Progessive Auto Insurance

[texkid]

I am with an "Off Brand" insurance company just so I could be able to drive my car off the lot. After a year, i decided that I should chose another insurance company for better protection for my Yaris.

First off, I have a horrible history. I was young and didn't know better. Geico, Nationwide, and other major insurance companies are charging close to (if not over) $200/month.

I looked at Progressive, they are going down to $120 for full coverage (25/50/10). But there is a catch. In order to get it that low, I would have to enroll in "MyRate" which is basically a tracker connected to the ODB. It tracks my cars acceleration, deceleration, driving time, etc; and it sends the info back to Progressive. Supposedly, if it shows that I am a careful driver, my premium will be lowered when I re-new.

My question, should I go with this deal? In actuality, I do already watch my speed/driving due in part to saving fuel and in part because of the crappy car insurance. But, I do occasionally floor it when running late to work or trying to catch thieves in black trucks full of beer. How does it know when that movement was necessary or careless? A real example, what if I had to slam on the brakes because some idiot in a H2 was too busy on this cell phone that he failed to yield when switching from the far left lane to my lane just to catch the off-ramp?

Let me know what y'all think. Thank-y'all and sorry for the long read.

Added Note: If I decline the MyRate feature, I think it goes up to $150-160.

[auxmike]

Wow, that's bizzare! I have enough of Big Brother, would I want a SPY in my car too?
I'm super blessed in paying $68/month for my loaded '08 HB with full coverage. BUT, I'm 41yo!:thumbdown:
Let's see what the others think. The rates not too bad, but the "black box" thing is kinda spooky.:eek:

[texkid]

Wow, that's bizzare! I have enough of Big Brother, would I want a SPY in my car too?
I'm super blessed in paying $68/month for my loaded '08 HB with full coverage. BUT, I'm 41yo!:thumbdown:
Let's see what the others think. The rates not too bad, but the "black box" thing is kinda spooky.:eek:

I remember there was a pilot program by another insurance company. But they used a dash-cam type of monitoring. It was a trial-run and short lived.

Here is the link to the Progressive My Rate Program--LINK (http://www.progressive.com/myrate/myrate-default.aspx)

[POORSHA]

I would do it. If you " screw up" you can always go back to the crappy insurance. Plus obd doesn't show everything.

[RedRide]

Wow, that's bizzare! I have enough of Big Brother, would I want a SPY in my car too?
I'm super blessed in paying $68/month for my loaded '08 HB with full coverage. BUT, I'm 41yo!:thumbdown:
Let's see what the others think. The rates not too bad, but the "black box" thing is kinda spooky.:eek:

I agree.
I would never want a spy in my car. This definately scary as its just a small step from this for the gov to require this OBD info also!

[nemelek]

Some years ago the insurance companies started to use credit ratings to factor in rates. There were a lot of people mad about that. I have a great credit rating and used that to my advantage. If you are a safe driver take advantage.

[Forrest]

If you go with this 'black box' and you do not 'pass' the safe driver marker...does the insurance drop you? Does this reflect on future rates if you do not drive accordingly with OTHER insurance companies? Sounds like a conspiracy and if info is shared, your rates could go sky high unless you drive perfectly.

[Bob Dog]

I wonder if that woman on the Progressive TV commercials puts on a spy vs spy hat and coat and comes to your house to put the black box on. No spy boxes for me!

[Kal-El]

I hadn't heard of this "MyRate" option but I did switch to Progressive a few months ago and my premium was cut in half for the same coverage as my old provider. I couldn't believe it.

:thumbsup:

[talnlnky]

you said you were stupid in your youth..... have you changed? If no... then going with the cheap rate won't do you any good cause after the first month or two they'll figure out you drive like a tool. If yes... then go with it and don't be scared... if you don't have a scanguage or similar tool already, there really is no concern for you.


On a side topic... progressive would've screwed me... I was out of the country for 6 months, sold my car before I left, they jacked up my quote by like 25% because I went without insurance sometime in the past three years. I even talked to a rep and explained it, they didn't care. My current company (farmers) didn't care one bit.

[Phaeton]

Thieves in black trucks full of beer? I can't believe I'm the first person to ask about this lol.

[yaris-me]

I would do it to lower my rate. If your rate goes down and you switch company, the new company will have your insurance info from Progressive.

[SilverBack]

Added Note: If I decline the MyRate feature, I think it goes up to $150-160.

I would find out if that's really what my rate would be without the MyRate first. If it is, I wouldn't mind paying that amount if it means Big Brother would get off my back. I personally don't like being spied on, it's annoying.

[RedRide]

As we go through life, we all have to take a stand on certain issues.
Having a spy in your car is one of them.

Would anyone also like to have a spy in their residence to monitor their actions?

To me, a car is a personal space just as a residence is and I detest any sort of spying/monitoring.

I'm not some youngster with something to hide. I'm an older gent who realizes the importance of protecting our privacy at all cost!

[silver_echo]

to the OP, how old are you, how many tickets/accidents, credit rating good/bad, married/single, student?


i am personally on american family insurance... i switched from progressive to esurance a couple years ago to save money, and then just switched to american family at the end of feb. this year, ran my math and i am saving approx $2k/year to switch from esurance

i currently have 2 tickets, and 1 accident showing

i am insuring 3 vehicles and my apartment with them for $260/month
vehicle 1: 2001 toyota echo
vehicle 2: 2001 toyota prius
vehicle 3: 1993 jeep cherokee

apartment, $70k coverage with my wife's hearing aids($10k) scheduled coverage...

[supmet]

Insurance is a scam. I've cost insurance companies exactly 0 dollars over 7 years, and yet some 40 year old that has cost his insurance company 20 grand just in the last 3 years still gets lower rates then me. And then I see this crap about accident forgiveness from all these insurance companies. THERE'S a great idea. Lets discount the people who cost us the MOST money!

Lets do away with insurance, and maybe people will learn to drive....

You might as well just go with AIG since you've already paid a year's worth of insurance in tax money. They're giving discounts to taxpayers right?

[texkid]

I have maybe 3 speeding tickets, 3 accidents (1 unreported), license was suspended back in 2005.

I have improved since then. My mother even said so herself!

I am fulltime student, work part time, married, and decent credit rating.

I am still going to look at other insurance companies to see what else is out there.

[silver_echo]

okay i am gonna recommend american family insurance... they have good rates and great coverage...

[TinyGiant]

Insurance is a scam. I've cost insurance companies exactly 0 dollars over 7 years, and yet some 40 year old that has cost his insurance company 20 grand just in the last 3 years still gets lower rates then me. And then I see this crap about accident forgiveness from all these insurance companies. THERE'S a great idea. Lets discount the people who cost us the MOST money!

Lets do away with insurance, and maybe people will learn to drive....

You might as well just go with AIG since you've already paid a year's worth of insurance in tax money. They're giving discounts to taxpayers right?

In NH you only need insurance if there is a loan on the car.

i didnt have ins for a long time .. until we got the yaris.

I had couple cars in hs that had loans on them and the ins was almost as much as the car payments. its certainly a scam.. but wont feel like it if you need it. i've never needed it. therefore.. it feels like a scam.. and the deductibles make it so you dont want to claim anything too .. its dumb for sure

[Kal-El]

In NH you only need insurance if there is a loan on the car.

i didnt have ins for a long time .. until we got the yaris.

I had couple cars in hs that had loans on them and the ins was almost as much as the car payments. its certainly a scam.. but wont feel like it if you need it. i've never needed it. therefore.. it feels like a scam.. and the deductibles make it so you dont want to claim anything too .. its dumb for sure

I'm surprised NH still doesn't require it for all. It's not a question of covering the damage to your car, it's damage to other people's cars, property, or bodily injury to others. If you don't have insurance and hit someone, you are royally screwed. If you own a home and hurt someone, say goodbye to that home because you will be sued when they find that you have assets to claim.

[silver_echo]

that is one thing that i like about washington, is that it is required to have insurance at all times... if you get caught, $500 ticket...

[talnlnky]

I have maybe 3 speeding tickets, 3 accidents (1 unreported), license was suspended back in 2005.

I have improved since then. My mother even said so herself!

I am fulltime student, work part time, married, and decent credit rating.

I am still going to look at other insurance companies to see what else is out there.
Improved???? WTF does that mean...?

That could mean 2 accidents, and a DUI (1 ticket).

[texkid]

Improved???? WTF does that mean...?

That could mean 2 accidents, and a DUI (1 ticket).

Improved in the sense that I haven't had a ticket or accident since 2005. I had just got my license in 2001 and been a lead-foot since then. It wasn't until a few years ago that I learned to ease up on the pedal and learn to drive more carefully.

My insurance has been lowering since then. It is just not lowering fast enough :biggrin:

Besides, you haven't seen crazy ass drivers until you've been to LA, Dallas, or Houston. Here, its common to drive 5 over the limit with no tail lights working and expired tags! I am angel compared to those.

okay i am gonna recommend american family insurance... they have good rates and great coverage...
You're not going to believe this but I went to their website and asked for a quote. I entered my zip code and I get a window stating that they don't service my state. They instead recommended another insurance company. Who did they recommend? Esurance!

[The little red pill]

In NH you only need insurance if there is a loan on the car. :eek:

i didnt have ins for a long time .. until we got the yaris. :eek: :eek:



Are you sure you don't even need liability?? How would you plan to pay for an accident if you were at fault? With no insurance company to pay out, any accident lawyer would slap a lien on your house / car / (any other material possession) in a heartbeat!
In most states, even if you don't have a bank lien, you still must have liability!

[texkid]

Are you sure you don't even need liability?? How would you plan to pay for an accident if you were at fault? With no insurance company to pay out, any accident lawyer would slap a lien on your house / car / (any other material possession) in a heartbeat!
In most states, even if you don't have a bank lien, you still must have liability!

I am inclined to agree. I am not totally sure, but I think Congress passed that law that everyone must have some form of insurance. It is just up to the state to determine the least amount of coverage you can be on the road with.

[auxmike]

I too find it kinda scary that people can drive around without insurance. Forget the car's damage, what if you ram someone's house, or hit a pedestrian, or rear end someone?
Here in NY , you MUST have insurance. I would be downright pertified to drive around completely unprotected......:eek:

[Forrest]

Just looked this up on the New Hampshire DMV site:

New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Laws do not require you to carry Auto Insurance, but
you must be able to demonstrate that you are able to provide sufficient funds to
meet New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Requirements in the
event of an “at-fault” accident. If you are unable to meet these requirements your
driving privileges in New Hampshire may be suspended. For more information on
financial responsibility requirements you can refer to New Hampshire Statute RSA
264 or contact the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles at 603-271-3101 or
www.nh.gov/safety/dmv

[Kal-El]

Just looked this up on the New Hampshire DMV site:

New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Laws do not require you to carry Auto Insurance, but
you must be able to demonstrate that you are able to provide sufficient funds to
meet New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Requirements in the
event of an “at-fault” accident. If you are unable to meet these requirements your
driving privileges in New Hampshire may be suspended. For more information on
financial responsibility requirements you can refer to New Hampshire Statute RSA
264 or contact the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles at 603-271-3101 or
www.nh.gov/safety/dmv

You couldn't be anything less than a millionaire to demonstrate the ability to pay out in a lawsuit against you in the event that you permanently injured someone. :confused:

And as soon as the victim finds out you're a millionaire, then you will no longer be a millionaire.

Get the relatively cheap insurance!

[texkid]

Check out this link--its from New Hampshire state's website under Motor Vehicles. Check out Chapter 264:2, 264:3, 264:20, and 264:21--LINK (http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/xxi/264/264-mrg.htm)

So in essence, like Forrest said, you CAN drive without insurance, it's when you break the law or get involved in an accident that you SHOULD have insurance.

It almost sounds like New Hampshire is trying not to enforce it's citizens to carry insurance but remain free from liability for allowing it's citizens to drive without insurance.

Side Note: What is funnier is that there is provisions on how one should conduct themselves in the event of an accident (Chapter 264:25). That definitely sounds like something a defense attorney pushed to get it passed.

[silver_echo]

You're not going to believe this but I went to their website and asked for a quote. I entered my zip code and I get a window stating that they don't service my state. They instead recommended another insurance company. Who did they recommend? Esurance!

sucky....

[The little red pill]

Check out this link--its from New Hampshire state's website under Motor Vehicles. Check out Chapter 264:2, 264:3, 264:20, and 264:21--LINK (http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/xxi/264/264-mrg.htm)

So in essence, like Forrest said, you CAN drive without insurance, it's when you break the law or get involved in an accident that you SHOULD have insurance.

It almost sounds like New Hampshire is trying not to enforce it's citizens to carry insurance but remain free from liability for allowing it's citizens to drive without insurance.

Side Note: What is funnier is that there is provisions on how one should conduct themselves in the event of an accident (Chapter 264:25). That definitely sounds like something a defense attorney pushed to get it passed.


OK, that settles it, I'm never driving in New Hampshire! :eyebulge: LOL.
Seriously though guys, that's why "accidents" are called "accidents". No one expects them to happen. For example, I consider myself a good driver (no moving violations in 10 years) no accidents, etc. But 3 months ago, I was driving my Tahoe when a 17 year old kid ran a stop sign and caused my Tahoe to roll five times almost killing me. That's how I got my brand spanking new Yaris paid for in CASH. Below is a nice reminder of why everyone needs insurance.

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/110/m_210bbe37bb3749849ff4dd24469b7f8b.jpg

[Kal-El]

New Hampshire also doesn't require people to wear seat belts or wear helmets on motorcycles. Pretty scary stuff. They basically govern by their mantra "live free or die". Well, you'll be dead all right.

[CKaelin]

I have 10 points (one accident and a few speeding tickets) and pay $78.00 a month for full coverage on my 2008 lb. I also use Progressive

[texkid]

I have 10 points (one accident and a few speeding tickets) and pay $78.00 a month for full coverage on my 2008 lb. I also use Progressive

Have you had any problems with their customer service or claims department? I just want to gauge their customer relations.

[bronsin]

I have my rate with the OBD 2 "spy". I drive never more than 45 mph, nor more than 5000 miles a year plus ive been driving 35 years without an accident. The spy saves me 15% a year. But they tell you your rate could be MORe with the spy. You just have to drop it is all. You can look up on their site and see how many miles you drive, etc etc. It's cool. It ought to be MANDATORY thered be lots less jerks driving out there. If you "drive like you stole it" yeah I guess you dont want the spy.

[texkid]

I have my rate with the OBD 2 "spy". I drive never more than 45 mph, nor more than 5000 miles a year plus ive been driving 35 years without an accident. The spy saves me 15% a year. But they tell you your rate could be MORe with the spy. You just have to drop it is all. You can look up on their site and see how many miles you drive, etc etc. It's cool. It ought to be MANDATORY thered be lots less jerks driving out there. If you "drive like you stole it" yeah I guess you dont want the spy.

Hmmm....I guess I'll take a chance. The other decent thing about it is that I can cancel anytime without having to cancel the policy.

[eht13]

New Hampshire also doesn't require people to wear seat belts or wear helmets on motorcycles. Pretty scary stuff. They basically govern by their mantra "live free or die". Well, you'll be dead all right.
Exactly, it's a very weird approach for a state government to take. I didn't realize this extended to their laws (or lack thereof) regarding insurance and responsibility for accidents, but I'm not totally surprised.

As to the original question of the thread... I guess you have to decide whether you are OK with Big Brother watching you in order to save some money. Not to sound paranoid, but that would be a weird feeling, even if you know you have nothing to hide. I guess the other thought is that you would be constantly having to prove your worthiness to them... whereas with most insurance you only have to "prove" it to them in the form of no tickets or accidents of your fault.

[bronsin]

Yes you can always drop it, no charge. You really need to be driving less than 9000 miles a year to get any savings. Also if you drive between 12- 6am forget it. But its fun seeing all the data online.

[parts_oracle]

Have you had any problems with their customer service or claims department? I just want to gauge their customer relations.

My husband and I have been with Progressive for around 8 years and last year he was hit by a red light runner also insured by Progressive. I can't give you too many details as the case is still pending in court, but it has been an absolute nightmare! I would never recommend Progressive to anyone. Once this whole thing is over I too will be looking for a new insurance company.

[silver_echo]

my wife was rear ended by someone on progressive and it took us two years to get it resolved, and even then, it was only marginally more than the various medical bills, and lawyer fees... their adjuster actually said "i'm not paying for any soft tissue injuries, as those are all crap anyway"

[texkid]

My husband and I have Progressive and last year he was hit by a red light runner also insured by Progressive. I can't give you too many details as the case is still pending in court, but it has been an absolute nightmare! I would never recommend Progressive to anyone. Once this whole thing is over I too will be looking for a new insurance company.

I would have to say that every time I have seen two people get into an accident who have the same insurance carrier have ALWAYS run into problems. The same crap happened to my cousin. Her Camry was rear-ended by some dufus on the cell phone. They both had Allstate. Yeah, they immediately paid for her rental-car, but took over a month to finally say that there were going to salvage her car and give her a new one and leave the other guy high and dry. She looked further into it and find out that it took so long because they were trying determine which car to salvage without costing them too much money.

my wife was rear ended by someone on progressive and it took us two years to get it resolved, and even then, it was only marginally more than the various medical bills, and lawyer fees... their adjuster actually said "i'm not paying for any soft tissue injuries, as those are all crap anyway"

What happened to your wife was messed up. Although from a medical standpoint, I would have to agree that soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, repetitive tissue injury, etc) are of "less concern" than other major trauma. I say "less concern" because on paper the adjuster/lawyer/doctor will downplay it, but the actual experience and PAIN that a person goes through can never be described on paper which sucks. Nonetheless, your wife didn't deserve that treatment from the adjuster.

[tomato]

If you go with this 'black box' and you do not 'pass' the safe driver marker...does the insurance drop you? Does this reflect on future rates if you do not drive accordingly with OTHER insurance companies? Sounds like a conspiracy and if info is shared, your rates could go sky high unless you drive perfectly.

Good point on sharing the info.

To the OP:

Personally, I wouldn't do let someone stick a tracking device to my car, on principle, but I'm much older and already have a long driving record and I've been with AllState for a long time, so they give me pretty good discounts.

Interesting thing, though, they dropped the "economy" discount since I bought the Yaris (I'm with Allstate). If the Yaris isn't an economy car, I really don't know WHAT they consider an economy car.

[silver_echo]

progressive's "adjusters" aren't even really adjusters... just idiots with a college math degree, and 99% of the time, NO AUTO EXPERIENCE... just pisses me off... when i was with esurance, they used an independent adjuster who spent 20 years in auto body... however, one cannot say enough about a name branded carrier that has a local agent... someone that you can talk to if you have a question, someone to whom you are more than just a number...