Car insurance discussions and local services.
johnbirdwatcher
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Mileage-based car insurance: who’s using it and which company do you like?
I get the worry about being tracked, but honestly, I’ve found the mileage-based stuff pretty fair. I switched to Metromile last year and the dongle’s been a non-issue for me - set it and forget it. The savings are real i...
RE: Do you really need extra insurance for a rental in Montana?
I get the worry about those “loss of use” fees, but honestly, I’ve rented in Montana a bunch and never had an issue. My credit card covers most rental car damage, so I usually skip the extra insurance. Guess it depends o...
RE: Why California’s minimum car insurance might not be enough
Yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from. My last car was a decade-old Civic that already had a few dings, so I dropped comprehensive for a while to save cash. But then one night, someone smashed my window for the ch...
RE: Why can’t I use my points AND a coupon at checkout?
That’s exactly how it feels - like you’re spinning a wheel every time you check out. I swear, half the time the cashier is just as confused as I am. I’ve even had one tell me, “Yeah, it’s weird, sometimes it works for my...
RE: anyone else feel like AAA insurance isn't what it used to be?
Yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from. The last time I called for a jump, I waited almost two hours in a grocery store parking lot, just hoping my phone battery would last. I’ve noticed the app’s pretty inconsiste...
RE: Finding budget-friendly auto insurance in Alabama: my step-by-step
That’s pretty much how I do it too, just picking through the details and seeing what actually matters for my day-to-day. I will say, I used to skip roadside assistance thinking it was just a money grab, but after getting...
RE: just saw a story about a guy in Kansas whose car got totaled by hail, and turns out his insurance didn't cover it.
Yeah, I hear you - insurance lingo is a minefield. I had “comprehensive” too and still got pushback when a tree limb smashed my windshield. They tried to say it was “wear and tear.” It’s wild how they’ll twist things if ...
RE: Little-known trick with Progressive’s roadside help
Yeah, I’ve definitely had that “almost fits” moment in a parking lot - nothing like realizing the terminals are reversed after you just dropped $150. I always check my policy now too, since one time I assumed battery swa...
RE: Insurance tips for my vintage ride needed
Yeah, yearly checks are usually fine. But one thing I'd add - if you've done any major upgrades or restorations, it's worth updating your insurer right away. Learned that the hard way after upgrading brakes and suspensio...
RE: Can Military Folks Really Get Cheaper Insurance Rates?
Yeah, I've noticed the same thing. Military insurers are great for standard cars - solid service, good rates - but they definitely seem lost when you start talking classics or customs. I remember trying to insure an old ...
RE: Insurance headaches for risky drivers in NC - stick with big names or go local?
I've actually had better luck with a smaller local agency when things got messy. Had a weird situation last year - someone rear-ended me into another car, total nightmare figuring out liability. My local agent knew exact...
RE: Confused about insurance rules in South Dakota - help me figure this out
Yeah, can't really blame the officer there. Phones are expensive, and nobody wants that awkward moment of handing back a cracked screen... I've had similar experiences myself, and honestly, it's just easier to keep a pap...
RE: Finding affordable car insurance in Hawaii when you're labeled "high-risk"
Yeah, I've wondered about that too. From what I've seen, some insurers do random mileage checks - like they'll ask for odometer readings occasionally - but others just seem to take your word for it unless there's a claim...
RE: lent my car to a friend, insurance got messy real quick
Yeah, I've noticed insurers can be pretty inconsistent about this stuff. Mine was fine when my sister borrowed my car now and then, but when a friend got into a minor fender-bender with it, suddenly they got super strict...
RE: got caught up in fraud trouble - what happens next?
Yeah, I totally get where you're coming from with the simplicity thing. I used to juggle multiple accounts too, thinking it was safer, but honestly it just made me paranoid about forgetting something important. Your cash...