What Acceptance Insurance Is

Acceptance insurance is a type of auto insurance sold to drivers who have had accidents, traffic violations, or lapses in coverage — people whom standard insurers often reject or charge very high rates. Acceptance Insurance is a specific company that operates in multiple states and specializes in this market. They underwrite policies for drivers with poor driving records, no prior insurance history, or suspended licenses in some cases.

The trade-off is straightforward: you pay more per month than a driver with a clean record would, but you get coverage that meets your state's legal requirements and protects you if you cause an accident. Acceptance Insurance is not a government program or a last resort of absolute final option — it is one private company among several that serve high-risk drivers. Other insurers like SR-22 specialists, state-assigned risk pools, and regional carriers also write policies for this group.

Key Takeaways

  • Acceptance Insurance covers drivers with accidents, violations, or coverage gaps by charging higher premiums than standard insurers.
  • You must have a valid driver's license (or be working toward one) and own or have regular access to a vehicle to get a policy.
  • Rates depend on your driving history, the type and severity of violations, your age, location, and the coverage limits you choose.
  • Most states require you to carry liability coverage at minimum; Acceptance Insurance offers liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist options.
  • If you need an SR-22 form (proof of insurance for court or DMV), Acceptance Insurance can file it directly with your state.

Who Can Get Acceptance Insurance

Acceptance Insurance will write a policy for you if you have a valid driver's license and own or regularly drive a vehicle. You do not need a perfect driving record — in fact, the company exists because your record is not perfect. Drivers with DUIs, multiple accidents, speeding tickets, or years without insurance can all get coverage.

The main requirement is that you are legally allowed to drive in your state. If your license is suspended, you cannot get a policy until the suspension is lifted, though you can contact the company to ask about your specific situation. If you are a new driver with no history at all, Acceptance Insurance may still insure you, though rates will reflect the uncertainty of insuring someone with no track record.

You will need to provide your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and details about any accidents or violations from the past three to five years. The company will pull your driving record from your state's DMV and use that to calculate your rate.

How Rates Are Set and What You Pay

Acceptance Insurance quotes are based on several factors: your age, driving history, the vehicle you drive, the coverage limits you choose, and your location. A 25-year-old with one speeding ticket will pay less than a 35-year-old with a DUI and two accidents, even if both are in the same state. The severity of violations matters — a reckless driving charge costs more than a parking ticket.

The type of vehicle affects your rate too. A new sedan costs more to insure than a ten-year-old truck because repairs are more expensive. Your location matters because some areas have higher accident rates or more theft. A driver in a rural county will typically pay less than one in a major city.

You choose your coverage limits when you get a quote. Liability coverage (which pays for damage you cause to someone else's car or property) is required by law in every state, but the minimum amount varies — it might be $25,000 per person in one state and $50,000 in another. Collision and comprehensive coverage (which pay for damage to your own car) are optional but required by lenders if you have a loan or lease. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if someone without insurance hits you.

Monthly premiums for high-risk drivers typically range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on all these factors. You can lower your rate by choosing higher deductibles (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in), bundling with other policies, or taking a defensive driving course, though discounts vary by state.

The process and Approval Process

You can get a quote from Acceptance Insurance online, by phone, or in person at an agent's office. You will need your driver's license, vehicle VIN, and information about your driving history. The company will ask about any accidents or violations in the past three to five years — be honest, because they will verify everything with your state's DMV.

Once you provide this information, Acceptance Insurance will generate a quote within minutes to a few hours. If you agree to the rate, you can purchase the policy when ready. Most policies start the same day or the next day, depending on when you complete payment. You will receive a proof of insurance document (sometimes called a declarations page) right away, which you can show to a police officer or your lender.

If you need an SR-22 form — a certificate of financial responsibility required by courts or your state DMV after a DUI, suspended license, or uninsured accident — Acceptance Insurance can file it directly with your state. There is usually a small fee for this service, and the form is filed within one to three business days.

What Acceptance Insurance Covers

Acceptance Insurance offers the same types of coverage as any other auto insurer. Liability coverage pays for medical bills and property damage if you cause an accident. Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car if you hit another vehicle or object. Comprehensive coverage covers theft, weather, vandalism, and other non-collision damage.

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if someone without insurance hits you and causes damage. Underinsured motorist coverage helps if the other driver's insurance does not cover all your costs. You can also add roadside information, rental car reimbursement, and other optional add-ons depending on your state and the specific policy.

What Acceptance Insurance does not cover: intentional damage, wear and tear, maintenance, damage from racing or illegal activity, or damage to someone else's property that is not part of an accident. If you cause an accident while driving drunk or without a valid license, the company may deny your claim.

When You Might Need SR-22 Filing

An SR-22 is a form your state's DMV or a court requires as proof that you have insurance. You typically need one after a DUI conviction, a suspended license for uninsured driving, multiple traffic violations in a short time, or an at-fault accident without insurance. The SR-22 is not insurance itself — it is a certificate that your insurance company files to prove you meet your state's coverage requirements.

Acceptance Insurance can file the SR-22 for you when you purchase a policy. The company sends it directly to your state's DMV or the court that ordered it. You usually do not need to do anything except provide the case number or court information. The SR-22 stays on file for three to five years, depending on your state and the reason it was required. If your policy lapses during that time, the insurance company must notify the state, which can result in license suspension again.

How Acceptance Insurance Compares to Other Options

Acceptance Insurance is one company, but it is not your only option if you have a poor driving record. State-assigned risk pools (also called FAIR plans) are run by your state and insure drivers that no private company will take. Rates are often higher than Acceptance Insurance, but you are may provide coverage. Regional insurers like Bristol West, Safe Auto, or Direct General also specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer lower rates in your state.

If you need an SR-22, some insurers charge extra for filing; Acceptance Insurance includes it at no additional charge in most states. If you have a suspended license, some companies will not insure you at all, while others will. Shop around by getting quotes from at least two or three companies before you decide. Rates and willingness to insure high-risk drivers vary significantly by state and by individual company.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a policy from Acceptance Insurance?

You can purchase a policy and receive proof of insurance the same day you explore, either online or by phone. The policy typically becomes active within 24 hours. If you need an SR-22 filed, the company sends it to your state within one to three business days.

Can I cancel my Acceptance Insurance policy early?

Yes, you can cancel at any time, though some policies have a short cancellation fee if you cancel within the first 30 or 60 days. Contact the company to cancel; do not just stop paying, because that will result in a lapse in coverage and may trigger license suspension.

Will my rate go down over time?

Yes, if you maintain a clean driving record. After three to five years without accidents or violations, you may become may be able to access for standard insurance at a lower rate. Some insurers offer rate reductions after one or two years of clean driving. Ask Acceptance Insurance about their renewal process and whether your rate will improve.

What happens if I get another ticket while insured with Acceptance Insurance?

Your rate will increase at your next renewal, and the new violation will stay on your driving record for three to seven years depending on your state. You will not lose your policy when ready, but the cost will go up. If you accumulate too many violations, the company may choose not to renew you.

Do I need to have a vehicle registered in my name to get a policy?

No. You can get a policy on a vehicle you own, lease, or regularly drive (such as a family member's car). You will need the VIN and the vehicle's registration information, but the car does not have to be registered to you.