I’m 26-year-old male and have been driving for 10 years with no accidents or claims. I drive a 2017 Chevy Equinox, and I’m paying $400 a month for car insurance. I’ve called around, and the prices are all about the same. I’ve had 3-4 tickets, but I still think $400 is way too much. I even paid less for insurance when I was 18. I’m starting to think about driving without insurance because I feel like insurance companies are just out to scam people. Does anyone have advice or know of any cheaper insurance options?
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You’ve had more tickets in just three years than I’ve had in thirty. Your risky driving habits show that an accident is likely just a matter of time, making you a very high-risk individual to insure. $400 might be the best rate you can get with your driving record, but it could be worth contacting an independent broker to see if anyone is willing to take the risk for less.
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How old are the tickets? If they’re all within the last three years, that’s a lot. You’d be seen as a high-risk driver, which would explain your premium.
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It’s all about the tickets. If you think insurance is a scam, you could try self-insuring; just make sure you live in a no-fault state.
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To put it more gently… Driving without insurance is one of the least wise decisions you can make. 
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I always get a kick out of people saying, “I’ve been driving for 10 years,” and then not being able to recall how many tickets they’ve racked up. 
Buddy, where do I even start? For one thing, there’s a reason insurance rates are higher for “new” male drivers. And clearly, those tickets didn’t teach you much about safe driving.
The takeaway? You have some control over your rates, so take responsibility and own it.
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If you think insurance is a scam, consider self-insuring. However, with 4 tickets in 3 years, statistics show you’re at a higher risk of an accident. Slow down before you get hurt.
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Take a close look at your insurance policy. Sometimes, they charge for extras you might not need, like a fee for a 10-mile roadside assistance to change a tire. If you’re a student with good grades, ask about a good student discount, and consider taking a defensive driving course to lower your rates. You can also raise your deductible, which means you’ll pay less in premiums now but more out-of-pocket if you need to make a claim. With 10 years of driving experience, you shouldn’t still be considered a new driver. While insurance can feel unfair; your premium might increase even if a claim wasn’t your fault; it’s important to review your vehicle’s impact on your rates, as some cars are more expensive to insure than others. You might also consider working with a local broker to find the best rates.
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If you believe insurance is a “scam,” you might consider self-insuring.
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Thank you for the advice; I’ll definitely look into it.
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Which state makes a big difference?
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Three to four tickets is quite a lot. We pay $180 a month for three cars and have had only one ticket between us in 32 years of driving. I know someone who pays over $500 a month for one car, but he’s also totaled several vehicles.
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Your state and zip code significantly influence your insurance rate. For example, I’m 33, have received several speeding tickets recently, and my rate is $503 per month for an Audi in Los Angeles, California.
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Wow. We pay $180 for three cars, haha .
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Did you try progressive?
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Yes, that’s the one I’m using right now.
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What’s the liability coverage?
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Please don’t tell me you’re suggesting he lower his liability limits. The best approach would be to increase his deductible instead. He just needs to be prepared to cover out-of-pocket expenses for any damage to his car.