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...

Who really handles my claim, my agent or National General?

That’s a great question! Many companies (like National General) work with independent agents, which is convenient but can also be slightly confusing. Your independent agent is your main contact for getting your policy set up, making changes, and filing a claim. Once that claim is submitted, though,…
Oct 28, 2025 Springfield MO

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

It is illegal to pay for someone else's car insurance

While it is not illegal to pay for someone else's policy, you might run into issues if she's on your policy as well. Car insurance is regulated at the state level and priced at the zip code level. So, if she's on your car insurance policy but not living at your residence, you will probably run into…
Aug 13, 2024 Pinellas, FL

Can I insure vehicle I am driving in someone else's name?

There's a couple of things to think about here. First, your boyfriend's sister cannot and should not insure the vehicle simply because she does not drive it. Second, although you do not have a license, you should still get the vehicle insured as it is required by law in North Carolina. Thankfully, …
Aug 13, 2024 Clayton, NC