High Risk Car Insurance (UK)

"High risk" car insurance is a term insurers use to describe drivers or situations they believe carry a higher likelihood of a claim. It does not mean insurance is unavailable — but it can affect pricing and provider options.

Reviewed by MySupermarketCompare Editorial Team

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What you'll need to start a quote

  • Vehicle details (registration or make/model)
  • UK postcode
  • Approx annual mileage
  • Licence history and convictions (if any)

What does "high risk" car insurance mean?

Insurers assess using a wide range of factors. You may be classed as higher risk due to one or more of the following:

  • driving convictions or penalty points (including TT99 totting-up endorsements)
  • previous claims
  • limited driving history
  • gaps in insurance cover
  • vehicle type or usage
  • postcode or parking location

"High risk" is an internal insurer classification and can vary between providers.

Who this page is for

This page is for UK drivers who:

  • have been quoted higher premiums than expected
  • have convictions or points on your licence
  • have struggled to find standard cover
  • want to understand how insurers assess risk

Comparing car insurance quotes can help show which providers are willing to offer cover based on your details. If you have specific convictions, see our convicted drivers guide.

What affects high risk insurance quotes?

Quotes can vary depending on:

  • type and age of convictions
  • number of points on your licence
  • time since last claim or offence
  • car insurance group and repair costs
  • how you use the vehicle
  • where the car is kept overnight
  • annual mileage
  • cover level and excess

Different insurers assess risk differently, which is why prices can vary significantly.

Practical tips when comparing high risk options

  • Be accurate with all details — incorrect information can invalidate cover
  • Compare multiple providers, not just one quote
  • Review the full policy terms, not only the premium
  • Check excess amounts carefully
  • Avoid gaps in cover where possible

FAQs: High risk car insurance (UK)

Does high risk mean I can't get insured?
No. It means insurers may assess your application differently. Availability depends on your details.
Will my insurance always be expensive?
Not necessarily. Costs can reduce over time as convictions expire or claims age.
Do all insurers treat risk the same?
No. Each insurer uses its own criteria, which is why comparison can help.
Can I reduce my risk classification?
In some cases, risk reduces naturally over time as your driving record improves.
Does the type of car matter?
Yes. Cars in higher insurance groups may increase risk and cost.
Is paying monthly available?
Sometimes, depending on the provider and payment structure.

Ready to compare high risk car insurance options?

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How we created this page (transparency)

This page was created to explain how insurers define high risk and what to consider when comparing car insurance options. It is reviewed and updated to remain accurate and useful.

Important information

MySupermarketCompare is an insurance comparison website. We introduce customers to our quote partner to help them compare insurance options. Information on this page is general and is not financial advice.

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