I get the appeal of sticking with a local agent—there’s definitely less runaround when you need help. But I’ve actually had the opposite experience with rental reimbursement and glass coverage. For me, those add-ons just didn’t pay off. I did the math after a couple years and realized I’d spent way more on premiums than I ever got back, even after a cracked windshield last winter.
Instead, I started putting that extra money into a “car emergency” savings account. When I needed a rental or had to replace glass, I just paid out of pocket. It felt like a gamble at first, but over time, it’s worked out cheaper for me. Not saying it’s for everyone—Delaware weather is rough on cars, no doubt—but if you’re not making claims often, it might be worth crunching the numbers.
Also, about those trackers: I hear you. The “safe driver” discounts sound great until you hit a pothole and your score tanks. Sometimes old-school insurance just makes more sense.
I totally get where you’re coming from—those add-ons can feel like a waste if you’re not making claims every year. I’ve seen folks save a decent chunk by just self-insuring for the little stuff, especially with glass. That said, I’ve also had clients get hit with two cracked windshields in one winter, and suddenly the coverage paid for itself and then some. Delaware’s weather is such a wild card. As for those trackers, yeah... one hard brake and your “safe driver” discount goes out the window. Sometimes the old-fashioned way really is less hassle.
- Totally agree about the weather being unpredictable—had three windshield chips last year, two in a single week.
- Self-insuring for minor stuff works if you’ve got the savings buffer, but those random Delaware storms make me nervous about skipping glass coverage.
- About those trackers: tried one for a discount, but it dinged me for a “hard brake” when a deer jumped out. Didn’t feel fair at all.
- One thing I’ve noticed: bundling with renters or homeowners sometimes knocks more off than safe driver programs ever did. Worth checking if you haven’t already.
Bundling is definitely one of the more reliable ways to cut costs, especially in Delaware where rates can be all over the place. I’ve seen people save 15-20% just by adding renters or homeowners, and sometimes even more if you’ve got a clean record. The safe driver programs are hit or miss—those telematics trackers sound good on paper, but in practice? They’re not always fair. A deer jumps out, you slam the brakes, and suddenly you’re “risky.” It’s frustrating, but that’s how the algorithms work. They don’t care about context.
On glass coverage, I get the hesitation about dropping it. Delaware weather is unpredictable, and those sudden hailstorms or flying debris on I-95 can do a number on your windshield. If you’re not comfortable self-insuring for that stuff, it’s usually not a huge add-on cost to keep comprehensive with full glass. Some carriers even waive the deductible for glass claims, but you have to ask—most won’t advertise it.
One thing people overlook: check if your insurer offers diminishing deductibles or accident forgiveness. Not every company does, but if you’re a decent driver and haven’t had claims in a while, it can cushion the blow if something does happen. Also, review your mileage—if you’re driving less than 7-8k miles a year, some companies will rate you lower, but only if you tell them.
I wouldn’t skip uninsured motorist coverage either. Delaware has a higher-than-average rate of uninsured drivers, and getting hit by one of them without coverage is a nightmare.
In short: bundle where you can, don’t trust trackers blindly, and don’t cheap out on glass or UM/UIM coverage unless you’re really prepared to pay out of pocket. The “hidden gems” are usually buried in the fine print or only offered if you ask directly... insurance isn’t exactly designed to make things obvious.
I’ve always wondered about those telematics trackers, too. I tried one for a few months and honestly, it stressed me out more than anything. Every time I braked hard (usually because someone cut me off), I’d get dinged. Is it really fair to judge driving that way? I’d rather pay a little more for peace of mind. And about glass coverage—last year a rock hit my windshield on 495 and the repair would’ve been $400 out of pocket. Glad I kept that coverage... Delaware roads aren’t exactly gentle. Anyone else feel like the “hidden gems” are just stuff you have to dig for in the fine print?
