I'm kinda stuck deciding between just biting the bullet and paying the higher premiums after a DUI or shopping around for a new insurance provider. Anyone been through this and have advice on which route makes more sense?
Went through something similar a few years back—not fun. Couple thoughts from experience:
- Definitely shop around first. Premium hikes after a DUI vary wildly between providers, and some companies specialize in higher-risk drivers. You might find a better deal than sticking with your current insurer.
- Keep in mind, though, that switching providers doesn't erase the DUI from your record. It'll still show up, so don't expect miracles.
- Consider how long you've been with your current provider. If you've got a long history and good track record otherwise, they might be more forgiving down the line.
- Also, factor in the hassle of switching—paperwork, new policies, potential coverage gaps... sometimes it's worth paying a bit more to avoid headaches.
Curious if anyone here has tried negotiating directly with their insurer after something like this? Wondering if that's even an option worth exploring or just wishful thinking...
"Curious if anyone here has tried negotiating directly with their insurer after something like this? Wondering if that's even an option worth exploring or just wishful thinking..."
I actually gave this a shot when I was in a similar boat. Here's what worked for me: I called my insurer directly, calmly explained my situation, and asked if there were any discounts or policy adjustments available to offset the premium increase. They didn't erase the hike completely (obviously), but they did suggest a defensive driving course that knocked a bit off the total. Worth a try, IMO...
They didn't erase the hike completely (obviously), but they did suggest a defensive driving course that knocked a bit off the total.
I've wondered about those defensive driving courses too—sounds like it worked out okay for you. Did you notice if the discount lasted long-term, or was it just a temporary fix for a year or two...?
I've thought about doing one of those courses too, but always wondered if they're really worth the hassle. Curious if insurance companies treat them differently depending on the provider or if it's pretty standard across the board...
