I've wondered the same thing. My '68 Mustang isn't exactly gentle when it comes to braking or accelerating—sometimes it feels like I'm wrestling it more than driving. Makes me curious if these apps are sophisticated enough to differentiate between aggressive driving and the natural quirks of older cars. Has anyone experienced their vintage ride getting penalized unfairly because the app misinterpreted the handling characteristics? Wouldn't want my insurance premiums climbing just because my car's suspension is from another era...
I had a similar worry when I tried one of those apps with my old Volvo wagon—thing handled like a boat, and braking was more of a suggestion than a command. Surprisingly though, the app seemed to adapt after a few drives. Not sure if it "learned" my car or if I subconsciously adjusted my driving style to avoid penalties. Either way, premiums stayed steady... but I'd still keep an eye on it just in case.
Haha, your Volvo sounds exactly like my old Beetle—brakes were more decorative than functional. I tried one of those insurance apps too, and at first, it felt like having a judgmental passenger silently shaking their head at every turn. But weirdly enough, after a week or two, either the app chilled out or I subconsciously started driving like my grandma. Premiums haven't budged yet, but I'm still suspicious... guess I'll keep cruising carefully for now.
"either the app chilled out or I subconsciously started driving like my grandma."
Haha, this hits home for me. When I first installed one of those insurance tracking apps, it felt like having a stern driving instructor sitting quietly in the passenger seat, silently judging every move. I remember taking corners extra wide and braking way too early just to appease the invisible critic in my phone.
Oddly enough, after a couple of weeks, I found myself naturally adopting smoother driving habits without even realizing it. Didn't see much of a premium drop either, but at least my gas mileage improved noticeably—so I'll call that a win.
On another note, about your Beetle's decorative brakes—I had an old MG with brakes that seemed more aspirational than functional. Made every drive an adventure, especially downhill... Glad those days are behind me now, though vintage cars do have their charm.
Haha, can totally relate to the "aspirational brakes" description. Had a Triumph Spitfire once that made me seriously question my life choices every time I approached a stop sign. But hey, vintage cars teach us patience and defensive driving like nothing else...
"I remember taking corners extra wide and braking way too early just to appease the invisible critic in my phone."
Been there too—felt like I was auditioning for safest driver of the year. At least the gas savings softened the blow of not really seeing insurance discounts.
