I hear you on the tracking stuff—it’s everywhere now. I’m not wild about it either, and I’ve been through the same runaround with insurance companies lately. Here’s what I’ve found after a lot of digging and a few frustrating phone calls:
- You *can* still get a quote without telematics, but it’s definitely harder. Most of the big-name companies push those devices or apps because it’s cheaper for them to monitor you than just trust your record.
- If you say no to tracking, they’ll usually just quote you their “standard” rate, which is often higher than the telematics discount. It feels like a penalty for wanting privacy, honestly.
- Some smaller or regional insurers are less aggressive about telematics. I found one in Kansas (Farm Bureau) that didn’t even mention it unless I asked. Their rates weren’t the lowest, but they were fair and didn’t require any gadgets.
- If you’re over 65, ask about senior or mature driver discounts. Some companies still offer those if you take a defensive driving course—no tracking required.
- Bundling with home or renters insurance sometimes helps offset the lack of a telematics discount.
I get why they want to monitor driving habits, but it’s not for everyone. I’ve been driving for decades without an app watching me, and I don’t see why that should suddenly change just because I hit a certain age bracket.
One thing that helped me: being upfront about not wanting telematics right away. Some agents will try to sell you on it, but if you’re firm, they’ll usually just move on to the next option.
It’s not impossible to get a decent rate without all the tracking nonsense, but you might have to call around more and be ready to walk away from companies that won’t budge. It’s annoying, but there are still options out there if you dig a little deeper.
It feels like a penalty for wanting privacy, honestly.
That’s exactly how it comes off. I had the same pushback when I told my agent I wasn’t interested in their “smart” device. I ended up with a higher rate, but at least nobody’s watching my every lane change. Hang in there—being persistent does pay off, even if it takes a few extra phone calls.
Honestly, I hear this a lot—folks feeling like they’re being nudged into tech just to keep their rates reasonable. It’s not just you. The “smart” devices are supposed to reward safe driving, but if you’re not comfortable with that level of monitoring, it can feel like you’re getting dinged for valuing your privacy.
Here’s the thing: there are still ways to keep your premiums manageable without giving up all your info. Sometimes, bundling home and auto helps, or even tweaking your coverage limits a bit. I’ve seen people save by raising their deductible (as long as you’re comfortable with that risk). Also, some companies offer discounts for things like defensive driving courses—might be worth checking out if you haven’t already.
It’s a hassle, no doubt. But persistence does pay off, and sometimes just calling around and asking about “mature driver” discounts or loyalty perks can shake something loose. Not every agent will mention those unless you ask. The system isn’t perfect, but there are still a few levers you can pull without letting Big Brother ride shotgun...
Yeah, I get where you’re coming from. I tried one of those tracking apps for a few months and honestly, it just stressed me out more than anything. Every hard brake or quick turn, I’d worry about my score. Ended up ditching it and just called around like you said—found a company that gave me a better rate for bundling with my renter’s insurance. Not a huge savings, but at least I don’t feel watched all the time. Sometimes old-school persistence really does work.
Every hard brake or quick turn, I’d worry about my score.
That’s exactly why I ditched the app too. I swear, I started driving like I was chauffeuring the Queen—couldn’t even sneeze without thinking it’d ding my “safe driver” points. Honestly, I kinda miss the days when you just called up a few agents and haggled a bit. Did you notice any weird charges or “discounts” disappearing after you stopped using the tracker? Sometimes feels like they make it up as they go...
