Mileage-based policies are a game changer if you barely drive. I switched to one last year after realizing my car spent more time parked than moving, and it actually made a noticeable dent in my premium. Not huge, but enough that I didn’t feel like I was just tossing money out the window every month.
I’ve also bounced between local agents and the big names. Honestly, the only time going local really paid off for me was when I had a weird claim (someone backed into my parked car at Harris Teeter—classic). The local agent actually called me to walk through the process, which felt super old-school. But yeah, the price difference wasn’t mind-blowing.
One thing I’ve found is that insurance in NC just has a weird baseline. Even with a clean record, it’s like they expect you to be in a fender bender every other week. Maybe it’s all those roundabouts popping up everywhere? At this point, I just try to keep my policy as basic as I can get away with and check rates every renewal. The spreadsheet trick is clutch—never thought I’d have a “car insurance” tab next to “grocery budget,” but here we are.
Mileage-based insurance is a lifesaver for folks who barely touch their cars—I’m with you there. But man, I swear NC rates are just set on “paranoid.” I stick with the big companies after getting burned by a small local agent who ghosted me during a claim. I’ll pay a little more for less drama, honestly. And yeah, my spreadsheet is out of control too... insurance, groceries, random home repairs—adulting is wild.
I hear you on the NC paranoia—my rates jumped just for adding a classic Mustang to my policy, even though it barely leaves the garage. I tried a local agent once, hoping they’d “get” car folks, but when it came time for a claim, it was radio silence. Now I’m with a big name too. It’s not cheap, but at least I know who to call if something goes sideways. Still can’t believe how much time I spend tracking all this stuff... spreadsheets are my new hobby, apparently.
Still can’t believe how much time I spend tracking all this stuff... spreadsheets are my new hobby, apparently.
Man, I feel this. I’ve got a whole folder of insurance docs and random notes on what’s covered and what’s not. I always wonder if the “big name” peace of mind is just worth the extra cost, or if it’s just marketing. Has anyone actually had a local agent come through when it mattered? Or is it always hit or miss?
I’ve actually had a local agent go to bat for me after a fender bender—helped sort out the paperwork mess way faster than the 800-number folks ever did. But yeah, sometimes it’s just luck of the draw. The big names do make claims easier online, though... trade-offs everywhere.
