"Telematics can indeed be frustrating, especially with performance cars, but it might still be worth considering if it significantly lowers your premium."
Yeah, I totally agree with this. Telematics can feel intrusive at first—especially if you're used to a more spirited driving style—but I've seen people really benefit from them after a DUI. One client of mine was initially super skeptical about having their driving habits monitored, but after a few months of careful driving, they saw their rates drop noticeably. It wasn't overnight, but the savings did add up.
Also, you're right about smaller insurers sometimes being stricter. I've noticed that bigger companies often have specialized programs or forgiveness options that smaller ones just can't afford to offer. But don't completely rule out specialty insurers either—some do have decent coverage tailored specifically for high-risk drivers. Just make sure you read the fine print on deductibles and limits carefully before committing.
Bottom line: shop around, ask lots of questions, and don't dismiss telematics too quickly...it might just save you some serious cash in the long run.
I get the logic behind telematics, but honestly, if you're driving something higher-end or performance-oriented, it can feel like you're paying to babysit yourself. I tried it briefly and found myself constantly second-guessing every acceleration or corner... kinda sucked the joy out of driving. I'd rather shop around aggressively, maybe bump up my deductible, or even consider a specialty insurer before going back to telematics. Just my two cents though—everyone's mileage varies.
"I tried it briefly and found myself constantly second-guessing every acceleration or corner... kinda sucked the joy out of driving."
Totally get that feeling. I tried telematics too, and while it did make me hyper-aware of my driving habits, it was exhausting always worrying about every little move. Still, after a DUI, insurance hikes can be steep—especially in Idaho. Shopping around and tweaking deductibles is smart, but don't rule out telematics entirely; sometimes short-term pain can lead to long-term savings. Just depends on your comfort level balancing safety and enjoyment.
"I tried it briefly and found myself constantly second-guessing every acceleration or corner... kinda sucked the joy out of driving."
Yeah, I hear you on that. Telematics can definitely feel like someone's always looking over your shoulder, judging every little move. But honestly, after something like a DUI, it's pretty normal to feel hyper-aware of your driving habits anyway. The insurance spike in Idaho can be pretty rough—I've seen cases where premiums nearly doubled overnight. It really depends on your previous driving record, age, and even the insurer you're with.
One thing I'd suggest is taking it step-by-step. First, get quotes from multiple insurers—don't just stick with your current one out of convenience. Rates vary wildly between companies after a DUI, so shopping around can save you hundreds per year. Next, consider adjusting your coverage limits or deductibles slightly to offset some of the increase. Just make sure you're still adequately protected; don't go too bare-bones.
As for telematics, yeah, it's not for everyone. But if you can tolerate it for a short period—say six months to a year—it might help demonstrate safer driving habits to your insurer and bring down your rates quicker than you'd expect. I've seen people who initially hated telematics end up appreciating the savings enough to stick with it longer term.
Also, keep in mind that the worst rate hikes usually happen right after the DUI conviction and gradually decrease over time as long as you maintain a clean record afterward. So even though it feels overwhelming now, things do get better eventually.
Hang in there—you're definitely not alone in feeling frustrated by this whole process.
I totally get the telematics thing feeling intrusive. My brother had one of those devices installed after a speeding ticket, and he said it felt like having a backseat driver constantly nagging him. He'd slow down way too early for stop signs, take corners at a snail's pace, and basically drive like my grandma (no offense to grandma...). But after a few months, he did say it made him more aware of his habits—he didn't even realize how often he used to brake hard or accelerate quickly.
About the insurance spike, I've heard some pretty rough stories from friends who've gotten DUIs here in Idaho. One friend saw his premiums nearly triple overnight, and another only had about a 50% increase. Seems like there's no rhyme or reason sometimes. But they both said shopping around helped a lot—apparently some insurers are way harsher than others on DUI cases.
Anyway, I guess the silver lining is that rates do eventually drop again if you stay clean afterward... just gotta ride out the storm for a bit.
