Yeah, telematics does sound kinda annoying, but honestly, I'd rather deal with that than risk a DUI and the crazy premium hikes. I mean, tripling your insurance overnight? That's intense. I've been shopping around lately (first-time buyer here), and even without any record, the quotes can be pretty steep. Can't imagine how stressful it'd be after something serious like that... makes me extra cautious about driving after even one drink. Better safe than sorry, I guess.
"Can't imagine how stressful it'd be after something serious like that... makes me extra cautious about driving after even one drink."
Yeah, totally get that mindset. I remember a buddy of mine had a DUI a couple years back—his insurance skyrocketed, and road trips got way less fun with him stressing about costs. You ever looked into rideshare or public transport options for nights out?
Insurance hikes after a DUI in Idaho can be pretty steep—I've seen cases where premiums nearly doubled overnight. It usually stays elevated for about 3-5 years, depending on your insurer and driving record. Honestly, rideshare or even splitting a cab with friends is way cheaper in the long run... definitely worth considering if you're budget-conscious.
While I totally get your point about rideshares and cabs being cheaper overall, I'm not entirely sure it's always that straightforward. Sure, premiums can skyrocket after a DUI—no argument there—but have you actually crunched the numbers for consistently using Uber or Lyft in Idaho, especially outside Boise or other bigger towns? I mean, in rural or semi-rural areas, rideshare availability can be sketchy at best, and waiting around late at night might not be practical or even safe.
Also, considering Idaho winters, I wonder how reliable and affordable these options really are during snowy months. I've definitely seen surge pricing go through the roof during bad weather or busy event nights. Could those occasional spikes in rideshare costs add up to more than we might initially think?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not dismissing your point. Just curious if anyone has actually done a detailed comparison factoring in location, frequency of going out, and seasonal fluctuations. For someone living in the city center who rarely drives anyway, rideshare might be a no-brainer. But for others who commute daily or live farther out, owning a car—even with higher insurance—might still be more realistic and convenient.
On another note, has anyone looked into alternative insurance providers or specialized plans after a DUI? I know someone who managed to find a smaller insurer that was surprisingly forgiving after a major violation. Their premiums still went up, sure, but nowhere near double. Might be worth shopping around or talking to an independent agent who can weigh different options...
Anyway, just throwing some thoughts out there. It’s probably a bit more nuanced than simply ditching the car altogether.
"Might be worth shopping around or talking to an independent agent who can weigh different options..."
Definitely agree with this. I've seen clients save quite a bit by switching to smaller insurers or specialized DUI-friendly policies. It's not always cheap, but shopping around can soften the blow significantly.
