You've finally got the vintage 1985 Lamborghini Countach you always dreamed about. You've restored the interior, repainted it, and had the engine finely tuned, and now you're ready to take it on the road. But wait - your insurance company is classifying you as a high risk driver? Why is that?

While the most common reasons for drivers having to resort to high risk insurance has to do with driving records - DUI convictions, recurring tickets, sr22 filings, or serious accidents, there are other factors that can make you "high risk." Age is one - young, inexperienced drivers are extremely risky bets behind the wheel - but your tricked out Trans-Am or ultra-cool Camaro, as well as many other sports cars, can change your status even if your driving record is perfect.

What is High Risk Insurance?

A more accurate description of high risk auto insurance policies might be "non-standard insurance." It's insurance designed for drivers who are statistically more likely to file a claim, or who have filed claims in the past, and it exists to protect you and the other drivers on the road.

You see, while individual insurance agencies can refuse to sell insurance to a high risk driver based on their underwriting guidelines, the industry as a whole is legally bound to make some kind of auto insurance available to all drivers. High risk insurance is offered both by independent insurance companies who specialize in non-standard policies, and by risk pools - organizations of different insurance companies, usually on a state-by-state basis, that agree to write policies for those whose driving records, age, or choice of vehicle knock them out of the usual guidelines.

Does High Risk Insurance Cost More?

As with any insurance, more risk = higher premiums. High risk insurance will cost you more than a conventional policy, but there are still ways you can lower those payments, like keeping your driving record clean, signing up for automatic electronic payments, and, when possible, bundling your auto insurance with your home or life insurance policies.

Also important is to maintain a good credit rating, because poor credit can also send you into high risk territory. Making payments on time is just as important as safe driving, when it comes to the size of your insurance premium.

As well, if there are other drivers on your policy, their driving records need to stay clean. This means if your spouse or children drive your car, or have their own, but the policies are bundled, their records can affect your rates.

When you are shopping for auto insurance - high risk or not - there are two things two remember. First, always comparison shop. Having options are good, and you will find that coverage and rates vary among different insurance companies. Second, remember that being classified as a high risk driver is a judgment only of your driving and credit records, not your worth as a human being.