Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

jmonroe

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

Finally made it to the Florida ranch. The limo got a flat tire, had to send another one over.
We got a ride to the airport in a friends 2008 Buick LaCrosse. It had almost 80k miles on it, rode really nice, smooth, quiet, yet didn't lose the feel of the road.....a bit firm but easy going over bumps. My wife liked the huge back seat.
One real negative to me is the instrument panel rises and you can't see any of the hood. I really like to see the hood and the sides if at all possible.
But, inside was nice....drove like a new car. This friend said no matter how much money he had, he would only by a Buick...he says it is the perfect car.

Why didn't you tell us before hand that @imidazol97 was going to be your chauffeur.

Have a great stay in Florida. The weather started to break for the worse here in the Burgh today. When did you say my 3 week reservation at your joint started this Winter? I think it was before @oldfarmer50 crashed your place but I forget.

jmonroe

I didn't stay long, the couch was lumpy and I couldn't find the car keys.

Geez, we had a spare bedroom with a queen size bed and a nice firm mattress and there was a spare set of keys in plain sight on the night strand.

Come to think of it, @driver100 said when you show up he has to put the keys under his pillow.

Maybe you ani't one of his favorite poster buddies no more.

BTW, that post above just shows you he has a sense of humor. I have never been charged and Mrs. Driver would never allow guests of theirs to put up with his cooking.

jmonroe

driver100

I found this deal in Sarasota......$279 a month with $2750 down+$925 acquisition charge. .

. Monthly lease payments of $279 per month for 36 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $29,257 (MSRP of $36,095, including destination and handling fee of $995, less $2,750 customer down, $0 security deposit and suggested dealer contribution of $1,088 and $3,000 Lease Credit). Actual MSRP may vary. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect your actual monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $2,750 down payment, $279 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.25/mile over 30,000 miles and a disposition fee of $350 at lease end. , is $22,018. Offer valid through October 31, 2017

Just guessing, but the car is probably a stripper, absolutely no extras on it.

qbrozen

driver100 said:

I found this deal in Sarasota......$279 a month with $2750 down+$925 acquisition charge. .

. Monthly lease payments of $279 per month for 36 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $29,257 (MSRP of $36,095, including destination and handling fee of $995, less $2,750 customer down, $0 security deposit and suggested dealer contribution of $1,088 and $3,000 Lease Credit). Actual MSRP may vary. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect your actual monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $2,750 down payment, $279 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.25/mile over 30,000 miles and a disposition fee of $350 at lease end. , is $22,018. Offer valid through October 31, 2017

Just guessing, but the car is probably a stripper, absolutely no extras on it.

uhhh... what car is that?

driver100

Oh yeh, forgot to mention, Lease financing available on new 2017 BMW 320i Sedan models

qbrozen

So that's ... $390 or so? with zero down. On a $36k car. That's not very good.

stickguy

Neither is a zero option 320i.

Driver, getting white. Has lots of goodies. Moonroof, BLIS, camera, CarPlay, HID lights. Yes it's a turbo. DSG 7 speed gearbox (just like an Audi!)

abacomike

I'm still shaking as a response to seeing the renewal policy for my car. The insurance company I am with issues only yearly policies (12 months, not 6 months) for both my car and my Condo. My Condo comes due in March of next year, but my policy for the car renews on November 30th.

This past year I paid $1901 for the car. The renewal will cost me $2365.00! If that isn't enough to blow one's mind, nothing would. An increase of $464.00 a year and I had no accidents or tickets. They say I am receiving good driver rates because I have no accidents or tickets, but they sure could have fooled me! I'm afraid to see what they will be charging me for my Condo insurance considering the hurricane damages throughout he State of Florida.

According to LM, the reason for the rate increase has to do with an inordinate amount of claims they have paid out throughout the State this past year. But a 23% increase in rates is just unbelievable.

I checked out all the big, solid insurance companies and their rates are even worse - State Farm wanted $3000+ as did Allstate and several others. The only company that was lower was Geico - but I refuse to go with Geico because when I went with them 4 years ago, they were less expensive at the onset - but 6 months later, I was hit with a 30% increase - so they got me and then they killed me. And I have no accidents, tickets, zilch, nada, nyet, etc.

So, it looks like I am going to have to deal with exorbitant insurance rates. And they say that living in Florida is like living in Shang-ra-lah! Hooey - it like living in a money pit of a State.

abacomike

Well, at least the weather has been gorgeous since that cold front passed by yesterday. Sunny, no clouds, 77 degrees with the same in store for tomorrow. I was able to drive with the sunroof open today - delightful. I have all my windows open and the Condo is finally airing out after a very hot, humid summer. But by Saturday, there is some "sub-tropical disturbance" moving north from the Yucatan that is expected to bring us heavy rains and warms days and nights. I guess summer is not giving up easily down here in Shang-ra-lah!

suydam

abacomike said:

I'm still shaking as a response to seeing the renewal policy for my car. The insurance company I am with issues only yearly policies (12 months, not 6 months) for both my car and my Condo. My Condo comes due in March of next year, but my policy for the car renews on November 30th.

This past year I paid $1901 for the car. The renewal will cost me $2365.00! If that isn't enough to blow one's mind, nothing would. An increase of $464.00 a year and I had no accidents or tickets. They say I am receiving good driver rates because I have no accidents or tickets, but they sure could have fooled me! I'm afraid to see what they will be charging me for my Condo insurance considering the hurricane damages throughout he State of Florida.

According to LM, the reason for the rate increase has to do with an inordinate amount of claims they have paid out throughout the State this past year. But a 23% increase in rates is just unbelievable.

I checked out all the big, solid insurance companies and their rates are even worse - State Farm wanted $3000+ as did Allstate and several others. The only company that was lower was Geico - but I refuse to go with Geico because when I went with them 4 years ago, they were less expensive at the onset - but 6 months later, I was hit with a 30% increase - so they got me and then they killed me. And I have no accidents, tickets, zilch, nada, nyet, etc.

So, it looks like I am going to have to deal with exorbitant insurance rates. And they say that living in Florida is like living in Shang-ra-lah! Hooey - it like living in a money pit of a State.

That is quite a hike! That’s more than I pay for 2 vehicles in Calif. and I thought insurance is very high here. Of course your 1 vehicle is worth more than my two combined . . . Do you have AAA?

stickguy

Mike, that's how insurance works. If their costs go up (claims), everyone pays more to cover it. Y'all fund the pool used.

driver100

stickguy said:

Neither is a zero option 320i.

Driver, getting white. Has lots of goodies. Moonroof, BLIS, camera, CarPlay, HID lights. Yes it's a turbo. DSG 7 speed gearbox (just like an Audi!)

Wow....it has got everything you ever really need. We took the C250 out today to get necessities. I love driving it, but, I miss the rear camera and the BLIS. Turbo is a must these days.

driver100

stickguy said:

Mike, that's how insurance works. If their costs go up (claims), everyone pays more to cover it. Y'all fund the pool used.

Stick, one reason rates go up is because their are so many lousy drivers on the road and like you said, because they get into accidents and cause accidents, everyone's rates go up. I am not so sure they try that hard to find the scammers too.....they don't care, whatever they pay out they recover from we poor slobs.

I saw a guy today changing lanes and squeezing between cars going 85 mph..........brake lights go on and people slow down to avoid him....as he goes on his merry way.

I still say there should be unmarked cars with cameras rolling, recording what goes on, and when they see something the fines are heavy......great way to make the roads safer, collect more revenue, catch the people not driving properly.

abacomike

driver100 said:

Plumber was here yesterday and put new wax seals in the floors for both toilets.  Hopefully that will solve the problems. 

How long did those seals last? I am thinking, maybe seals should be replaced every so many years...or after so many flushes!

27 years!  Not bad.

abacomike

suydam said:

I'm still shaking as a response to seeing the renewal policy for my car. The insurance company I am with issues only yearly policies (12 months, not 6 months) for both my car and my Condo. My Condo comes due in March of next year, but my policy for the car renews on November 30th. This past year I paid $1901 for the car. The renewal will cost me $2365.00! If that isn't enough to blow one's mind, nothing would. An increase of $464.00 a year and I had no accidents or tickets. They say I am receiving good driver rates because I have no accidents or tickets, but they sure could have fooled me! I'm afraid to see what they will be charging me for my Condo insurance considering the hurricane damages throughout he State of Florida. According to LM, the reason for the rate increase has to do with an inordinate amount of claims they have paid out throughout the State this past year. But a 23% increase in rates is just unbelievable. I checked out all the big, solid insurance companies and their rates are even worse - State Farm wanted $3000+ as did Allstate and several others. The only company that was lower was Geico - but I refuse to go with Geico because when I went with them 4 years ago, they were less expensive at the onset - but 6 months later, I was hit with a 30% increase - so they got me and then they killed me. And I have no accidents, tickets, zilch, nada, nyet, etc. So, it looks like I am going to have to deal with exorbitant insurance rates. And they say that living in Florida is like living in Shang-ra-lah! Hooey - it like living in a money pit of a State.

That is quite a hike! That’s more than I pay for 2 vehicles in Calif. and I thought insurance is very high here. Of course your 1 vehicle is worth more than my two combined . . . Do you have AAA?

No.  BMW has towing so there is no need at this time to take on added expense.

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Rh5eMrSIs

driver100

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

abacomike said:

Plumber was here yesterday and put new wax seals in the floors for both toilets.  Hopefully that will solve the problems. 

How long did those seals last? I am thinking, maybe seals should be replaced every so many years...or after so many flushes!

27 years!  Not bad.

Not bad at all.......after 27 years it can be expected to go....but, it would be nice if they could find a way so that when it goes, it doesn't create such a disaster. Who would think to change the seals at 25 years.....besides NYC?

driver100

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Rh5eMrSIs

It seems like a contest....how many SUVs can you squeeze into your lineup?

driver100

qbrozen said:

So that's ... $390 or so? with zero down. On a $36k car. That's not very good.

Good point, when you add the $4000 into the monthly payment it really hikes the monthly price up.....but, a new BMW 320i for $279 sounds like a great deal.

sda

With all the storm disasters this year I expect property and vehicle insurance to go up for everyone. And with all the distracted driving wrecks we all pay the price. The other morning there were more than 20 wrecks reported during morning rush hour. Put down the phone, biscuit, whatever, pay attention and drive defensively!

suydam

Their car insurance is often cheaper.

abacomike

sda said:

With all the storm disasters this year I expect property and vehicle insurance to go up for everyone. And with all the distracted driving wrecks we all pay the price. The other morning there were more than 20 wrecks reported during morning rush hour. Put down the phone, biscuit, whatever, pay attention and drive defensively!

Defensive driving is difficult at times because much of it has to do with predicting what other drivers are going to do.  Often on the Turnpike or on an interstate, a driver passing you on the right is almost certain to pull into your lane when he runs out of clear road ahead.  That is defensive driving because you are ready to brake if he cuts in front of you too close.  Defensive driving is a “learned” skill that comes from a myriad of driving experiences.  That’s why young drivers have the most difficulty in driving defensively.

Old drivers are so busy trying to keep their car going in a straight line that they become less able to drive defensively.  On the other hand, some old drivers drive too defensively - they are so unsure of what other drivers are going to do that they decrease driving speed (usually while driving in the left lane) causing drivers around them apoplexy!

There must be a happy medium - learning to drive defensively or to drive more aggressively depending on traffic, weather and road conditions.

abacomike

driver100 said:

driver100 said:

Plumber was here yesterday and put new wax seals in the floors for both toilets.  Hopefully that will solve the problems. 

How long did those seals last? I am thinking, maybe seals should be replaced every so many years...or after so many flushes!

27 years!  Not bad.

Not bad at all.......after 27 years it can be expected to go....but, it would be nice if they could find a way so that when it goes, it doesn't create such a disaster. Who would think to change the seals at 25 years.....besides NYC?

We all could use an NYCCARGUY to periodically check our plumbing - a sort of toilet, sink and drain UROLOGIST!!!  

explorerx4

@abacomike,
Get a quote for the Lizard company. If it's lower, call your present insurer and ask if they can beat it.
You might be surprised.

ab348

driver100 said:

Not bad at all.......after 27 years it can be expected to go....but, it would be nice if they could find a way so that when it goes, it doesn't create such a disaster. Who would think to change the seals at 25 years.....besides NYC?

I'm surprised the toilet itself hasn't failed or been changed out for a newer high-zoot designer model like yours.

ab348

Defensive driving is sometimes done just by instinct. I suspect I am not alone in this but I seem to have the ability at times to spot vehicles in traffic that you just seem to know are going to do something stupid or otherwise disrupt traffic. Sometimes it is the look or model of vehicle, sometimes it is their dawdling along and looking uncertain, or sometimes just erratic behavior in general. But I can spot them quite often and sure enough, moments later they cause a problem.

The other day I was on a stretch here that has 4 lanes going west. Traffic was moving nicely but there was a car up ahead in the right lane going slower than the pack. He signaled and moved left into lane 2 and then lane 3, causing cars coming up on him to brake. Suddenly he dove back right across 3 lanes on to an exit ramp. I just knew he was going to do that somehow!

qbrozen

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Rh5eMrSIs

I kinda like the looks but needs more power

fordfool

abacomike said:

This past year I paid $1901 for the car. The renewal will cost me $2365.00! If that isn't enough to blow one's mind, nothing would. An increase of $464.00 a year and I had no accidents or tickets. They say I am receiving good driver rates because I have no accidents or tickets, but they sure could have fooled me! I'm afraid to see what they will be charging me for my Condo insurance considering the hurricane damages throughout he State of Florida.

According to LM, the reason for the rate increase has to do with an inordinate amount of claims they have paid out throughout the State this past year. But a 23% increase in rates is just unbelievable.

Would you be comfortable increasing your deductible or decreasing some of your coverage?

fintail

I keep away from lifted trucks, Lexus minivan SUVs, Civrollas, CRAV4s, etc.

BMW X2 lol, and it seems to not have a real Hofmeister kink.

MB now has GLA GLC GLE GLS G. BMW has X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 (and maybe X7 still coming?)? Seems they are in a out-nicheing contest into who can make the most pointless and profit-filled vehicle.

ab348 said:

Defensive driving is sometimes done just by instinct. I suspect I am not alone in this but I seem to have the ability at times to spot vehicles in traffic that you just seem to know are going to do something stupid

berri

Aba - drivers in the Miami area can seem a little nuts sometimes. But I think Vegas drivers may be worse yet. Plus I think both places may have more than a few uninsured nuts drivers. All adds up to the price of living in paradise

driver100

ab348 said:

Defensive driving is sometimes done just by instinct. I suspect I am not alone in this but I seem to have the ability at times to spot vehicles in traffic that you just seem to know are going to do something stupid or otherwise disrupt traffic. Sometimes it is the look or model of vehicle, sometimes it is their dawdling along and looking uncertain, or sometimes just erratic behavior in general. But I can spot them quite often and sure enough, moments later they cause a problem.

The other day I was on a stretch here that has 4 lanes going west. Traffic was moving nicely but there was a car up ahead in the right lane going slower than the pack. He signaled and moved left into lane 2 and then lane 3, causing cars coming up on him to brake. Suddenly he dove back right across 3 lanes on to an exit ramp. I just knew he was going to do that somehow!

A lowered 2 door Honda Civic and a baseball hat on backwards are dead giveaways.

In sports the best players anticipate...they instinctively know where the ball is to hit a home run, how far to throw a pass so it will be caught, how hard to hit a golf ball so it doesn't roll by the hole....and in driving, it is guessing what the other guy will do. My older brother taught me...think of the stupidest thing the other driver could possibly do, then be prepared, chances are he will do it. That has happened many times.

berri

The trouble in southern Florida isn't most drivers. Its just the small combination of rednecks, foreigners and pokin' old timers out amongst the traffic. Everyone else drives defensively trying to ward off becoming collateral damage roadkill. No wonder Aba grabs those Costco booze deals after a day out driving and shopping. Then there is the utility and insurance bills. Paradise can be stressful and doctors are expensive

roadburner

Some punk in a grungy old fart-canned Civic tried to race my i3 from a light on my way home last week. I blew his doors off and then stayed put at 8 over the posted limit. Civic Boy roared past with the usual loser fly-by...

oldfarmer50

Can't wait until this young fellow is old enough to post here. Maybe he can give us some driving tips.

http://www.cleveland19.com/story/36691166/10-year-old-steals-car-leads-police-on-chase

abacomike

berri said:

Aba - drivers in the Miami area can seem a little nuts sometimes. But I think Vegas drivers may be worse yet. Plus I think both places may have more than a few uninsured nuts drivers. All adds up to the price of living in paradise

Shang-re-la!  Paradise is more perfect while Shang-re-la is more fleeting depending upon the weather forecast!

abacomike

berri said:

The trouble in southern Florida isn't most drivers. Its just the small combination of rednecks, foreigners and pokin' old timers out amongst the traffic. Everyone else drives defensively trying to ward off becoming collateral damage roadkill. No wonder Aba grabs those Costco booze deals after a day out driving and shopping. Then there is the utility and insurance bills. Paradise can be stressful and doctors are expensive

Yes, insurance is very costly, but utilities are not bad.  My highest electric bill this summer was $58.00.  I average $35 - $40 a month in fall and winter.  But Florida Power and Light (FPL) is requesting a monthly surcharge of $4.00 - $5.50 per month for 3 years to recoup the 1.5 billion it spent after hurricane Irma hit in order to restore power.  That’s on top of surcharges we currently pay for two other hurricanes.  Power is relatively cheap here - it’s the hurricanes that cause higher electric rates and insurance premiums.

Shang-re-la?  I don’t think so! 

dino001

abacomike said:

I'm still shaking as a response to seeing the renewal policy for my car. The insurance company I am with issues only yearly policies (12 months, not 6 months) for both my car and my Condo. My Condo comes due in March of next year, but my policy for the car renews on November 30th.

This past year I paid $1901 for the car. The renewal will cost me $2365.00! If that isn't enough to blow one's mind, nothing would. An increase of $464.00 a year and I had no accidents or tickets. They say I am receiving good driver rates because I have no accidents or tickets, but they sure could have fooled me! I'm afraid to see what they will be charging me for my Condo insurance considering the hurricane damages throughout he State of Florida.

According to LM, the reason for the rate increase has to do with an inordinate amount of claims they have paid out throughout the State this past year. But a 23% increase in rates is just unbelievable.

I checked out all the big, solid insurance companies and their rates are even worse - State Farm wanted $3000+ as did Allstate and several others. The only company that was lower was Geico - but I refuse to go with Geico because when I went with them 4 years ago, they were less expensive at the onset - but 6 months later, I was hit with a 30% increase - so they got me and then they killed me. And I have no accidents, tickets, zilch, nada, nyet, etc.

So, it looks like I am going to have to deal with exorbitant insurance rates. And they say that living in Florida is like living in Shang-ra-lah! Hooey - it like living in a money pit of a State.

Not sure your coverage. I have 250/500/100 + $500 deductible collision/comprehensive + 0 deductible basic PIP +50/100 UIM with Progressive and paying $535/6 months. So far the rate has been fairly stable for last 2 years, except very first renewal, when first new business discount went away - but it wasn't so big anyway, and others still want more. There was a period of rate turmoil a a few years ago. I had been Progressive customer for years with stable rate and they started raised it by something like 15-20 percent three time in the row, after which I switched. However, the others kept doing the same thing - lure you with low rate and whack you on next two renewals. I started switching them every third or fourth renewal, chewed trough Ameriprise, Allstate, but then I went back to Progressive. So far they keep the rate. Will see next renewal, when Irma claims filter into the new rates.

I usually tolerate increases up to mid-$600s, or cumulatively 20-25 percent from the first contract. Once it goes over 30 percent, I look for a new insurer, as I know at that point, somebody will be there with lower rate. The truth is these guys don't value relationships at all. New customer is always more valuable than existing one. They even call it "cost of acquisition", which essentially says they will forgo profit/take actuarial loss to acquire a new customer assuming they'll recoup it in next cycles.

I think, it pays off to shop around every so often. It's not great to switch every six months, as that will catch up with you, but couple of years and if the increases keep piling up, I'm gone.

abacomike

fordfool said:

This past year I paid $1901 for the car. The renewal will cost me $2365.00! If that isn't enough to blow one's mind, nothing would. An increase of $464.00 a year and I had no accidents or tickets. They say I am receiving good driver rates because I have no accidents or tickets, but they sure could have fooled me! I'm afraid to see what they will be charging me for my Condo insurance considering the hurricane damages throughout he State of Florida. According to LM, the reason for the rate increase has to do with an inordinate amount of claims they have paid out throughout the State this past year. But a 23% increase in rates is just unbelievable.

Would you be comfortable increasing your deductible or decreasing some of your coverage?

Neither.  I carry $1000 deductible collision and $500 deductible comprehensive.  Liability is $250-$500 thousand and uninsured motorist $100-$300 thousand.  I carry $300 thousand liability on the condo.  These coverages reflect my needs to protect as much of my assets as possible. 

In a lawsuit against me, they can’t take my residence or my car per Florida statutes.  My pension is also protected.  It’s my bank accounts that are up for grabs.

Besides, increasing deductibles or reducing coverages would insignificantly affect my premiums.

dino001

abacomike said:

Yes, insurance is very costly, but utilities are not bad.  My highest electric bill this summer was $58.00.  I average $35 - $40 a month in fall and winter.  But Florida Power and Light (FPL) is requesting a monthly surcharge of $4.00 - $5.50 per month for 3 years to recoup the 1.5 billion it spent after hurricane Irma hit in order to restore power.  That’s on top of surcharges we currently pay for two other hurricanes.  Power is relatively cheap here - it’s the hurricanes that cause higher electric rates and insurance premiums.

Shang-re-la?  I don’t think so! 

$58 in the summer? You must be living in a small shack, Mike I have 1600 sf townhome and paying that in winter. My summer bill is usually $110-$120, if I'm not on vacation. We have Teco here, which I believe is now part of Duke.

I think Florida is no longer a "cheap" state to live in. My property tax is low, because the assessed house value drop to a quarter of initial value and this low number was locked in against the future increases (it can only go up by 2 percent a year, I believe), so my bill is less than $1000 per year now. However, insurance costs are certainly high and what's worse they often don't cover you for some things. For example, sinkhole coverage is now a very expensive rider, the basic insurance only covers a collapse. In other words, it's better for you that the house is swallowed completely by a sinkhole than if it opens 100 ft away and the walls and foundations just cracked. For that you're on your own.

oldfarmer50

Interesting.

I was poking around in the Edmunds and KBB valuation tools on some old CL hoopties and decided to run my van through for kicks. One year ago when I bought it KBB said $2500 in fair condition and Edmunds said $1800 in rough (equivalent to fair).

Today KBB says $4000 and Edmunds says over $1900+. Same condition higher milage.

So what causes that? Could a few random sales impact the data base that much? Chevy vans are pretty common so there must be numerous sales to base valuation on.

Also what would cause the big difference in the two values when they were close last year

abacomike

explorerx4 said:

@abacomike, Get a quote for the Lizard company. If it's lower, call your present insurer and ask if they can beat it. You might be surprised.

I already tried - LM said I have the lowest premiums available for my area - adaptive cruise and blind spot/ lane changing (car won’t let me move over a lane if another car is in blind spot - it turns steering wheel to get back into original lane) - pedestrian and cross traffic causes car to brake going forward or in reverse, stolen car retrieval system, etc.  Good driver discounts, etc. so, it is what it is.

imidazol97

With all the features on the car preventing damage due to accidents, the insurance company should be paying you. LOL

dino001

abacomike said:

Neither.  I carry $1000 deductible collision and $500 deductible comprehensive.  Liability is $250-$500 thousand and uninsured motorist $100-$300 thousand.  I carry $300 thousand liability on the condo.  These coverages reflect my needs to protect as much of my assets as possible. 

In a lawsuit against me, they can’t take my residence or my car per Florida statutes.  My pension is also protected.  It’s my bank accounts that are up for grabs.

Besides, increasing deductibles or reducing coverages would insignificantly affect my premiums.

If you have a good health insurance, you could reduce your UIM, but you don't want to go too low. The advantage of UIM it pays "not many questions asked", whereas health insurance may always find some stipulations leaving you paying for stuff you thought you were covered. That's why I carry similar liability to yours, but lower UIM. I start thinking there is something on your record, not related to your driving, that these guys consider a risk for whatever reason. Or - your area is much worse than my area, but why would that be? Tampa Bay was quite known for a lot of fraud happening, so I can't see why it would be so much better.

dino001

explorerx4 said:

@abacomike,
Get a quote for the Lizard company. If it's lower, call your present insurer and ask if they can beat it.
You might be surprised.

Technically, it's an amphibian .

dino001

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

Mike, that's how insurance works. If their costs go up (claims), everyone pays more to cover it. Y'all fund the pool used.

Stick, one reason rates go up is because their are so many lousy drivers on the road and like you said, because they get into accidents and cause accidents, everyone's rates go up. I am not so sure they try that hard to find the scammers too.....they don't care, whatever they pay out they recover from we poor slobs.

I saw a guy today changing lanes and squeezing between cars going 85 mph..........brake lights go on and people slow down to avoid him....as he goes on his merry way.

I still say there should be unmarked cars with cameras rolling, recording what goes on, and when they see something the fines are heavy......great way to make the roads safer, collect more revenue, catch the people not driving properly.

Then you will hear from people, some of them here on this board, that how could that be, 85 mph is a very safe speed, at least when they drive it, it's all scam to take your money, no relation to safety, etc....

dino001

oldfarmer50 said:

Interesting.

I was poking around in the Edmunds and KBB valuation tools on some old CL hoopties and decided to run my van through for kicks. One year ago when I bought it KBB said $2500 in fair condition and Edmunds said $1800 in rough (equivalent to fair).

Today KBB says $4000 and Edmunds says over $1900+. Same condition higher milage.

So what causes that? Could a few random sales impact the data base that much? Chevy vans are pretty common so there must be numerous sales to base valuation on.

Also what would cause the big difference in the two values when they were close last year

I think for low volume vehicles that could be the case. Small number of transactions will skew the data and the pricing models can stretch it. Also, used car pricing can be quite volataile, depending on the pointy in the cycle. I remember my 2008 Subaru STI - I bought it at the very bottom of the cycle (oil went just $145 boom and bust to $30), where the dealers were giving cars away. Couple of years later I was watching my used STI value actually increasing over a few months, as supply dwindled to the point buyers were bidding up those. I ended up selling it at 3 year mark at over 60 percent of MSRP (I bought it at over 4 grand discount plus no interest loan). These aberrations happen.

dino001

abacomike said:

I already tried - LM said I have the lowest premiums available for my area - adaptive cruise and blind spot/ lane changing (car won’t let me move over a lane if another car is in blind spot - it turns steering wheel to get back into original lane) - pedestrian and cross traffic causes car to brake going forward or in reverse, stolen car retrieval system, etc.  Good driver discounts, etc. so, it is what it is.

LM has had nothing but stupid high rates for me, every time I asked. I got better rates even at State Farm, or Travelers, that are not known for being bargain priced.

graphicguy

Every couple of years or so I shop my insurance policies just to keep everyone honest. The last time I shopped was last year, and my current provider, State Farm, pretty much matched the lowest rate I got (which I think was from Progressive).

I have my home owner’s and car insurance with them. Seeing what others are paying here, I’m feeling pretty good. It’s about $1,600 for car and home. That’s with low decuctibles on both my car and ny home.

driver100

dino001 said:

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

Mike, that's how insurance works. If their costs go up (claims), everyone pays more to cover it. Y'all fund the pool used.

Stick, one reason rates go up is because their are so many lousy drivers on the road and like you said, because they get into accidents and cause accidents, everyone's rates go up. I am not so sure they try that hard to find the scammers too.....they don't care, whatever they pay out they recover from we poor slobs.

I saw a guy today changing lanes and squeezing between cars going 85 mph..........brake lights go on and people slow down to avoid him....as he goes on his merry way.

I still say there should be unmarked cars with cameras rolling, recording what goes on, and when they see something the fines are heavy......great way to make the roads safer, collect more revenue, catch the people not driving properly.

Then you will hear from people, some of them here on this board, that how could that be, 85 mph is a very safe speed, at least when they drive it, it's all scam to take your money, no relation to safety, etc....

Going 85 wasn't the problem, if he was going fairly straight - in fact as you know...85 is about normal on I-75. It is when you edge up in the right lane, and then squeeze between two cars in the middle lane, then do it again to get in the left lane. They do it, but, if one factor these geniuses didn't think of happens....like someone puts on their brakes....then they are finished. They can do it for awhile...but, one day it will catch up to them.

Once I saw a guy swing out of left lane...go way over to the right, then squeeze back to the left lane, just when the car in front had to brake. He plowed right into him.....and I saw him shaking his head probably thinking what was I thinking? I was 2 cars behind.

driver100

Oldfarmer, I can just imagine that 10 year old kids parent. They will want to sue the cops for smashing the car up to stop it, then breaking the window to get him out. Police brutality.

PF_Flyer

Pic doesn't quite get it across (phones are NOT cameras ), but I really liked this root beer color on a Subaru next to me in traffic yesterday