Yeah, those trackers are a pain out here. I had one flag me for “aggressive acceleration” just merging onto a gravel road—like, what else am I supposed to do? I’ve noticed the same thing: the discounts sound nice but when you actually crunch the numbers, it’s barely worth the hassle. Calling around is tedious, but at least you get straight answers. Honestly, I think these programs are made for city drivers who never have to dodge a combine or stop for cows. Just my two cents...
Yeah, I hear you on the trackers. My neighbor got dinged for “hard braking” because a deer ran out in front of him—like, what’s he supposed to do, just hit it? Makes me wonder if these insurance folks even understand how rural roads work. Has anyone actually seen a real discount from these programs, or is it mostly just marketing? I’m starting to think old-fashioned calling around is the only way, even if it’s a pain.
Honestly, I’ve wondered the same thing about those trackers. My cousin tried one of those “safe driver” apps, thinking it’d save her a few bucks. She drives mostly highway, but even she got flagged for “aggressive acceleration” merging onto the interstate. I mean, what are you supposed to do, crawl up to speed and hope nobody rear-ends you? It’s like the algorithms don’t get real-life driving at all, especially out here where you’re dodging deer, tractors, and the occasional tumbleweed.
I tried calling around last year after my rates jumped at 67, and it was a slog. Half the companies just quoted me higher because of my age, even with a clean record. The only “discount” I ever saw from a tracker program was maybe $30 for the whole year, and that was after months of driving like I had an egg under the gas pedal. Didn’t feel worth the stress.
Has anyone ever had one of those trackers actually help, or is it just another way for them to hike rates if you sneeze wrong while driving? I keep thinking about those old commercials promising you could “save 15%,” but I’m starting to think that’s just wishful thinking once you hit a certain age.
Curious if anyone’s found a company that actually understands rural Kansas driving. I’ve heard some folks swear by local agents who know the area, but I haven’t tried that route yet. Anyone else get better luck with the old-school approach, or are we all just stuck playing the insurance shuffle every couple years?
- Been down this road a few times myself, especially since I keep a couple of old Chevys running and swap between them depending on the weather.
- Tried one of those tracker gadgets about two years back—figured, why not, maybe I’ll get a break. Ended up more stressed than anything. Every time I’d merge onto 54 or had to brake for a deer, it’d ding me for “hard acceleration” or “sudden stop.” Out here, that’s just called staying alive.
- The “discount” was barely enough to cover a tank of gas. And the kicker? When renewal came up, they said my “driving data” showed I was a higher risk. Never had a claim, not even so much as a parking ticket in decades. Felt like they were just looking for an excuse to bump my rate.
- My neighbor swears by his local agent in Pratt—he’s got a couple trucks and an old Mustang, and says the agent actually listens when he explains why he sometimes has to swerve around farm equipment or hit the brakes for cattle. I finally gave it a shot last year and honestly, it was less hassle than calling those 1-800 numbers. Didn’t save a fortune, but at least I didn’t feel like I was being judged by some computer in another state.
- Noticed too that some companies seem to lump everyone over 65 into the same “risky” pile, no matter your record. Doesn’t make much sense to me—most folks I know slow down as they get older, not the other way around.
- If you’re driving classic or antique cars at all, some specialty insurers will actually give you better rates because they assume you baby those vehicles (which is mostly true). Downside is they have mileage limits and don’t always cover daily drivers.
- Haven’t found any magic solution yet. Feels like every couple years you’ve got to shuffle things around just to keep from getting gouged. But yeah, the trackers? More trouble than they’re worth out here in my experience.
If you find someone who actually gets rural Kansas roads and doesn’t treat you like you’re racing at Talladega every time you speed up for a passing lane, let me know...
You nailed it with the trackers—out here, if you don’t brake hard for a deer or swerve around a combine, you’re just not paying attention. Those gadgets must think we’re all driving on empty city streets, not dodging wildlife and tractors. I tried one for about six months and it dinged me every time I rolled down the driveway (which is gravel, so naturally there’s a little “spin”—try explaining that to an algorithm).
I hear you on the age thing too. Funny how they say “experienced driver” is a perk until you hit 65, then suddenly it’s like you’re Mario Andretti. My uncle’s 78 and drives like he’s chauffeuring the Queen, but his rates shot up anyway.
If you’re juggling classics and daily drivers, it really does feel like a circus act keeping all the policies straight. I’ve found switching agents every few years keeps them on their toes, but it’s a hassle. At least you know you’re not alone in this Kansas insurance rodeo...
