Auto Insurance Wants To Track Me?!?!?

UNSTUCK

But stuck more often.
I shopped around last week after Progressive upped my rate $400 for no reason. Every place I talked to besides Statefarm tried to sell me on these tracking devices that “will only lower my rate over time”. I turned them down each time. I’m sure my phone is already tracking me but at least I don’t know about it. I don’t like the idea of being tracked.
So I went with statefarm. The price was the best and I know the local agent. Win win, or so I thought. Tonight, out of the blue these little transponder chips showed up in the mail. I’m supposed to put them in each vehicle and run an app on our phones. I’m thinking they’ll just stay in the package they came in, but then I’m sure my rate will go up and the hassle will start all over.

Is this a big deal? Should I just run them? Is there a way to beat them? Tie them to my kids ankles?

What say rme?
 

Kevin B.

Big hippy
Moderator
Location
Vehicular limbo
I am entirely, completely, utterly, and in all other ways 100% against surveillance capitalism, and won't ever participate willingly. I've got a couple different safeguards on the computer to try and avoid being tracked too much on the web. I do my best to make sure my phone is not sending too much data to the mothership. I don't use companies' proprietary apps unless I have to. I don't have discount cards at the grocery stores, I don't let Home Depot email me my receipt, I'm not interested in letting the power company control my thermostat, Amazon doesn't get to know who's at my door, and I won't ever have one of those little tracking chips to "lower my insurance rate".

It's practically impossible to avoid it 100%, but f*** if I'll ever sign on a dotted line and give them my permission.
 

NYCEGUY01

Well-Known Member
Location
Willard, UT
The wife got those things.
Apparently I dont drive any of my old trucks enough to get the discount. She drives a ton and doesnt speed etc.. so it gives us a good discount.
Now I just have to send them a pic of my odometer readings every once in a while because of the low mileage discount on those vehicles.

I found that the hack is to have several vehicles that you dont drive much...LOL
 

glockman

I hate Jeep trucks
Location
Pleasant Grove
I've been with Safeco for a few years now, left for a period and then came back. No trackers and they are the cheapest for my specific package. I shop around every year or so. Eff insurance companies. They will drop you the second you cost them money even if you pay accident free for 50 years.
I'm with Kevin here. No Amazon alexa, no ring doorbell, no car trackers. I'm not making it easier for them.
 

UNSTUCK

But stuck more often.
So do I need to expect my rate to go up if I don’t install them? I thought the point was to drop the rate further as I prove I’m a good driver.

After a bit more reading last night I see it’s looking for hard braking, hard acceleration, phone usage while the car is moving, ect…

How does it know if I’m driving or a passenger? Can it tell a difference if I’m braking hard to avoid the little kid that just ran out into the street or if I’m about to rear end the car in front of me? Can it tell if I’m speed or keeping up with the flow of traffic? Can it tell if I’m using my phone hands free or is a text while driving just a text no matter what? Can it tell if I’m eating a cheeseburger with two hands while steering with my knee?
 

Tonkaman

Well-Known Member
Location
West Jordan
I use an insurance broker through Key City Insurance. I’ve been with them for many years and have always been happy with how they treat me. I found going directly through an insurance company was not getting me a competitive rate or good customer service. The brokerage company keeps them honest.
 

Kiel

Formerly WJ ZUK
I got about 6 quotes last month and all were double what state farm charges me now. Several agents told me that was a good deal and to stick with them
 

N-Smooth

Smooth Gang Founding Member
Location
UT
The brokerage company keeps them honest.
Now that my smartass comment is out of the way, I’ll second this. We’ve used a broker for several years now and they’ll freakin’ call us and be like hey I think you can find a better deal on insurance for reasons x,y or z. I love it.
 

glockman

I hate Jeep trucks
Location
Pleasant Grove
Now that my smartass comment is out of the way, I’ll second this. We’ve used a broker for several years now and they’ll freakin’ call us and be like hey I think you can find a better deal on insurance for reasons x,y or z. I love it.
Same. My broker lady is awesome.
 
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