What Is Considered a High Risk Driver?

Insurance companies classify drivers into different risk categories based on the likelihood that they may file a claim in the future. Drivers who are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents, receive traffic violations, or file insurance claims are often labeled as “high risk drivers.”

In Oklahoma and across the country, being considered a high risk driver can affect insurance eligibility, premiums, and coverage options. However, many drivers are surprised to learn what actually causes them to fall into this category.

So, what is considered a high risk driver?

A high risk driver is someone insurance companies believe is more likely to file a claim due to violations, accidents, DUI convictions, poor credit, lapses in insurance coverage, or limited driving experience.

What Does “High Risk Driver” Mean?

A high risk driver is someone insurance companies believe is more likely than the average driver to file a claim or be involved in an accident.

This classification is based on patterns and historical data collected by insurance companies over time. Drivers who present a greater financial risk to insurers are usually placed into higher-risk categories.

Being considered high risk does not necessarily mean someone is a bad driver. In some situations, drivers may be classified as high risk simply because they are inexperienced or have limited insurance history.

DUI or DWI Convictions

One of the most common reasons drivers are considered high risk is a DUI or DWI conviction. Driving under the influence is viewed as a major risk factor because it significantly increases the likelihood of serious accidents and insurance claims.

In Oklahoma, DUI-related violations may affect insurance status for years.

At-Fault Accidents

Drivers who have caused accidents are often viewed as more likely to cause future accidents.

Insurance companies typically review accident history from the previous three to five years when evaluating driver risk.

Poor Credit History

In Oklahoma, many insurers use credit-based insurance scores when evaluating driver risk.

Studies have shown a correlation between lower credit scores and increased claim activity, which is why drivers with poor credit may sometimes be considered higher risk.

SR-22 Requirements

Drivers required to carry an SR-22 filing are usually considered high risk.

An SR-22 is a form filed with the state proving a driver carries the required insurance coverage after certain violations, such as:

• DUI convictions
• Driving without insurance
• Serious traffic offenses

Can Insurance Underwriting Denials Mean You’re Considered High Risk?

In some cases, drivers only discover they may be considered high risk after their insurance application is denied during underwriting.

Insurance underwriting, often called “UW,” is the process insurance companies use to review and evaluate a driver’s risk profile before approving coverage. During this process, insurers review factors such as:

• Driving history
• Accident records
• DUI convictions
• Insurance lapses
• Claims history
• Credit-based insurance scores
• SR-22 requirements

If underwriting determines a driver falls outside the company’s acceptable risk guidelines, the application may be declined.

Many drivers in Broken Arrow and throughout Oklahoma are surprised when this happens because they may not realize they fall into a high risk category. In many situations, the denial is not because the driver is uninsurable — it simply means the insurance company considers the risk level higher than what their standard policies allow.

Different insurance companies have different underwriting standards, which is why one company may decline an application while another company may still offer coverage.

How Long Is Someone Considered a High Risk Driver?

High risk status is not permanent in most cases.

The amount of time a driver remains classified as high risk depends on the violation or issue involved.

In general:

• Speeding tickets may affect insurance for three to five years
• At-fault accidents often remain on insurance records for several years
• DUI convictions may impact insurance much longer
• SR-22 requirements usually last for a state-mandated period

Insurance companies periodically reevaluate driver history and risk levels over time.

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Final Thoughts

A high risk driver is someone insurance companies believe has a greater likelihood of filing claims or being involved in accidents based on factors like driving history, violations, accidents, insurance lapses, or limited experience.

Common reasons drivers are considered high risk include DUI convictions, multiple speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, poor credit history, and SR-22 requirements.

In some situations, drivers may not realize they fall into a high risk category until their application is denied during underwriting. While this can be frustrating, it often simply means the insurance company’s underwriting guidelines classify the driver as outside their preferred risk range.

Although high risk status can affect insurance options, it is usually not permanent. Maintaining a clean driving record and avoiding future violations can help improve a driver’s risk profile over time.

What qualifies someone as a high risk driver?

Drivers are typically considered high risk if they have DUI convictions, multiple traffic violations, at-fault accidents, poor credit, insurance lapses, or limited driving experience.

Can someone be considered high risk without a DUI?

Yes. Drivers may still be considered high risk due to accidents, speeding tickets, poor credit, insurance lapses, or limited driving experience.

Are young drivers automatically considered high risk?

Many insurance companies classify teen and newly licensed drivers as high risk because inexperienced drivers statistically file more claims.