So, I made a pretty dumb mistake last year and ended up with a DUI here in Florida. Yeah, I know, totally my fault and I've learned my lesson big time. But man, I wasn't prepared for how much my car insurance would skyrocket afterward. My old company basically dropped me like a hot potato, and the new quotes I'm getting are just insane. Like, seriously, it's almost triple what I was paying before.
I tried shopping around online and even called a few local agents, but it seems like everyone sees that DUI and just jacks up the price immediately. One agent told me it'll stay this high for at least three years...ugh. I get it, I'm higher risk now, but still feels kinda brutal.
Has anyone else dealt with this in Florida? Did you find any companies that were at least somewhat reasonable or am I just stuck paying these crazy rates for the next few years?
Yeah, Florida can be pretty harsh with DUIs when it comes to insurance rates—trust me, you're definitely not alone in feeling the pinch. I've worked with a lot of folks who've been in your shoes, and unfortunately, those sky-high premiums are pretty standard for a while.
But here's the thing: not every company treats DUIs exactly the same. Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and might offer slightly better rates than the big-name companies. I'd suggest looking into smaller regional insurers or even non-standard carriers—they often have more flexible underwriting guidelines. Also, if you haven't already, consider taking a defensive driving course or DUI education program. It won't magically erase the DUI, but some insurers do give discounts for proactive steps like that.
And yeah, three years is about right...but hang in there. It does get better over time, especially if you keep your record clean from here on out. Just think of it as a pricey reminder to stay safe (and maybe call an Uber next time). 😉
