metromile pulse reviews: Insights from an Independent Insurance Agent
Hey there! Blake here from Blake Insurance Group. I’ve been in the insurance game for quite a while now, and let me tell you, I’ve seen my fair share of insurance trends come and go. But lately, there’s been a lot of buzz about Metromile and their Pulse device. Now, I know not everyone can get their hands on this particular insurance option, but for those of you in states like Virginia where it’s available, it’s definitely worth a chat.
I’ve had many clients asking me about Metromile lately, wondering if it’s the real deal or just another flash in the pan. So, I thought I’d break it down for you, share some insights, and give you the lowdown on what my clients have been saying. Whether you’re a low-mileage driver looking to save some cash or just curious about these new-fangled insurance options, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and see what all the fuss is about, shall we?
How the Metromile Pulse Works
**Device Installation**
– You receive the Pulse device when you sign up for a Metromile policy.
– The Pulse is a small wireless device that plugs into your car’s OBD-II (on-board diagnostic) port.
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– This port is usually located under the dashboard near the steering wheel in most cars made after 1996.
**Data Collection**
– Once installed, the Pulse begins tracking your mileage.
– In some states, it also collects other driving data like speed, acceleration, and braking.
– The device enables GPS vehicle location and trip tracking.
**Data Transmission**
– The Pulse communicates with the Metromile smartphone app, transmitting the collected data.
– This lets you track your mileage and driving habits in real-time.
**Insurance Calculation**
Now, here’s where it gets interesting:
Metromile uses the mileage data to calculate your monthly premium. You pay a base rate plus a per-mile rate.
For example, if your base rate is $40 and your per-mile rate is 5 cents, driving 200 miles monthly would cost you $50 total.
There’s a daily mileage cap (usually 250 miles or 150 in New Jersey), so road trips won’t break the bank.
In some states, your driving behavior can influence your rates. Better driving habits could mean lower premiums
**Additional Features**
– The Pulse enables features like vehicle health monitoring and diagnostics.
– It can help locate your car if you forget where you parked or if it’s stolen.
– In some cities, it provides street-sweeping alerts to help avoid parking tickets.
**Privacy Options**
– Customers can disable the Pulse’s GPS function if they prefer not to share location data.
– However, this will turn off some smart drive features like trip tracking.
**Continuous Operation**
– The device should always remain plugged in, even when not driving, to track mileage accurately.
– A small red light on the device indicates it’s working properly.
By using the Pulse device, Metromile can potentially offer lower rates to low-mileage drivers than traditional auto insurance. The device is central to Metromile’s pay-per-mile insurance model, allowing for more personalized and potentially cheaper auto insurance for people who don’t drive very much.
Potential Discounts
Multi-car discount: Save money when you insure more than one vehicle on your policy.
Multi-policy discount: You can save up to 15% when you bundle your Metromile auto insurance with a Hippo home insurance policy.
Safe driving discount: Save up to 15% if your driving data shows you use safe driving habits.
Defensive driving class discount: Available to new drivers who take an approved defensive driving course.
Anti-theft device discount: Cars with features that help lower the risk of theft may earn a discount.
Senior discount: Available to senior citizens.
Continuous insurance discount: This is for drivers with no gaps in their insurance history.
Paperless discount: For getting billing and policy documents electronically.
Homeowners discount: Provide proof of homeownership to qualify.
Education discount: For completing a college degree.
5-year at-fault accident-free discount: Automatically applied if you have no at-fault accidents on your record for the past five years.
3-year clean record discount: For having no points on your license.
Online quote discount: Applied when you get your quote online instead of over the phone.
Full coverage discount: Automatically applies when you purchase comprehensive and collision coverages.
pros and cons of Metromile insurance
Pros:
– Potential for significant savings, especially for low-mileage drivers (up to 47% on average)
– Cheap premiums for drivers who drive less than 7,500-10,000 miles annually
– User-friendly mobile app and online services for policy management
– Pet injury protection included in most policies
– Cheaper-than-average rates for drivers with poor credit
– Easy claims filing process
Cons:
– Only available in 8 states (Arizona, California, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington)
– Rates can be higher than average for most drivers who drive more frequently
– Monthly costs can fluctuate, making budgeting less predictable
– No coverage for electric cars and some vehicles made before 1996
– Discount options aren’t available everywhere
– Higher number of customer complaints compared to the industry average
– Not rated by top rating agencies like A.M. Best
Metromile seems best suited for low-mileage drivers who can save money with the pay-per-mile model. However, limited availability, potential cost fluctuations, and customer service issues are important factors.
Customer Service Experiences
– Mixed reviews overall, with both positive and negative experiences reported
– Positive aspects:
– Easy-to-use mobile app and online services for policy management
– Smooth claims filing process for some customers
– Responsive customer support via chat and email for some
– Negative aspects:
– Slow claims processing and difficulties contacting adjusters reported by some
– Higher than average number of customer complaints compared to industry standards
– Some customers report unexpected charges or billing issues
– Challenges with the Pulse device malfunctioning for some users
Key takeaways:
The technology and app seem to work well for many customers, providing convenience.
Claims handling is a pain point, with some customers reporting delays and difficulties.
Customer service responsiveness seems inconsistent – some have good experiences while others struggle to get help.
The pay-per-mile model works well for low-mileage drivers, but some face unexpected costs.
Overall customer satisfaction appears lower than that of major traditional insurers.
Average Cost of Metromile Insurance
When considering Metromile for your auto insurance needs, it’s essential to understand the average costs involved. Here are some key points regarding Metromile’s pricing:
Competitive Rates: Metromile boasts the cheapest average car insurance rate in the country, with an annual average of $782. This is significantly lower than the national average of $1,924 for full-coverage auto insurance.
Monthly Premiums: On average, U.S. drivers pay about $65 monthly for full Metromile coverage.
Potential Savings: Drivers who switch to Metromile can save an average of 47% compared to their previous traditional insurance policies.
Base Rate: Metromile advertises a starting base rate of just $29 per month, though this rate is typically available to drivers with good credit, no recent traffic violations or accidents, and those who don’t drive high-repair-cost vehicles.
Per-Mile Rate: The company provides a typical per-mile rate of around $0.06 per mile.
Factors Influencing Cost: The actual cost of a policy can vary based on several factors:
Driver profile (age, credit history, vehicle type, driving history)
Mileage driven
Premium Calculation: Metromile calculates premiums using a combination of a base rate and a per-mile charge. For example:
A base rate of $29 plus $0.06 per mile could result in:
250 miles driven = $44 monthly / $528 annually
500 miles driven = $59 monthly / $708 annually
750 miles driven = $74 monthly / $888 annually
It’s important to remember that these figures are averages and examples; your actual cost will depend on your specific circumstances and driving habits. Always consider getting a personalized quote to understand what you might pay with Metromile.
| Feature | Metromile | Mile Auto | Allstate Milewise | Nationwide SmartMiles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | 8 states | 11 states | 17 states | 44 states |
| Mileage Tracking | Plug-in device (Pulse) | Photo of odometer | Plug-in device | Plug-in device |
| Base Rate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Per-Mile Rate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Daily Mileage Cap | 250 miles (150 in NJ) | Varies by state | Varies by state | 250 miles |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pet Injury Coverage | $1,000 included with collision | Not included | Not included | Not included |
| Rideshare Coverage | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Roadside Assistance | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Multi-Car Discount | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Safe Driver Discount | Yes (Ride Along program) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Average Annual Premium | $782 | $879 | $903 | $798 |
| Customer Satisfaction | Mixed reviews | Mixed reviews | Generally positive | Generally positive |
Comparing Metromile Pulse to Traditional Insurance
Cost Structure:
– Metromile: Base rate + per-mile charge
– Traditional: Fixed premium based on estimated annual mileage
The main benefit of Metromile is potential savings for low-mileage drivers. Driving less than 10,000 miles per year could see significant savings compared to a traditional policy.
Key Differences:
– Metromile tracks actual mileage via the Pulse device
– Traditional policies rely on estimated mileage
– Metromile bills monthly based on miles driven
– Traditional policies typically bill in 6-12 month terms
Metromile Benefits:
– Potential savings for low-mileage drivers
– More transparent pricing based on actual usage
– App features like trip tracking and car locator
Traditional Policy Benefits:
– Predictable fixed costs
– No mileage tracking device is required
– Often, more discount options are available
Scenarios where traditional policies may be better:
High-mileage drivers: Traditional policies are often cheaper if you drive over 10,000 miles annually.
Multiple vehicles: Traditional policies often offer multi-car discounts that Metromile can’t match.
Bundling: Traditional carriers typically offer better discounts if you bundle auto with home/renters insurance.
Older vehicles: Some pre-1996 cars aren’t compatible with Metromile’s device.
Privacy concerns: Some drivers don’t want their mileage tracked.
The bottom line is that Metromile can offer great savings for certain drivers, but it’s not the best fit for everyone. I always recommend getting quotes from Metromile and traditional carriers to compare your options based on your specific situation.
FAQs about Metromile Pulse
What is Metromile Pulse?
Metromile Pulse is a small device that plugs into your vehicle's OBD-II port to track your mileage and driving behavior. It helps determine your insurance premium based on how much you drive.
How does the pay-per-mile insurance model work?
With Metromile, you pay a base rate plus a per-mile charge. This means if you drive less, you could save significantly on your insurance costs. Your monthly premium will vary based on the number of miles you drive.
Is the Pulse device easy to install?
Yes! The Pulse device is designed for easy installation. Simply plug it into the OBD-II port located under your dashboard, and it will start tracking your mileage immediately.
What happens if I drive more than my usual mileage?
If you exceed your typical mileage, your premium will increase accordingly, as you’ll be charged for the additional miles driven. However, Metromile has a daily mileage cap (usually 250 miles) to prevent excessive charges during road trips.
Can I use Metromile if I have an older vehicle?
Metromile is compatible with most vehicles made after 1996 that have an OBD-II port. If your vehicle is older, it may not be eligible for coverage.
What are the benefits of using Metromile over traditional insurance?
Metromile can offer significant savings for low-mileage drivers, more transparent pricing based on actual usage, and features like trip tracking and vehicle health monitoring through the mobile app.
Are there any downsides to using Metromile?
Some potential downsides include variable monthly costs based on mileage, possible higher rates for high-mileage drivers, and privacy concerns regarding tracking your driving habits.
How does Metromile handle claims?
You can file claims through their mobile app or website. While many users report a smooth claims process, experiences can vary, so it's essential to read recent reviews and understand their claims handling.
Is roadside assistance included with Metromile?
Yes, Metromile offers roadside assistance as part of their insurance policies, providing peace of mind in case of emergencies.
Blake Nwosu
Owner & Principal Agent
Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed