"Good news is, rates usually improve gradually if you maintain a clean record afterward...hang in there."
That's true, but the timeline can vary quite a bit. Had a client a few years back who saw their premium jump nearly 60% after a DUI here in Idaho. It took about three years of spotless driving before their rates started noticeably dropping again. Insurers definitely weigh the driver more heavily than the vehicle itself...so patience and careful driving really do pay off eventually.
Rates definitely spike hard, but it doesn't always take three full years to notice improvements. My brother-in-law got hit with a DUI in Idaho, and after about 18 months of clean driving, his insurer started easing up a bit...though not dramatically. Guess it depends on the company too.
- Had a buddy with a similar situation, took him around two years before his rates budged at all.
- Wonder if classic car insurers handle DUIs differently...anyone know if specialty coverage is more forgiving or stricter on this stuff?
"Wonder if classic car insurers handle DUIs differently...anyone know if specialty coverage is more forgiving or stricter on this stuff?"
Funny you mention that—I had a buddy who got a DUI a few years back, and he was convinced switching to specialty classic car insurance would save him. Turns out, they were actually stricter. They treated his '68 Mustang like it was a priceless museum piece and him like he was Evel Knievel after a bender. He ended up paying even more than before. So yeah, specialty insurers might not be the loophole you're hoping for...
Had a similar experience myself. After my DUI a couple years ago, I thought my classic car insurer would cut me some slack since I'd been with them forever and had a spotless record before that. Nope...they actually got pretty strict about it. Premiums jumped noticeably, and they even required extra paperwork and proof of safe driving courses. Seems like specialty insurers are more protective of their investments, not less.
