I’ve wondered about this too, especially since I rack up a lot of miles just getting to work and back. The only time I’ve ever heard of someone actually getting in trouble for going over was after a claim—never just randomly. Usually, the insurer asks for an odometer reading at renewal or if you file for something major. I think for most older daily drivers, like your Volvo, they’re not really digging deep unless there’s a reason.
I keep a log just in case, but it feels like overkill most of the time.
I do the same, but honestly, I’m not sure how much it matters unless you’re way over the cap. I’ve heard stories about people getting denied on technicalities, but those seem pretty rare and usually involve much newer or more valuable cars. For “character” cars (good term), it feels more like a box-ticking exercise.
One thing I’m curious about: has anyone had their premium bumped up after reporting higher mileage, or is it just the risk of being denied on a claim? Sometimes I wonder if honesty actually costs you more in the long run, or if it’s just a paperwork thing like you said.
Sometimes I wonder if honesty actually costs you more in the long run, or if it’s just a paperwork thing like you said.
That’s a fair question. I’ve seen premiums go up if someone reports a big jump in mileage, but it’s not automatic—depends on the company and sometimes even the agent. Most of the time, unless you’re way over or there’s a claim, it’s just another box to check. It does feel like overkill for older cars, but I’d rather have the log than try to explain things after the fact.
I’ve seen premiums go up if someone reports a big jump in mileage, but it’s not automatic—depends on the company and sometimes even the agent.
Honestly, I’ve had agents tell me “just estimate” unless I’m driving cross-country. For my coupe, I keep a rough log, but I’ve never been asked for proof. If you’re worried, just jot down odometer readings once a year—takes two minutes and covers you if there’s ever a dispute.
Mileage caps can be a bit of a gray area, honestly. I get why folks just estimate—most companies aren’t going to send someone out to check your odometer unless there’s a claim or something seems off. That said, I’ve seen situations where someone’s claim got delayed because their reported mileage didn’t match up with what the adjuster saw. It’s rare, but it happens.
Keeping a quick log like you do is smart. Even snapping a photo of your odometer once a year can save headaches down the line. It’s not about being paranoid, just covering your bases in case you ever need to prove you stuck to the cap.
Have you ever actually bumped up against your mileage limit? Sometimes people underestimate how much they drive their classics, especially if there are a few road trips or car shows in the mix. Just something to keep in mind—companies can be flexible, but only if you’re upfront about it.
I’ve always been a little paranoid about going over the cap, honestly. I keep a notebook in the glovebox and jot down the mileage every time I take the car out, just to be safe. It’s probably overkill, but I’d rather not risk a denied claim if something ever happened. One year, I almost hit the limit after a couple of unexpected family trips—didn’t realize how fast those miles add up. Has anyone tried negotiating a higher cap mid-policy? Wondering if that’s even possible or if it’s just easier to wait for renewal.
