Man, I knew my rates would go up after getting a DUI, but I didn't expect it to be this brutal. I'm in Florida, and it's been about six months since the incident. My previous insurance company dropped me like a hot potato, and the quotes I've been getting from others are just insane. I finally settled on one that's at least somewhat affordable, but still way higher than before. Feels like I'm paying for a luxury car when I'm driving a beat-up Civic, you know?
I'm curious if anyone else here has gone through something similar—did your rates eventually come down after a while, or am I stuck with these crazy premiums forever? Also, did you find any companies that were more forgiving or reasonable than others? Just trying to see if there's any hope of relief down the road...
Went through something similar a few years back—not DUI, but a reckless driving ticket. My rates shot up overnight, felt like robbery honestly. Took about two years before they started easing up again, but never fully went back to what they were. Switching companies helped a bit, some insurers definitely seem more forgiving than others. Hang in there, it does get better... eventually.
Did you shop around much after the ticket? Some insurers are definitely more lenient than others with DUIs or reckless driving. Usually smaller, regional companies offer better deals—worth checking out if you haven't already.
Yeah, smaller insurers can definitely surprise you sometimes. When my brother got hit with a reckless driving charge a few years back, he initially stuck with his big-name insurer and paid through the nose. Eventually, he checked out a local Florida company someone recommended and ended up saving quite a bit. Still wasn't cheap, mind you, but it was noticeably better. Worth giving those regional guys a shot—sometimes they're more forgiving than you'd expect.
Still wasn't cheap, mind you, but it was noticeably better.
Smaller insurers might help, but honestly, the biggest factor is time. My cousin had a DUI in Florida too, and it took about 3 years before his rates started noticeably dropping. Staying accident-free and ticket-free definitely helps speed things up though.
