I've actually gone the smaller insurer route after a speeding ticket—not a DUI, but still relevant. Honestly, I didn't find them any more forgiving on rate hikes than the big guys. They might advertise flexibility, but when it comes to risk assessment, they're all crunching similar numbers.
"I'd hate to find out later they don't cover certain high-end parts or specialized repairs."
This is exactly why I switched back to a bigger insurer after a year. Had a minor fender-bender and found out the hard way that my local insurer had limited options for OEM parts and specialized body shops. Sure, premiums were slightly lower initially, but the hassle and extra out-of-pocket costs weren't worth it in my case. If you're driving something luxury or performance-oriented, I'd tread carefully with smaller insurers... saving a few bucks upfront might cost you more down the line.
Agreed, smaller insurers aren't always the best bet after a major violation. I don't have a DUI, but after an at-fault accident a couple years ago, my local provider jacked up rates nearly as much as the big names. Plus, similar issue as mentioned earlier:
"Had a minor fender-bender and found out the hard way that my local insurer had limited options for OEM parts..."
Same here—ended up paying extra myself to get decent repairs done. Lesson learned, I guess.
Yeah, smaller insurers can be a real gamble after something major. Had a DUI myself a few years back, and honestly, the rate spike was brutal no matter who I checked with—big or small. Ended up biting the bullet with a bigger company just because they had more flexibility and better coverage options. Totally get what you're saying about the OEM parts too. Had a similar issue after a minor scrape—my local insurer wanted to slap on some cheap aftermarket junk. I argued with them for days, but eventually just paid out-of-pocket to get it done right. Sucks, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to keep your ride decent. Hang in there though, rates do eventually come down...slowly, but they do.
"Ended up biting the bullet with a bigger company just because they had more flexibility and better coverage options."
Yeah, that's exactly why I've been leaning toward a bigger insurer myself. I'm new to the whole insurance thing, but from what I've gathered, smaller companies seem tempting at first glance, but after a major issue like a DUI, their limited options might really hurt. Plus, I've heard stories about cheaper plans initially saving money but then leaving folks high and dry when something actually happens. I'd rather pay a bit more upfront and avoid nasty surprises down the road. Good to know the rates eventually ease up over time though... guess patience is key.
"I'd rather pay a bit more upfront and avoid nasty surprises down the road."
Yeah, that's pretty much my thinking too. I've seen friends get burned by those budget insurers after something serious like a DUI—they saved money initially but ended up scrambling later. Still, I'm curious how much more you'd realistically expect to pay with a bigger insurer in Idaho after a DUI... anyone have actual numbers or experience they can share?
