The predictability just felt safer for my wallet... and my peace of mind.
That really resonates. I tried a pay-per-mile plan with Nationwide last year, thinking it’d be a no-brainer since I barely drive during the week. At first, the savings were decent, but then I got dinged for “late-night driving” and “hard braking” after a couple of rainy commutes. It felt like the system didn’t care about context—just numbers. I get that data helps price risk, but sometimes it feels a bit too black-and-white. For now, I’m sticking with a regular policy, even if it’s a bit more upfront. Peace of mind’s worth something too.
I hear you on the peace of mind thing. I tried one of those “smart” insurance apps a while back—figured it’d be an easy win since I’m not exactly racking up miles. But man, the app was like a backseat driver with a grudge. Every time I braked a little harder (usually because someone cut me off or the light changed), I’d get a “ding” and my rate would creep up. Rainy days? Forget it. Apparently, hydroplaning counts as “aggressive driving” now.
I get that they’re trying to reward safe habits, but sometimes life just happens. Not everything fits into their little algorithm boxes. Plus, I started getting paranoid about every turn and stop, which is not exactly relaxing behind the wheel.
Honestly, paying a bit more for a regular policy feels like buying myself some sanity. At least I know what to expect each month, and I don’t have to worry about my phone tattling on me if I grab groceries after 10pm. Maybe if these companies get better at factoring in real-life stuff, I’ll give it another shot. For now, I’ll take boring old predictability over surprise “hard brake” charges any day.
Yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from. That “backseat driver with a grudge” vibe is way too real. I’ve seen a lot of folks get frustrated with those apps, especially when the tech can’t tell the difference between slamming the brakes because someone cut you off and just being reckless. It’s like, does the algorithm think we’re driving on empty roads all day?
Honestly, paying a bit more for a regular policy feels like buying myself some sanity. At least I know what to expect each month, and I don’t have to worry about my phone tattling on me if I grab groceries after 10pm.
That’s the thing—predictability matters. I’ve looked at the data from claims where people were using these mileage-based or “smart” policies, and honestly, the tech just isn’t there yet. Rain, potholes, a squirrel darting out... real life doesn’t fit into neat little boxes. Half the time, people end up driving more cautiously but also more distracted, worrying about their score instead of just focusing on the road.
I will say, some of the newer companies are starting to tweak their algorithms to be a little less harsh. I’ve heard Metromile and Root are trying to factor in stuff like time of day and weather, but it’s still hit or miss. And if you’re someone who drives mostly at night or in bad weather (like shift workers), you can get dinged for stuff that isn’t really your fault.
I’m not totally against the idea—if you barely drive and have a pretty routine commute, it might actually save you money. But for most people? The peace of mind from a traditional policy is worth a few extra bucks. At least until these apps get a little more “human” about how they judge our driving.
Mileage-based car insurance: who’s using it and which company do you like?
Totally agree about the “backseat driver with a grudge” thing—my car already judges me enough with that check engine light, I don’t need my phone joining in. Has anyone else had their score tank because of a pothole or some random squirrel? I tried one of those apps for a month and spent more time worrying about my “hard braking” than actually, you know, driving. Maybe these companies will figure it out eventually, but for now I’d rather pay a little extra and not have my insurance app side-eyeing me every time I hit the brakes.
Honestly, I feel you on the whole “judgy app” thing. I’m just starting to look into insurance and the idea of my phone tattling every time I swerve for a rogue squirrel is kind of wild. It’s like, yeah, I want to save money, but not at the cost of stressing over every bump in the road. Maybe these apps will get smarter, but for now, your approach sounds way less anxiety-inducing.
