MyRate

Hmm, seems that Progressive Insurance has a new program out called MyRate that is a PAYD (pay as you drive) system that is more common in Europe. Since we don't drive much, and since I try to hypermile as much as I can, I have always thought this was a good idea.

But now that it is here, I am not so sure.

It works by installing a computer into your OBD diagnostic port under your dash, that every car built after 1996 has*. The device records the speed and time at which you are driving, and sends it wirelessly to Progressive who then analyzes the data to determine your insurance rate which can be between 40% off or 10% more. So if you have lots of hard stops and starts, drive a long way, and drive at night, it will cost you more. But if you drive easy, not much, and in the day time, you get a discount both in gas and insurance. They also have an online tool that shows you at least some of the data they collect, and compare your driving to others.

But do I really want Progressive knowing how I drive in order to save a few bucks? Isn't that a bit self imposed big brother-ish? What if that info is used against me for some reason? Plus then I couldn't get my ScanGuageII that I have wanted that tells you everything that the progressive device does, plus much much more.

Like I said, hmm...

*Side note, if any mechanic tells you that new cars are harder to work with "because of all the computers" they are BSing you. The computer is telling them almost exactly what is going wrong.