Yeah, definitely agree that location plays a role, but I think the DUI itself is gonna overshadow that pretty heavily. From what I've seen (and unfortunately, a buddy of mine learned this the hard way), insurance companies usually follow a pretty clear pattern after a DUI:
1. Immediate spike in premiums—often double or even triple your current rate depending on your insurer and previous driving record.
2. Mandatory SR-22 filing, which adds another fee and stays on your record for around 3 years.
3. Gradual decrease over time, assuming you keep a clean record afterward (usually takes about 3-5 years to get back to something close to normal).
So yeah, Boise might be pricier than smaller towns initially, but honestly, at that point you're kinda splitting hairs. The DUI itself is the real kicker, and no matter where you live, it's gonna hurt your wallet pretty bad. Best bet is to shop around, take defensive driving courses, or even look into insurers who specialize in high-risk drivers...but brace yourself for a rough ride at first.
"Gradual decrease over time, assuming you keep a clean record afterward (usually takes about 3-5 years to get back to something close to normal)."
Yeah, that's pretty much what I've been hearing too. I'm actually shopping around for insurance for the first time right now (finally got my own car), and reading about how much a DUI can jack up your rates is honestly kinda scary. I mean, double or triple premiums? That's brutal...especially since Idaho already seems pricier than I expected, even without any marks on your record.
One thing I'm curious about though—does anyone know if certain insurers are more lenient than others when it comes to DUIs? Like, are there companies that specialize in high-risk drivers and offer somewhat better rates, or is it pretty much universally rough across the board? I've heard mixed things from friends. One buddy said he found a smaller local insurer who gave him a slightly better deal after his DUI, but another friend swears by sticking with big-name companies because they have more resources and discounts available.
Also, does anyone have experience with defensive driving courses actually making a noticeable difference in premiums after something like this? I've seen people mention them occasionally, but it's always kinda vague whether they're worth the time and money. Seems like a good idea in theory, but if it's only gonna shave off a few bucks here and there, maybe not so much...
Anyway, appreciate all the info shared so far—definitely helps me get a clearer picture of what to expect.
From my experience, insurers across the board tend to be pretty harsh with DUIs, especially in the first couple of years. I've seen some smaller companies offer slightly better rates initially, but honestly, the difference isn't huge. Defensive driving courses can help a bit, but don't expect miracles—maybe a modest discount at best. Still, every little bit counts when you're dealing with premiums that high...
"Defensive driving courses can help a bit, but don't expect miracles—maybe a modest discount at best."
Yeah, I've heard similar things about defensive driving courses. But does anyone know if Idaho specifically has state-approved programs that insurers recognize? Sometimes the state-specific ones can offer slightly better discounts. Also, how long does the DUI typically stay on your record in Idaho—is it the usual 5-7 years or longer? Just trying to get a clearer picture of what to expect...
From what I've seen, Idaho does have state-approved defensive driving courses that insurers will recognize, but like others said, the discount's usually pretty modest. Still, every little bit counts when dealing with a DUI spike. And yeah, in Idaho, a DUI typically stays on your driving record for about 10 years—longer than the usual 5-7 years you mentioned. Hang in there though, it'll gradually get better over time...
