Tracking Driving Habits with OBDII port (for insurance savings)

[edmscan]

I have nothing to hide, as I feel I am a good driver. I too am frugal, for lack of a better word. (ok call me cheap, but I am not too cheap, but do like saving a buck.)

The only concern I have is that people have said since installing their "Snapshot" device, they have had issues with drained batteries. This would be a deal breaker for me, as I am not accepting for problems with my car just to save a few bucks.

Maybe someone can inform me if the device when plugged into your port would actually be capable of draining your battery ? I know that my ScanGauge shuts itself off when I turn off the ignition.

I am not terribly concerned about any privacy issues with such a device at this point. It has been stated that the devices will NOT be used to raise insurance rates, but solely to determine if people would qualify for a discount.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by edmscan

It has been stated that the devices will NOT be used to raise insurance rates, but solely to determine if people would qualify for a discount.

It would be unfair to flat out claim the above is untrue, but I'm just too cynical to think that it is likely.

I forgot to include one thing on my previous post -- generally, my cynicism in that post DOES NOT extend to the military. If other parts of our government were run as well as many parts of the military are, the government, IMO, would have fewer problems/issues. I've generally had that same impression within Canada as well re Canadian personnel.

I don't know if the device you mention would drain the battery or not.

[edmscan]

I have learned that the "Ajusto" device (the device used in Canada) goes into "Sleep Mode" when the car is shut off, much like a ScanGauge device.

I don't know about the SnapShot device used by Progressive in the US, but I am sure that their website probably has the answer.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by edmscan

I have learned that the "Ajusto" device (the device used in Canada) goes into "Sleep Mode" when the car is shut off, much like a ScanGauge device.

I don't know about the SnapShot device used by Progressive in the US, but I am sure that their website probably has the answer.

It is probably better (more beneficial to you) that you have the perspective you do, and there's probably a 99.9 percent chance that what is being presented to you is true. I just think the concept itself is insidious, and I wouldn't believe what is being claimed unless the technology was explained to me, I understood it, and could see for myself that the settings on the device match what is claimed. Earlier tonight I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in a few months. He has his own small company. He designs and installs elaborate security/computer/cameras systems etc....for some reason mostly for big ranches and ships registered to foreign oil companies. He's a really calm, health oriented guy. He said tonight 'Remember, never trust anyone'. I can't possibly go to that extreme, I just have a lot more cynicism than most people. Perhaps what he does has influenced him (kind of like a divorce lawyer not wanting to be married). With me, it's having experienced a lot of lies in personal situations.

[seth_man]

i used snapshot, used it for 3 months, got a 22% discount. still drove normally, pleanty of 80+mph highway cruises, just gotta watch the time of day you drive and how hard you decelerate or brake.

[edmscan]

Originally Posted by seth_man

i used snapshot, used it for 3 months, got a 22% discount. still drove normally, pleanty of 80+mph highway cruises, just gotta watch the time of day you drive and how hard you decelerate or brake.

I totally think that this would be a money saving option for me, as I am a pretty cautious driver.

Did you have any issues with your Snapshot ? Like car battery problems.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by seth_man

i used snapshot, used it for 3 months, got a 22% discount. still drove normally, pleanty of 80+mph highway cruises, just gotta watch the time of day you drive and how hard you decelerate or brake.

This may sound rhetorical, but were you already with Progressive because they were already the lowest quote you obtained? I obtained quotes from them in the past (BEFORE snapshot) and they were never the cheapest.

I must admit though, if you have to sit through a commercial, their commercials are better than most.

[edmscan]

Of course a consumer has to check the market to see if this "Usage Based" insurance is for them.

I pay about 900$ for my Yaris now, so if I got quoted $1200 for Usage Based insurance even with the maximum 25% discount, it just wouldn't make financial sense. So there have to be the right numbers for it to make financial sense.

I understand some people may have privacy concerns, but to me it is really a non issue. I don't care if my insurance company finds out whether I drive 5,000 or 10,000 km or if I drive at 7 PM at night or 2 AM. This really isn't an invasion of my personal privacy, so I don't have a problem with it.

As was mentioned above .. you will just get a bigger discount if you are a good driver and do the right things. Really if you think about it, the insurance company would obviously have a customer base full of good safe drivers as it will just save them money in claims. So it is a win-win for everyone involved.

The insurance company wins cause drivers are more cautious as they know they are being monitored and the driver wins cause they are being rewarded for their safe driving habits.