"insurance barely covered half. Learned my lesson quick about keeping extra cash handy..."
Yeah, this is exactly why I always feel skeptical about those bare-minimum insurance packages. Sure, they save you a bit on monthly payments, but the moment something unexpected happens—especially with older cars—you're suddenly out a chunk of cash anyway. Happened to me a couple years back when my alternator died at midnight on some backroad... talk about bad timing. My cheap roadside coverage was basically useless, and the tow driver charged extra because it was "after hours."
Makes me wonder if it's really worth saving a few bucks upfront if you're just gambling on never needing help. Do you guys think it's smarter to pay slightly more monthly for better roadside coverage, or just stash away emergency cash and hope for the best?
Honestly, I've always leaned toward keeping a small emergency fund rather than paying extra monthly. Insurance companies are businesses—they price those upgrades to make money off our fears. I'd rather gamble on myself and pocket the difference...worked out so far.
"I'd rather gamble on myself and pocket the difference...worked out so far."
Fair enough, but have you considered how you'd handle a major accident scenario? Curious if you've run the numbers on potential out-of-pocket costs vs. your emergency fund size.
"I'd rather gamble on myself and pocket the difference...worked out so far."
I get the logic behind saving cash now, but have you thought about how quickly medical bills or repair costs can spiral in a serious accident? I'm still pretty new to driving, but after seeing a friend deal with hospital expenses from a minor fender-bender (which wasn't even his fault...), it made me rethink going with the bare minimum. Do you keep a hefty emergency fund just in case, or are you just banking on good luck holding out?
Definitely get where you're coming from—saving money upfront can feel like a win, especially if you're careful. I've been driving quite a while and had my share of close calls, and trust me, accidents happen to the best of us. Even a minor accident can rack up costs you wouldn't believe. If you're comfortable with the risk, that's your call, but having at least some kind of cushion or emergency savings tucked away is always wise. Just something to consider...
