Gunars Mansons, an agent with American Ins. Co., who also serves on the board of the Florida Specialty Agents, said he's seen more new companies that write high-risk drivers enter the market in the last two years than in the previous five years. These so-called non-standard companies specialize in drivers with a troubled driving record that range from a high number of accidents or traffic violations involving reckless driving or even driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance. And even though individuals can expect to pay more with a troubled driving record, the rates in the private market are still often half of those charged in the Florida Auto Joint Underwriting Association.

Boris Brooke, an insurance agent in West Palm Beach, said he can always find a company willing to write a driver with a bad history. He said he knows there are some drivers with poor records who go without insurance. However, he said, he believes most people are trying to do the right thing by complying with the law, and the non-standard market is a valuable way to accomplish that goal. “The rates are not as good as for a safe driver, but there is little need to go to the JUA,” he said.

AIG Insurance and Progressive are among Brooke's most popular carriers for non-standard policies. Some of the other leading non-standard companies include Seminole Casualty, Ocean Harbor Insurance, and United Insurance Co. Much of the business is in South Florida, Orlando, and Tampa, where auto insurance rates tend to be the highest.