"Sure, it's a bit intrusive, but after a month or two I barely noticed it running."
Fair point, though as someone whose daily driver is older than most people's kids, I'm not sure my '68 Mustang would even know what to do with a mileage app... Maybe I'll stick to defensive driving courses for now.
You make a solid point about older cars—my trusty '92 Subaru wouldn't have a clue either. I've found defensive driving courses to be a pretty reliable way to cut costs, especially if you shop around a bit. For anyone interested, here's how I usually go about it: first, check with your insurance provider to confirm they offer discounts for approved courses. Then, look into local community centers or even online options—there are some decent deals if you dig around. I did a course online last year, spent about four hours total, and ended up saving around 10% on my premium. Not life-changing, but hey, every dollar counts when you're budgeting for road trips. Plus, I picked up a few useful tips that actually stuck with me. Another thing worth considering is bundling policies or tweaking your deductible slightly higher if you're comfortable with it. Just my two cents...
"Plus, I picked up a few useful tips that actually stuck with me."
That's exactly my experience too. Took one of those courses last winter—honestly didn't expect much—but it genuinely made me more aware of icy roads and moose crossings (Alaska problems, right?). Another tip I stumbled onto: some insurers give small discounts if you're a student maintaining decent grades. Saved me around 5%, nothing huge, but like you said... every bit helps when you're filling up the tank in this weather.
"it genuinely made me more aware of icy roads and moose crossings (Alaska problems, right?)"
Yeah, those moose are no joke... seen plenty of claims from run-ins with wildlife. Honestly, any course that sharpens your road awareness is worth it—even if the insurance savings seem small at first.
Haha, moose crossings definitely keep things interesting. I remember my first winter here—I thought the icy roads were the worst of it until a moose casually stepped onto the highway like it owned the place. Let's just say my brakes got tested that day... and my heart rate. But seriously, you're spot on about those courses. Even if the insurance discount isn't huge, the peace of mind from knowing how to handle unexpected wildlife encounters or black ice is worth every penny. Plus, fewer close calls means fewer gray hairs, right? Glad it worked out for you!
