[alee]

I never really gave much thought to the area on my State Farm insurance that reads:

Ordinary use of vehicle...
To and from work or school, over 100 miles weekly. Driven over 7,500 miles annually. (National average is 12,000 miles annually)

Now that I'm driving about 150-200 miles a MONTH, I'm wondering if my insurance rates will change if I change this information. Is there a designation like "pleasure" or maybe something like less than 5000 miles annually, and would it significantly lower my premium? I've already got all the major premium reductions (multiple line, antilock brakes, antitheft, vehicle safety and accident-free).

Also, my premium notice today indicates that I can get further discounts for DRLs and Accident Prevention courses. The 3% discount for DRLs isn't worth the hassle (the dealer cost to get them activated would cancel it right out ), but the Accident Prevention course is a healthy 10%. Anyone done one of these? If so, how much does it cost and more importantly, is it worth going to for the 10% discount?

 

[Dr. Phil]

Paging Alan F.

I'm not sure if you can designate your car as pleasure since you have only one:dunno: If you can it does reduce the premium a fair amount.

This is a good question for Alan to answer

 

[Ack]

Alee-

The defensive driving courses is the best bang for the buck. It only costs about $40 and its good for 3 years and 10% reduction/yr. Not bad considering in NYC the rates for a BMW can be over $3K/yr. I've taken the course religiously the last 9 years.

 

[Cliff]

In California, State Farm had a 7500 mileage threshhold. I had myself in that premium classification when it was appropriate. I was commuting and so on, I just wasn't putting that many miles on the truck I had at the time. It had a big impact on my premiums. State Farm requested my odometer mileage every time the policy came up for renewal - that was all they were concerned about.

 

[alee]

The defensive driving courses is the best bang for the buck. It only costs about $40 and its good for 3 years and 10% reduction/yr. Not bad considering in NYC the rates for a BMW can be over $3K/yr. I've taken the course religiously the last 9 years.

:thumbup: That's what I needed to know! $40 isn't bad considering my annual premium is a touch over 2k a year.

How long is the course, and is it (for lack of a better term) "lame"?

 

[fuz]

There should be a premium discount for low mileage cars. I had it when I was a teenager and it cut my insurance rates in half. Although now that I have my bimmer... :lmao:

 

[Ack]

:thumbup: That's what I needed to know! $40 isn't bad considering my annual premium is a touch over 2k a year.

How long is the course, and is it (for lack of a better term) "lame"?

The course is very lame and lasts 5-6 hours. It usually consists of a bunch of movies. If you go with a friend, it goes by much quicker. It still is worth the $40 and the time IMO.

 

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

Picture Mr. Mackie:

"Driving fast is bad. You shouldn't drive fast...."

 

[Michael330]

Always designate the lowest possible miles and a woman as a primary driver (your wife for instance). This combination lowers your premiums substancially.

 

[alee]

Picture Mr. Mackie:

"Driving fast is bad. You shouldn't drive fast...."

mmmmm-kay?

 

[Kaz]

My suggestion, try Mercury Insurance.

I don't think Mercury "Oh, this Taiwan part fits fine!" Insurance is nationwide.

 

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

mmmmm-kay?

Mmmmmkay.

 

[Dr. Phil]

I don't think Mercury "Oh, this Taiwan part fits fine!" Insurance is nationwide.

:lmao:

I've never heard of them around here Sounds like I should be glad about that

 

[johnlew]

Never hurts to try. In your case it surely is a pleasure vehicle. Most OCD outlets are.

 

[rbright]

In many states, you can download the course and take it on your home computer. I live in Georgia, and it is an option here. Just pay the $42, download, and it takes about 4 hours to take on your computer on a lazy Saturday morning.

Check first to see if your state accepts the online version, several do.

 

[Spiderm0n]

Alee,

2K a year for insurance seems high... I guess its another cost of living in NYC. Is it really worth it to keep your car? Add up all the costs: insurance, parking, CLEANING SUPPLIES, depreciation, etc. If you divide that by the 175 miles you are driving a month its gotta be costing you over $5 per mile you drive it!


Just a thought...

 

[alee]

2K a year for insurance seems high... I guess its another cost of living in NYC.

It's pretty steep... I was paying about 1200/yr in Philly. 2k/yr with State Farm is for a 28 yr old single male, pristine driving record, 250 comprehensive, resident of NYC, car parked in NYC. I think I did ok.

Is it really worth it to keep your car? Add up all the costs: insurance, parking, CLEANING SUPPLIES, depreciation, etc. If you divide that by the 175 miles you are driving a month its gotta be costing you over $5 per mile you drive it!

Oh no, it's the voice of common sense! It does get very expensive... parking and insurance cost me a touch over 500/mo total. Add to that the misc costs, and we're approaching insanity. :yikes:

Cleaning supplies is no longer a huge issue... 175 miles a month means my car gets a little dusty after 7 days. I've been OD'ing on Speedshine to care for that problem.

In my case, having a car is important for business reasons. Having a BMW, well... that's different. That's all emotional. :bigpimp:

 

[Dr. Phil]

Oh no, it's the voice of common sense!

Maybe we should introduce you the two of you.............

"Al meet common sense...................common sense this is the Al we told you about"

In my case, having a car is important for business reasons. Having a BMW, well... that's different. That's all emotional. :bigpimp:

What just in case Amtrak quits running:dunno: Or the subway/taxi service dries up in NYC.

Oh I know so you can drive to the data center to check on your stuff. How far is Atlanta or San Antonio from you:yikes:

-----------------------

The real question Al is when you take the occasional drive, do you feel it is money well spent. If so :thumbup: to you

 

[alee]

The real question Al is when you take the occasional drive, do you feel it is money well spent. If so :thumbup: to you

Who needs Viagra?

 

[Dr. Phil]

Who needs Viagra?

That's a good enough answer for me. But maybe just a little TMI:yikes: