Really wanted your opinion

[zzentar]

I have car insurance and have had it for years. My problem is I barely drive since I have an apt where I work.
I have driven 1300 miles in 28 months.
I am paying 65.00 a month for insurance.

To me, that is ridiculous.
Called my present company and they said they don't care how many miles I drive, (but they did take a pic of my odometer when they started my coverage).

Is there a company that will take in account you drive less than 50 miles a month?

any help or advice is appreciated,

~Zz

[Ker_Thwap]

Are you legally required to have insurance? Can you afford to replace your car out of cash on hand? Can you afford to pay medical bills if you're hurt? Do you have assets that can be lost if you're personally sued? Do you care that you might trash someone's financial life if you injure them?

Depending on your circumstances, you could lower or drop collision coverage, or go with a really large deductible. I generally hate insurance, but car insurance is worth having. It's all about the risk/reward. If you do drop the insurance coverage, be certain you have enough cash/credit to start over again.

Oh, with that few miles, explore renting a car instead of owning one?

[Tisket]

State Farm did for a friend of mine who lived less than ten miles from her work. It was only ten bucks less a month but still, cheaper.

65/month does seem high but maybe you have a crappy driving history?

[Gelston]

Are you legally required to have insurance? Can you afford to replace your car out of cash on hand? Can you afford to pay medical bills if you're hurt? Do you have assets that can be lost if you're personally sued? Do you care that you might trash someone's financial life if you injure them?

Depending on your circumstances, you could lower or drop collision coverage, or go with a really large deductible. I generally hate insurance, but car insurance is worth having. It's all about the risk/reward. If you do drop the insurance coverage, be certain you have enough cash/credit to start over again.

Oh, with that few miles, explore renting a car instead of owning one?

Renting will be a lot more than 65/m.

[GS4-Seomanthe]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usage-based_insurance Has info & several links to companies that offer usage-based plans.

[Allereli]

have you shopped around at different insurance companies? Are you paying by the month or every 6 mos? It is cheaper to pay every 6 mos. Even if you pay every 6 months, you are not obligated to keep your insurance that long, you can switch whenever you want and you'll get a prorated refund.

[Ker_Thwap]

Renting will be a lot more than 65/m.

Depends on if you're driving 2 miles every day, or 200 miles once over two months.

[Taernath]

65/month does seem high but maybe you have a crappy driving history?

Uh, what? I have a spotless record, and I've never gotten a rate lower than $100. Part of that might be I don't have bare bones coverage and my state requires full glass, but it's completely worth it. I've had to replace my windshield 3 times in 5 years.

[cwolff]

I have car insurance and have had it for years. My problem is I barely drive since I have an apt where I work.
I have driven 1300 miles in 28 months.
I am paying 65.00 a month for insurance.

To me, that is ridiculous.
Called my present company and they said they don't care how many miles I drive, (but they did take a pic of my odometer when they started my coverage).

Is there a company that will take in account you drive less than 50 miles a month?

any help or advice is appreciated,

~Zz

Sell that POS. You don't need it. You're averaging 46 miles a month for over two years. Put that cash in your bank and no more car insurance bill.

[Mahlrem]

Sell that POS. You don't need it. You're averaging 46 miles a month for over two years. Put that cash in your bank and no more car insurance bill.
I agree... I probably wouldn't keep it if I were in your spot. Are those 46 miles per month trips you could live without, or accomplish with a bicycle or public transportation?

[Drew]

Uh, what? I have a spotless record, and I've never gotten a rate lower than $100. Part of that might be I don't have bare bones coverage and my state requires full glass, but it's completely worth it. I've had to replace my windshield 3 times in 5 years.

A lot of it depends on your zip code. My friend used to register his car in Orlando instead of Boca Raton because in Orlando you're likely to run into a rental car and in Boca you're more likely to hit a Ferrari. It doesn't matter how shitty your car is, if you hit an expensive car your insurance company has to pay to fix that car. So you're penalized by living in an area with nicer than average cars.

[diethx]

Uh, what? I have a spotless record, and I've never gotten a rate lower than $100. Part of that might be I don't have bare bones coverage and my state requires full glass, but it's completely worth it. I've had to replace my windshield 3 times in 5 years.

I also have a spotless record, I pay $350 every six months and I have don't have bare bones. I think I have $50k/$100k & $50k property, as well as a $500 deductible on comp/collision & roadside service (I forget the rest of the numbers on uninsured and stuff). Is your insurance really that much better?

[cwolff]

My record isn't spotless but I'm paying $61.00 a month through USAA. I have the state minimums on a 10 year old car and I drive 10k miles per year. I did get a new speeding ticket three weeks ago so it may go up.

[Wrathbringer]

I have car insurance and have had it for years. My problem is I barely drive since I have an apt where I work.
I have driven 1300 miles in 28 months.
I am paying 65.00 a month for insurance.

To me, that is ridiculous.
Called my present company and they said they don't care how many miles I drive, (but they did take a pic of my odometer when they started my coverage).

Is there a company that will take in account you drive less than 50 miles a month?

any help or advice is appreciated,

~Zz

Depending on your vehicle and local laws, you may consider forgoing auto insurance and pocketing that cash. Where I live, should you ever get pulled over and not have insurance (if they even ask) it's only a $150 fine and a 90 day suspension, so you're money ahead to not be insured. Should circumstance ever beat the odds and you do have an accident, that's what uninsured motorist insurance (also required here) is for. :)

[Archigeek]

For the amount you're driving each year, you could take a cab and save a lot of money. Forget the insurance issue for a moment and consider whether or not you need a car at all. You could also take advantage of one of those ride-share services instead like Hourcar or something if you live in a large enough metropolitan area.

As for the suggestions that you go without insurance, that's a bad idea. It wouldn't be just the fine and suspension of your license, it would be a new higher rate when you do go back to get insurance, and the potential that you really screwed someone over by being uninsured.

[Tgo01]

With just insurance, gas, registration and oil changes you're probably spending close to 100 dollars a month to drive an average of 1.5 miles a day. I say ditch the car.

[Ardwen]

Not all states require insurance, mine doesnt assuming you own your car outright, I'd guess a third of drivers here are uninsured entirely. and a decent number have the bare minimum they can carry.

[Wrathbringer]

Not all states require insurance, mine doesnt assuming you own your car outright, I'd guess a third of drivers here are uninsured entirely. and a decent number have the bare minimum they can carry.

Wow, it sounds like you live in America proper. Freedom of choice. Wow. It's a dying thing.

[cwolff]

Not all states require insurance, mine doesnt assuming you own your car outright, I'd guess a third of drivers here are uninsured entirely. and a decent number have the bare minimum they can carry.

What state is that?

[Tisket]

Doesn't anyone else own their own home? Bundling car and home insurance saves well...a bundle.

[Latrinsorm]

I say we take off, and nuke the entire site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.

[Wrathbringer]

I say we take off, and nuke the entire site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.

Why do you hate freedom? And blacks?

[Latrinsorm]

Xenomorphs are descended from the grigori and nephilim, read your Bible. They gave up their rights when they chose to be born as things that creep me out. It's called personal responsibility.

[zzentar]

no idea why I never saw anyone reply but thank you all.

now to answer all those questions:
1, last ticket was 10 yrs ago for not wearing my seat belt
2. its a 10 yr old car that runs great
3. I did the taxi thing and to be honest it was 30.00 a month to get groceries but you have a certain feeling of freedom owning your own car.

figure I missed a question or two but thats it in a nutshell

[zzentar]

Oh and by the way, I was really nervous asking a serious question and wanting feedback,
I am pleasantly surprised.

~Zz

[cwolff]

Oh and by the way, I was really nervous asking a serious question and wanting feedback,
I am pleasantly surprised.

~Zz

Can you get USAA? They've got to be the cheapest insurance company available. If you can, check 'em out.

[Taernath]

I also have a spotless record, I pay $350 every six months and I have don't have bare bones. I think I have $50k/$100k & $50k property, as well as a $500 deductible on comp/collision & roadside service (I forget the rest of the numbers on uninsured and stuff). Is your insurance really that much better?

My record isn't spotless but I'm paying $61.00 a month through USAA. I have the state minimums on a 10 year old car and I drive 10k miles per year. I did get a new speeding ticket three weeks ago so it may go up.

I spent some time fiddling with my insurance today (also USAA) but I would have to give up comprehensive/full glass to get it under $100.

[cwolff]

I spent some time fiddling with my insurance today (also USAA) but I would have to give up comprehensive/full glass to get it under $100.

That does sound high. Did they trick you with the "how many times have spilled your beer taking a right turn on red question?"

[Ker_Thwap]

Can you get USAA? They've got to be the cheapest insurance company available. If you can, check 'em out.

I had USAA, I hated it when I actually had an accident. I had to fight with them to get OEM parts (which are not subject to recall notices,) and rather than send a claims adjuster to the shop, they force you to go to their shop for the claims adjuster to view it, then you have to get your car to the autobody shop. All in all, just crappy service.

Yes, I know they're highly rated, but they also have a high percentage of customers who are military and thus may be used to red tape.

[zzentar]

remember I drive 50 miles a month, I have insurance more for the uninsured guy that is gonna rear end me
~Zz

[Tisket]

Oh and by the way, I was really nervous asking a serious question and wanting feedback,
I am pleasantly surprised.

~Zz

I don't know why you'd be surprised. This board has a great track record for helpfulness. In between the name calling that is.

[Warriorbird]

If you rent rather than own you can bundle with renter's insurance too. I think my cousin dropped like 25 a month doing that.

[Tisket]

I didn't know that, I never had renters insurance but I guess it makes sense that they'd offer bundles to renters too.

[Warriorbird]

I didn't know that, I never had renters insurance but I guess it makes sense that they'd offer bundles to renters too.

Yeah, I was surprised. I don't think what he saved is much less than his renter's insurance bill actually is.

[Gsgeek]

Yep, bundling auto insurance and renters insurance pretty much makes the renters insurance almost no cost.

[kutter]

Depending on where you live, I say get a scooter or motorcycle, I have a rather expensive one with full coverage in south Florida and my coverage is only about $400/yr. For the little bit you drive, you can afford to wait to go somewhere until the weather is conducive so you do not get caught in the rain, like I do so frequently, plus they have a much lower overall cost, fuel, oil, etc. All except tires, they do not last too long and I seem to go through those things like there is not tomorrow, but, it is a Ducati Superbike, so do not use me as an example.

A nice 150cc or one of the big 250cc scooters would do everything you need, and they actually have storage areas on some of them so you can go to the grocery store. You could probably operate one of them for .05/mile or less not counting your insurance, which would probably be a drop in the bucket.

[waywardgs]

1.5 miles a day? Ride a bike. Save a bunch of money and you can be smug about saving the planet at the same time!

[kutter]

1.5 miles a day? Ride a bike. Save a bunch of money and you can be smug about saving the planet at the same time!

Normally I would say I agree, but what if it is one 10 mile trip every two weeks, or whatever the math works out too. The real issue with bikes too, is that if you live in a climate that is hot/humid, when you get where you are going, you need a shower, I used to ride my bike 10 miles to and from work, just for the workout, but we had lockers at work and I could shower when I got there. I lived in Houston at the time and I would not have wanted to have to ride a bike for 20 minutes and then get off and have to be presentable in the summertime.

[Warriorbird]

Normally I would say I agree, but what if it is one 10 mile trip every two weeks, or whatever the math works out too. The real issue with bikes too, is that if you live in a climate that is hot/humid, when you get where you are going, you need a shower, I used to ride my bike 10 miles to and from work, just for the workout, but we had lockers at work and I could shower when I got there. I lived in Houston at the time and I would not have wanted to have to ride a bike for 20 minutes and then get off and have to be presentable in the summertime.

Yeah. I'd have a lot easier time biking here in Virginia than I would have in Louisiana.

[cwolff]

I'm just jealous of Zzentar. I used to live 4 miles from work and was in the office all day. I could bike, run or take the bus to get there every day. It was awesome. Now I have to maintain a car, car insurance, gas etc... It's a real treat to live in a way where you don't actually need a car.

[Warriorbird]

I'm just jealous of Zzentar. I used to live 4 miles from work and was in the office all day. I could bike, run or take the bus to get there every day. It was awesome. Now I have to maintain a car, car insurance, gas etc... It's a real treat to live in a way where you don't actually need a car.

.3 miles to work is massively better than a 140 mil commute. I sometimes even go home for lunch.

[cwolff]

.3 miles to work is massively better than a 140 mil commute. I sometimes even go home for lunch.

That's awesome. I currently live outside of our metro rail system but my office is moving downtown May 1st. I'm hoping to move down there this Summer too. That way I can at least walk to work and then if I have to drive out to meet a client I can go home and get the car.

[Warriorbird]

That's awesome. I currently live outside of our metro rail system but my office is moving downtown May 1st. I'm hoping to move down there this Summer too. That way I can at least walk to work and then if I have to drive out to meet a client I can go home and get the car.

Yeah, it's great. I feel like I'm in better shape too. I still have to drive for business meetings for my Grandfather, but I save like 2-2.5 hours a day.

[Latrinsorm]

That's awesome. I currently live outside of our metro rail system but my office is moving downtown May 1st. I'm hoping to move down there this Summer too. That way I can at least walk to work and then if I have to drive out to meet a client I can go home and get the car.If you really believed in global warming you would make a train out of bark!!!!!

[cwolff]

If you really believed in global warming you would make a train out of bark!!!!!

IKR! I did make this out of tree bark

6402

And this out of buckskin

6403

And this double walled home insulated with 1 foot of peat moss, central fireplace and an underground birch bark tubing intake to vent fresh air into the base of fire for super efficient heating!

http://www.teachingdrum.org/gallery/index.php?displaypic=Nishnajida%2FWhiteSeason%2FWi nterCamp%2Fwintercamp004.jpg

[Ker_Thwap]

IKR! I did make this out of tree bark

6402

And this out of buckskin

6403

And this double walled home insulated with 1 foot of peat moss, central fireplace and an underground birch bark tubing intake to vent fresh air into the base of fire for super efficient heating!

http://www.teachingdrum.org/gallery/index.php?displaypic=Nishnajida%2FWhiteSeason%2FWi nterCamp%2Fwintercamp004.jpg

It would be hilarious if someone tipped that yurt thing over.

[cwolff]

It would be hilarious if someone tipped that yurt thing over.

You couldn't tip it but you could burn the hell out of it. The exterior and interior walls are birch bark shingling and sticks.

The frame is made with maple poles that are partially buried and angled away from the center. That way when you pull them across you get a dome with walls that bow outward. Ever sit in tent and the wall rubs on your back and head? Angling the poles outboard keeps that from happening and gives you more living space.

[Tisket]

Uh, what? I have a spotless record, and I've never gotten a rate lower than $100. Part of that might be I don't have bare bones coverage and my state requires full glass, but it's completely worth it. I've had to replace my windshield 3 times in 5 years.

Are you a young male? I've never paid that much for full coverage.

[Taernath]

Are you a young male? I've never paid that much for full coverage.

I'm in my 30's.

[Wrathbringer]

Are you a young male? I've never paid that much for full coverage.

That is sexist profiling! How dare they. Why do they hate young males? We know age and gender are considered, wonder if race factors in as well... Hmm. Which race do they charge the most? Anyone work in the sexist auto insurance industry that can tell us?

[diethx]

That is sexist profiling! How dare they. Why do they hate young males? We know age and gender are considered, wonder if race factors in as well... Hmm. Which race do they charge the most? Anyone work in the sexist auto insurance industry that can tell us?

You're... joking, right?

[Wrathbringer]

You're... joking, right?

It's the PC. One never knows, I'm afraid.

[Tisket]

I'm in my 30's.

Even before I was married I never paid more than 75 bucks a month for full coverage bundled with my home insurance. (I owned a small house on my own before marrying).

Married people pay less. Right now we are insuring multiple vehicles, as well as covering our home and a rental so it's more overall but still very reasonable.

Clearly, the answer is to get married. You have your marching orders.

[subzero]

Clearly, the answer is to get married. You have your marching orders.

Don't do it! Think long term!

[Taernath]

I should get one of those contract marriages.

[cwolff]

I should get one of those contract marriages.

Like pre-paid cellular? I think they have 'em on craigslist.