I get the appeal of manual photo logs, especially for classics, but I’ve actually had clients run into issues with insurers questioning the authenticity of photos—date stamps can be faked pretty easily these days.
Just be sure your photos are clear, with date stamps if possible. Some companies get picky about documentation.
Honestly, some of the newer app-based trackers are getting better at handling older vehicles, even if they’re not perfect yet. I’d still recommend using both methods if you can—tech for convenience, manual as a backup. That way you’re covered if one fails or gets challenged.
Title: Mileage-based car insurance: who’s using it and which company do you like?
- Totally get where you’re coming from on the photo logs. I’ve had to do that for my old ‘87 Volvo wagon, and yeah, it’s a pain. Even with clear date stamps, I’ve had an adjuster ask if I’d just edited the photo metadata. Felt a bit like being accused of time travel, honestly.
- The app-based trackers are definitely getting better, especially for cars that don’t have OBD-II ports or are just too old for plug-ins. I tried Metromile and their dongle didn’t play nice with my classic, but their app was at least able to estimate mileage decently well. Not perfect, but better than nothing.
- Using both methods is smart. I keep a notebook in the glovebox with handwritten logs (old habit from cross-country trips), plus I snap odometer pics every month or so. If an insurer ever pushes back, at least there’s a paper trail and digital backup.
- One thing I’d add: some companies will accept mechanic service records as proof of mileage too. If you’re getting regular oil changes or inspections, those invoices usually have odometer readings printed right on them. Not foolproof, but it’s another layer of documentation.
- Honestly, the tech isn’t flawless yet—sometimes the GPS drops out or misreads if you’re parked in a garage for weeks. But it’s way more convenient than trying to remember to take photos every time you drive.
- For anyone worried about privacy with the trackers: most companies let you opt out of location tracking and just report mileage. Worth double-checking before signing up though... some are sneakier than others about what data they collect.
It’s a bit of a hassle juggling all this, but having multiple forms of proof has saved me more than once when an insurer got picky about my low annual miles. Feels like overkill sometimes, but better safe than sorry when rates are on the line.
I tried the photo log thing for a while, but honestly, I kept forgetting to take pics after late-night drives. Ended up just using my oil change receipts as backup, like you mentioned. Still feels weird that insurance companies don’t just trust the tech more—if my phone can track my steps, why can’t it track my car’s miles accurately? Maybe I’m just paranoid, but I always wonder if they’re looking for excuses to deny the low-mileage discount...
Honestly, I feel you on the late-night drive thing—half the time I’m just trying to remember where I parked, let alone snap a photo. My insurer sent me this little plug-in dongle for the OBD port, but it kept disconnecting every time I hit a pothole (which is... often). Anyone else have tech that actually works without turning your car into a Christmas tree of warning lights?
I swear, those dongles are like gremlins—mine kept making my dash light up like I’d just launched a spaceship. Ended up yanking it out after the third time my “check engine” light came on for no reason. Anyone actually have one of these gizmos work in an older ride, or is this just a modern car thing? My ‘79 doesn’t even have an OBD port, so I’m stuck in the analog age...
