Has anyone tried switching companies instead of using the app? Sometimes that’s where the real savings hide...
Funny enough, I thought the same thing after my old insurer wanted me to stick that tracker in my car. Felt weird, like I’d have to drive like I’m taking my driving test every day. Switched to a smaller local company—no app, no “Big Brother”—and my rate actually dropped by about 12%. Not a fortune, but less hassle. The big names always seem to dangle those discounts, but it’s the smaller outfits that surprised me.
I hear you on the trackers—never felt right letting an app monitor every move, especially with a pricier car. I’ve wondered, though, do those smaller companies handle claims as smoothly? I’m always a bit wary about service if something actually goes wrong. Still, 12% is nothing to sneeze at... Maybe it’s worth the risk if you’re not driving much.
I get where you’re coming from. I tried one of those smaller outfits a couple years back—figured the savings were worth a shot since we barely put 5,000 miles on the van these days. When my wife got rear-ended at the grocery store, I was bracing for a headache, but honestly, it wasn’t any worse than dealing with the big names. Took a few extra phone calls, but they paid out and didn’t give us the runaround.
I’m still not wild about those tracking apps either. Feels like inviting Big Brother into the car, and with all the grandkids’ stuff rolling around in there, who knows what they’d pick up on. If you’re not driving much, that 12% could go toward something more fun than insurance. Just double-check reviews and maybe call their claims line before you sign up—sometimes you can tell right away if they’re going to be a pain or not.
I keep hearing about those smaller companies, but I’m still a bit wary. I mean,
That’s good to hear, but the “extra phone calls” part is what gets me. My patience for being on hold isn’t what it used to be, and I’ve never had to file a claim before—just imagining it makes my head spin.“Took a few extra phone calls, but they paid out and didn’t give us the runaround.”
About those tracking apps... I get the privacy thing, but part of me wonders if they’re really that bad? My neighbor swears by his—he says it knocked $100 off his bill last year. He’s not exactly a tech guy either, so if he can handle it, maybe it’s not as creepy as it sounds? Still, I’m not sure I want anyone watching how many times I brake for squirrels.
Guess I’m just nervous about switching from the “big guys” since I’ve had the same agent for decades. But with these prices lately, maybe it’s time to try something new... even if it means a few more phone calls.
I totally get the hesitation with the smaller companies. I switched a couple years ago after my rates shot up, and yeah, there were a few more hoops to jump through—mostly paperwork and, like you said, extra phone calls. But honestly, once I got through the setup, it’s been fine. As for those tracking apps, I tried one for a discount but ended up ditching it. It dinged me for hard braking when a deer ran out in front of me... not exactly fair. Still, if your neighbor had luck with it, maybe it’s worth a shot for the savings. Change is nerve-wracking, but sometimes it pays off—just gotta weigh if the hassle is worth the lower bill.