- Those apps are a pain. My car flags me for “aggressive” braking every time a squirrel darts out, like I’m supposed to just keep going?
- I get that insurance wants data, but it’s not always black and white.
- Tried shopping around lately? Some smaller companies seem less obsessed with the app scores.
- Also, I asked my agent to review my policy—sometimes they can drop stuff you don’t need at our age.
- Not sure there’s a perfect fix, but it’s worth pushing back a little.
Honestly, I get the frustration with those apps, but I’ve actually found them useful for keeping my rates down—at least with the bigger companies. My car’s got all the sensors and bells, so it tracks everything anyway. I just try to drive extra smooth when the app’s running, even if it means pulling over for a squirrel instead of slamming the brakes.
About this:
Tried shopping around lately? Some smaller companies seem less obsessed with the app scores.
I tried a couple of the smaller outfits last year. The quotes looked good at first, but once they saw my car (not exactly a Camry), the premiums shot up. They didn’t care about my driving record or app data—just the sticker price of the vehicle. Kind of felt like I was being penalized for not driving something basic.
I do agree on reviewing your policy, though. I dropped rental coverage and roadside since I already get that through my credit card. Every little bit helps, especially when you’re paying for a car that costs more to fix than most folks’ houses...
Not sure if it’s just a Kansas thing, but I’ve been in the same boat—rates creeping up every year, and the “discounts” from those tracking apps barely making a dent. I’ve had a couple of speeding tickets over the last few years (nothing wild, just unlucky timing), so I’m already flagged as high-risk. The irony is, I drive way more cautiously now, but that doesn’t seem to matter much when the algorithms have already decided you’re a problem.
I actually tried one of those usage-based apps with my last insurer. At first, I thought it’d help, but it ended up feeling like I was being watched 24/7. Every hard brake or sharp turn got flagged, even if it was just avoiding a pothole or some deer darting out at dusk. It got to the point where I was more stressed about the app than the actual driving. Didn’t see much savings either—maybe $10 a month, tops.
Switched to a smaller company after that, thinking they’d be more forgiving. Like you said, the quote looked great until they saw my car (older BMW, nothing flashy but apparently expensive enough to fix). Suddenly, the premium jumped by almost 40%. They didn’t care about my driving history or that I barely put 5k miles on it a year. Just saw “import” and tacked on extra fees.
I’ve trimmed my policy down too—no rental, no roadside, higher deductible. Still feels like I’m paying for someone else’s mistakes half the time. At this point, I’m just hoping my record clears up soon and maybe things will level out. Until then, guess I’ll keep dodging squirrels and potholes... and maybe consider trading down to something less “interesting” if rates keep climbing.
It got to the point where I was more stressed about the app than the actual driving. Didn’t see much savings either—maybe $10 a month, tops.
That’s a pretty common reaction to those tracking apps. They’re marketed as a way to save, but for folks who drive in unpredictable conditions (like dodging deer or potholes in Kansas), the system doesn’t always account for real-world driving. The stress of being “watched” can outweigh any minor discount, especially if you’re already driving cautiously.
When it comes to older imports like your BMW, insurers do tend to flag them for higher repair costs, even if you’re not racking up miles. It’s frustrating, but from a risk perspective, parts and labor for imports can be pricier, and that gets baked into the premium. Sometimes, even switching to a smaller company doesn’t help if their underwriting guidelines are strict about vehicle type.
You mentioned trimming your policy down—raising deductibles and dropping extras is a solid move for lowering costs, but it does mean you’re taking on more risk if something happens. Have you looked into whether your insurer offers any “mature driver” or defensive driving discounts? Some companies in Kansas will give a break if you complete a certified course, even with a couple of tickets on your record. It’s not always advertised, but it can help offset those high-risk surcharges.
Another thing to consider: some insurers will do a mid-term review if your record improves or tickets drop off. It’s not automatic, but if you ask, they might re-rate your policy before renewal. Not every company does this, but it’s worth checking.
Curious—have you ever tried getting a quote with a more “boring” car, just to see the difference? Sometimes the drop in premium is bigger than you’d expect, especially if you’re not driving much. Not saying you should trade in your BMW just yet, but it might be eye-opening to see how much the car itself is impacting your rate.
The stress of being “watched” can outweigh any minor discount, especially if you’re already driving cautiously.
That’s exactly how I felt with those apps—felt like I was being graded for every little thing, and it made me more anxious behind the wheel. You’re not alone there. I trimmed my policy too, but I always double-check what I’m actually covered for. Once, I dropped rental reimbursement and regretted it when my car was in the shop for weeks. It’s a balancing act, but you’re making smart moves by reviewing everything step by step. Hang in there—it’s not easy, but every little bit helps.
