Good points all around. I've noticed the same thing—insurers can sound great upfront, but the real test is when you're stuck dealing with claims. Numbers definitely cut through the marketing fluff. Also, your suggestion about local forums is spot-on... I've found some valuable insights there myself. It's surprising how much practical advice you can pick up just by seeing what others went through. Glad you managed to dodge those sketchy deals—being labeled high-risk is tough enough without extra headaches.
Totally agree about local forums—saved me a few headaches too. Another thing I've found helpful is checking out smaller, regional insurers. They don't always pop up on comparison sites, but sometimes they're more flexible with high-risk cases. I switched to one after a nightmare claim experience with a big-name company, and it's been smooth sailing since. Worth a shot if you're still shopping around...
Good point about regional insurers—I've seen them offer some surprisingly competitive rates, especially if you've got a tricky driving record. Curious though, did you notice any trade-offs in coverage or customer service when you switched from the bigger company?
I switched from a big-name insurer to a smaller regional one about two years ago after a couple speeding tickets jacked up my rates. Honestly, I was pretty skeptical at first—figured there had to be some hidden catch. Coverage-wise, it turned out pretty comparable, but customer service... eh, it's been hit or miss. Had one claim last year and it took longer than usual to sort out. Still, for the money I'm saving each month, I can deal with a little inconvenience now and then. Might not be perfect, but definitely worth considering if you're trying to keep costs down.
"Had one claim last year and it took longer than usual to sort out."
Yeah, that's the trade-off sometimes. If you're going smaller or regional, I'd suggest double-checking their claims process upfront—ask about typical timelines and document everything carefully. A little prep can save headaches later...
