Still, probably best not to get your hopes too high—insurance companies aren't exactly known for generosity after something like that.
Yeah, totally agree with you there. Classic car insurers seem like they'd at least listen, since they're dealing with enthusiasts who baby their rides. But honestly, even regular insurance companies might cut you some slack if you've been squeaky clean before. My cousin got a DUI a couple years back (in Idaho, actually), and his rates jumped pretty bad at first, but after shopping around and explaining his situation, he found a company that wasn't quite as harsh. Still sucked, but it wasn't the end of the world...
Yeah, that's a fair point about classic car insurers being a bit more understanding. I've noticed regular companies can be hit-or-miss though—depends a lot on your history and how you approach them. A buddy of mine had a DUI in Montana, and his rates skyrocketed initially, but after completing some safety courses and shopping around, he managed to bring it down quite a bit. Still expensive, but manageable... guess it really does pay to do your homework and talk to multiple companies.
Did your buddy find those safety courses helpful overall? I've heard mixed things, but honestly, anything that makes someone a safer driver seems worth the hassle in my book... Glad he got his rates down though, that's encouraging.
"anything that makes someone a safer driver seems worth the hassle in my book..."
I get what you're saying, but do these courses genuinely make someone safer, or are they mostly just ticking boxes for insurance companies? I mean, my cousin took one after his DUI, and he said it felt more like punishment than actual learning. Maybe it depends on the instructor or the course itself... Did your buddy mention if he actually learned something new, or was it more about just getting through it to lower his rates?
Yeah, I totally get where you're coming from. My buddy had to take one of those courses after his DUI, and he said it was mostly just common sense stuff he already knew—like "don't drink and drive," obviously. But he did mention there were a couple of eye-opening moments when they showed real-life stories and consequences. He said that part stuck with him more than the lectures or quizzes.
Honestly, I think it really depends on who's teaching the class and how they approach it. Some instructors probably just go through the motions, but others might actually make you stop and think twice next time you're out having drinks. Either way, even if it's mostly about insurance discounts, if it makes someone pause before getting behind the wheel after a few beers, that's gotta count for something...right?
