Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

My record’s clean now but I still got a high rate with Dairyland

I had a rough driving patch a few years ago (tickets, one accident) but it’s been clean for 3 years now. I found Dairyland offering me insurance but my rate is way higher than some other quotes. Is that just the price for being “risk labeled,” or is there something I can do?

Mar 18, 2026 Madison, WI

Answer
Author profile picture
Beth Swanson
Insurance Analyst

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • Associate in Insurance (AINS)
  • Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
  • Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)

Dairyland focuses mainly on high-risk insurance, which means they’re great if you’ve had recent tickets, a lapse, or a suspension. But if your record has been clean for a few years, you may have outgrown what they specialize in.

Even after three years of clean driving, carriers like Dairyland sometimes keep you in a higher-risk category until your oldest violations drop completely off your record or you build a longer streak of continuous coverage. They’re designed to help you get insured quickly when others say no, not necessarily to reward long-term clean driving.

Here’s what you can do:
Ask your agent to re-rate your policy: sometimes they can resubmit you as a “preferred” driver.
Shop quotes from standard carriers like Progressive, Travelers, or Nationwide; they tend to offer lower renewal rates once you’ve been claim-free for a few years.
Keep your coverage consistent: even a short lapse can restart your “high-risk” status.

If you’ve already rebuilt your record, you might save by switching to a company that specializes in clean or mid-risk drivers. The Zebra’s agents can help you compare rates to see if it’s time to graduate from a high-risk policy.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

What should I do with my insurance if my car is repossessed?

Since you no longer have possession of the vehicle then technically you could cancel your policy. It's important to keep in mind, though, that if you have been continuously insured for 6 months or more you will lose a discount if your policy cancels. If you were not planning on getting another vehi…
Jul 28, 2021 Nashville, GA

Do I need to unfreeze my credit to get a quote?

You should be able to get preliminary rates with your credit still frozen. However, in order to run all of the reports (credit, claims history, violation history, etc.) and finalize your auto insurance rates, many carriers will require a credit check which would require you to unfreeze your credit.…
Oct 16, 2025 Atlanta, GA

Safety’s quote is way cheaper, so am I missing something?

Safety Insurance often gives great rates, especially for drivers in Massachusetts, Maine, or New Hampshire. They’re not a scam; they’re actually a well-established regional company that’s been around since the 1970s. The reason their prices seem low is that Safety focuses mainly on lower-risk local…
Mar 26, 2026 Lynn, MA

Does Root track me 24/7 and drain my battery?

Root does use your phone’s GPS and motion sensors, but it isn’t tracking you 24/7 the way people think. The app only records driving data when it detects a trip. If you’re walking your dog or riding a bus, it shouldn’t count that as driving (though it occasionally mislabels trips, which you can cor…
Mar 26, 2026 Athens, GA