a strong focus on the non-standard market. Others serve a wider range of drivers. Oklahoma drivers may also find coverage through local agencies such as Save Money Car Insurance, which has a non-standard insurance option available for qualifying customers.
Here’s what to know about non-standard auto insurance, 10 names you may come across, and what to compare before choosing a policy.
What Is Non-Standard Auto Insurance?
Non-standard auto insurance is coverage for drivers who may be considered a higher underwriting risk or who do not meet the requirements of a preferred insurance program.
The insurance itself is not necessarily a different type of policy. A non-standard policy can still include familiar coverages such as liability, comprehensive, and collision when those coverages are available.
The main difference is how the insurance company evaluates the driver.
Dairyland, for example, explains that driving history, coverage gaps, age, vehicle type, and other factors can affect whether someone falls into the non-standard market.
Common reasons a driver may need a non-standard option include:
- Recent accidents
- Multiple traffic violations
- A lapse in prior insurance
- No prior insurance
- Limited driving or insurance history
- A suspended or inactive license
- Certain identification or licensing situations
- Other underwriting factors considered by the insurer
Non-standard auto insurance can be useful for drivers whose circumstances fall outside traditional underwriting guidelines. Because non-standard auto insurance companies may evaluate driving history, prior coverage, licensing, and other factors differently, the options available can vary from one driver to another.
10 Non-Standard Auto Insurance Companies and Providers to Know
The non-standard market includes large national brands, specialty insurers, regional companies, and insurance agencies that help drivers access policies designed for more complicated situations.
| Company | What to Know |
| Save Money Car Insurance | Oklahoma agency with a non-standard option for qualifying drivers |
| Dairyland | Specializes in non-standard and higher-risk auto insurance |
| The General | Focuses heavily on drivers with less-than-perfect records or insurance histories |
| Direct Auto | Offers non-standard auto insurance in Oklahoma |
| Kemper Auto | Offers options for several licensing and identification situations |
| Bristol West | Serves drivers with lapses, violations, accidents, and limited prior insurance |
| GAINSCO | Specializes in non-standard personal auto insurance |
| AssuranceAmerica | Non-standard carrier currently operating in Oklahoma |
| National General | Serves a broad range of drivers, including those with tickets |
| Falcon Insurance | Serves Oklahoma and drivers with less-than-perfect records |
1. Save Money Car Insurance
Based in Oklahoma, Save Money Car Insurance helps drivers find personal auto coverage through its local offices and online quote process. Along with its standard auto insurance options, the agency has a non-standard option available for qualifying drivers and also offers non-owner auto insurance.
2. Dairyland
Dairyland has been part of the specialty auto insurance market for decades, with a strong presence in non-standard coverage. Its auto policies can include liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, and additional options depending on the state and policy.
3. The General
The General is one of the more recognizable brands in the non-standard auto insurance space. Its policies are available to drivers with a wide range of insurance and driving histories, with coverage options that can extend from basic liability to comprehensive and collision coverage.
4. Direct Auto
Oklahoma is one of the states where Direct Auto currently offers auto insurance. The company writes both standard and non-standard policies, with available coverage that can include liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist coverage, roadside assistance, and other optional protections.
5. Kemper Auto
Kemper’s personal auto programs cover more than just traditional liability and physical-damage protection. Depending on the state and program, the company may also accommodate certain alternative licensing or identification situations, including foreign or international licenses and other accepted forms of ID.
6. Bristol West
Bristol West, part of the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, focuses heavily on personal auto insurance. Its policies may include liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, and other optional features, with availability varying by state.
7. GAINSCO
GAINSCO takes a more specialized approach, concentrating on non-standard personal auto insurance and minimum-limit policies. The company operates in Oklahoma and distributes coverage through insurance agents, State Farm agents, and direct channels.
8. AssuranceAmerica
Rather than relying primarily on direct-to-consumer sales, AssuranceAmerica distributes much of its auto insurance through independent agents. The company focuses on non-standard personal auto coverage and currently includes Oklahoma among the states where its products are available.
9. National General
National General operates across a broader portion of the auto insurance market than some of the specialty companies on this list. The Allstate-owned company offers personal auto coverage through agents and other channels, with options that may include liability, comprehensive, collision, roadside assistance, and additional coverages.
10. Falcon Insurance
Falcon Insurance is a regional auto insurer serving Oklahoma and several other states. Its personal auto programs include liability and other coverage options, along with multiple policy-term and payment arrangements depending on the policy.
Standard vs. Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Standard and non-standard insurance can provide many of the same types of coverage. The biggest difference is generally the driver or risk profile the insurer is willing to accept.
| Feature | Standard Auto Insurance | Non-Standard Auto Insurance |
| Typical driver | Meets standard underwriting guidelines | May fall outside standard underwriting guidelines |
| Driving history | Often fewer recent violations or accidents | May include recent accidents or violations |
| Prior insurance | Continuous history may help | May accommodate lapses or no prior coverage |
| Licensing situations | Traditional license requirements are common | Some insurers accept additional licensing or ID situations |
| Liability coverage | Available | Available |
| Comprehensive and collision | May be available | May be available depending on the policy |
| Price | Depends on individual rating factors | May be higher depending on the risk being insured |
| Availability | Broad | Depends heavily on the insurer and driver’s situation |
The exact dividing line between standard and non-standard varies because insurance companies do not all use the same underwriting rules.
Why One Non-Standard Company May Work When Another Doesn’t
Consider two Oklahoma drivers shopping for car insurance.
The first has maintained continuous insurance but received several recent tickets.
The second has a clean driving record but sold a vehicle last year and has not carried auto insurance since.
Both may have difficulty qualifying for the same preferred insurance programs, but for completely different reasons.
One company may be more comfortable with the first driver’s violation history. Another may have underwriting guidelines that work better for someone returning after a lapse in coverage.
Other information can also affect the quote, including:
- Age
- Driving record
- Prior insurance
- Vehicle
- Location
- Coverage selections
- Household drivers
- Licensing status
- Other underwriting and rating factors
This is why recognizing an insurance company name is only part of the shopping process.
What Should You Compare When Choosing Non-Standard Auto Insurance?
Non-standard auto insurance can give drivers access to coverage when traditional insurance options may be more limited. When comparing policies, focus on the features that best fit your vehicle, budget, and day-to-day needs.
Coverage Options
Start by looking at the coverage available with each policy.
Oklahoma drivers shopping for liability insurance should review the bodily injury and property damage limits included. If the vehicle is financed, comprehensive and collision coverage may also be required by the lender.
The goal is to choose a policy that gives you the protection you need without adding coverage that does not fit your situation.
Getting the Policy Started
Look at how much is needed to begin coverage.
Some non-standard insurers offer payment structures designed to make starting a policy more manageable, so it can be helpful to compare both the initial payment and the overall premium.
Payment Flexibility
Payment options can be an important part of choosing a policy.
Some companies offer monthly plans, while others may provide additional payment schedules. Save Money Car Insurance, for example, may have monthly or bi-weekly payment options depending on the available policy.
Choosing a payment schedule that works with your budget can make the policy easier to maintain over time.
Deductible Options
If your policy includes comprehensive or collision coverage, review the deductible choices available.
A higher deductible can sometimes lower the premium, while a lower deductible may reduce what you pay out of pocket after a covered loss. The right choice depends on what feels manageable for you.
Discounts
Non-standard insurance does not necessarily mean missing out on discounts.
Depending on the insurer and policy, drivers may still qualify for savings based on factors such as prior insurance, payment preferences, multiple vehicles, defensive driving, or other available programs.
Ask which discounts apply to your policy so you can compare the full value of each option.
Policy Service and Convenience
A good insurance policy should also be easy to manage once it is active.
Consider whether you can:
- Make payments easily
- Access insurance ID cards
- Update policy information
- Add or replace a vehicle
- Change an address
- Get help with billing questions
- Report a claim when needed
Convenient service and flexible policy management can make a meaningful difference throughout the life of the policy.
Does Company Size Matter When Choosing Non-Standard Auto Insurance?
Both national and regional insurance companies can offer strong options for non-standard drivers.
Larger companies may provide broad availability, established digital tools, and a wide range of coverage options. Smaller or regional insurers may offer programs designed around specific markets or driving situations.
What matters most is how well the policy fits your needs.
When comparing companies, look at the coverage available, payment options, service, eligibility, and overall cost. The best fit may come from a familiar national brand or from a company you had not considered before.
Focusing on the policy itself can make it easier to find coverage that works for your situation.
Can Your Insurance Options Change Over Time?
Yes. Your insurance options can change as your driving and insurance history develops.
Tickets and accidents become older, drivers build longer periods of continuous coverage, and someone with limited insurance history can establish more experience over time.
Those changes may open the door to additional insurance programs, but there is nothing inherently wrong with staying with a non-standard policy if it continues to fit your needs.
The most important thing is to maintain coverage, keep your policy up to date, and review your options periodically so you know what is available to you.
Finding Non-Standard Auto Insurance in Oklahoma
Non-standard auto insurance gives Oklahoma drivers another path to finding coverage when their situation does not fit a traditional insurance program.
The right option can depend on factors such as driving history, prior insurance, licensing circumstances, the vehicle being insured, and the type of coverage needed.
Rather than trying to determine which insurance category you belong in, start with your current situation and the coverage you want. From there, you can review the policies, payment options, and features available to you.
Cheapest Auto Insurance offers non-standard auto insurance for qualifying Oklahoma drivers. Our team can explain the coverage, payment schedule, and policy details so you know what to expect before getting started.
Start your auto insurance quote to see if non-standard coverage fits your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a non-standard auto insurance company?
A non-standard auto insurance company provides coverage for drivers whose insurance needs may fall outside a traditional or preferred program. This can include people with recent violations, gaps in prior coverage, limited insurance history, licensing circumstances, or other underwriting factors.
What coverage is available with non-standard auto insurance?
Non-standard policies can include many of the same coverages found in other auto insurance policies, including liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist coverage, and additional options depending on the insurer and policy.
The main difference is usually how the company evaluates the driver and determines eligibility.
Is non-standard auto insurance only for drivers with accidents or tickets?
No. Driving history is only one reason someone may use non-standard auto insurance.
Prior insurance, licensing circumstances, limited insurance history, vehicle information, and other underwriting factors can also affect which insurance program is available.
Is non-standard auto insurance always more expensive?
Not always.
Auto insurance premiums depend on many factors, including driving history, prior insurance, vehicle, location, coverage selections, and the insurer’s rating guidelines.
The best approach is to look at the full policy, including the coverage, payment schedule, and overall cost.
Can my auto insurance options change over time?
Yes. Insurance options can change as your driving and insurance history develops.
Older accidents or violations, a longer period of continuous coverage, and other changes may make additional insurance programs available in the future. If your current non-standard policy continues to meet your needs, it can also remain a suitable option.
Does Cheapest Auto Insurance offer non-standard auto insurance?
Yes. Cheapest Auto Insurance offers non-standard auto insurance for qualifying Oklahoma drivers.
Our team can explain the coverage, payment schedule, and policy details so you know what to expect before starting your policy.