I’ve noticed the same thing—some insurers just seem to care more about your recent driving than your old record, especially if you’re using their telematics app. I’m not convinced it’s all luck, though. My experience has been that certain companies have algorithms that weigh recent behavior more heavily, while others just see “high-risk” and slap on a premium no matter what you do.
I’m curious if anyone’s actually seen a big difference between national carriers and local Hawaii-based ones when it comes to forgiving past tickets or accidents. I’ve only dealt with the big names, and honestly, they weren’t exactly eager to cut me a break even after a year of spotless driving. Maybe the smaller outfits are more flexible? Or is it just a matter of which telematics program you end up with? I’d love to hear if anyone’s had luck with the local companies, especially since classic cars can be a whole different animal when it comes to insurance...
Here’s what I’ve run into after a couple years of shopping around as someone with a not-so-great record:
- National carriers (think GEICO, Progressive, etc.) mostly just see the “high-risk” label and don’t care much about how you’ve improved. Even with their telematics apps, my rates barely budged after a year of clean driving. They say they’ll reward good behavior, but it feels like the algorithm’s got a long memory.
- Local Hawaii-based companies? Mixed bag. Some were actually more understanding—one agent straight up told me they look at the last 12 months way more than stuff from 3+ years ago. But others just quoted me sky-high rates and didn’t seem interested in hearing my story.
- Classic cars are a whole other headache. Most big insurers wouldn’t even touch my ‘72 Datsun unless it was garaged and barely driven. A local shop was willing to work with me, but only after I showed them receipts for all the restoration work and agreed to mileage limits.
Honestly, I think it comes down to finding an agent who’ll actually listen instead of just plugging numbers into a computer. Not everyone’s flexible, but there are a few out there who’ll look past old mistakes if you can prove you’re not the same driver you were back then. Just gotta keep calling around...
It’s honestly reassuring to hear someone else say the “big guys” barely care if you’ve cleaned up your act. I’ve been trying to do all the right things—slow, careful driving, no tickets, even obsessively checking my mirrors—and it’s wild how stubborn those rates can be. That line you wrote really hit home:
Even with their telematics apps, my rates barely budged after a year of clean driving. They say they’ll reward good behavior, but it feels like the algorithm’s got a long memory.
That’s exactly what made me nervous starting out. I don’t have a bad record (yet), but I get why people end up labeled “high-risk”—it’s like once you’re in that box, getting out is its own headache. It almost feels like the system is set up for you to fail or just settle for an overpriced policy.
I’m with you about local agents maybe being the better bet. I talked to one who actually asked questions about *why* I didn’t have prior coverage (I used public transit for years). He seemed willing to find me something that made sense instead of just quoting whatever popped up on his screen. But then another office basically acted like I was invisible once they saw “first-time buyer” pop up. Total mixed bag.
Your point about classic cars is kinda eye-opening too. I always thought owning something vintage would be cool, but I never realized how much paperwork and proof you need just to get insured. Guess there’s a reason so many of those cars stay in garages...
Anyway, props for sticking with it. It takes guts to keep calling around, especially when it feels like you’re just being judged by an old spreadsheet. If anything, your story makes me feel a little less paranoid about being cautious and asking questions—even if it means getting a few weird looks from agents. Here’s hoping more companies start treating people like, well, people instead of just risk scores.
it feels like the algorithm’s got a long memory.
That’s the part that gets me too. I drive a newer BMW, but I’m not made of money—every rate hike stings. I’ve noticed the “big guys” love to slap on extra fees just because of the badge, even if you’re careful. Local agents sometimes get it, but it’s hit or miss. Has anyone actually seen their rates drop after using those telematics apps, or is it just marketing? I’m starting to think the only real way to save is to switch companies every year, but that’s its own headache...
I’m starting to think the only real way to save is to switch companies every year, but that’s its own headache...
Honestly, I’d be careful with the “switch every year” strategy. Some insurers actually track how often you jump around, and it can flag you as a higher risk down the line. Plus, if you ever miss a renewal window, there’s a risk of a coverage gap—Hawaii’s not forgiving about that. As for telematics, I’ve seen mixed results. A few clients got small discounts, but if you drive at odd hours or brake hard (even once or twice), it can backfire. Sometimes just calling your current agent and asking about hidden discounts works better than any app or switcheroo.
