Honestly, I get that the SR-22 thing is a hassle, but is it really impossible to find coverage? I mean, yeah, rates shoot up and some companies won’t touch you, but I’ve read about people using non-standard insurers or even local agents who specialize in high-risk stuff. It’s not ideal, but there are options if you’re willing to dig a bit.
I’m just starting out too and my budget’s super tight—so I’ve been looking into pay-per-mile insurance and some of those newer companies that do everything online. Not sure if they’re more forgiving with DUIs, but maybe worth checking? Also, does the seven-year thing always apply? I thought after five years some violations drop off your record in Michigan… or am I mixing that up with something else?
It’s definitely stressful, though. Even getting a quote feels like a mini victory right now.
I’ve wondered about the pay-per-mile thing too, especially since I barely drive my car except on weekends. But with a DUI, do those companies even consider you, or do they just auto-reject? I’ve heard some of the “online only” insurers are stricter than the old-school agents.
About the record—
—I’m not totally sure either. For luxury cars, insurers seem to care about every little detail, so I’m curious if anyone’s actually seen their rates drop after five years, or if it really takes the full seven. Anyone had luck with that?“does the seven-year thing always apply? I thought after five years some violations drop off your record in Michigan… or am I mixing that up with something else?”
I’ve looked into pay-per-mile too since my car mostly sits in the driveway. From what I found, some of those companies will still quote you with a DUI, but the rates are wild—like, not even close to worth it unless you’re barely driving at all. The “seven-year” thing is confusing. My cousin’s ticket dropped off after five, but his DUI stuck around for the full seven. Michigan seems picky about what drops off and when... kind of a pain if you’re trying to save money.