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We have some pretty exciting news to announce today, Metromilers. Our very own Carrie Dolan has been named 2018’s “Most Influential Woman in Business” by the San Francisco Business Times. We’ve always known how inspirational of a woman Carrie was, and we are thrilled to see her recognized for her (many) accomplishments.

At Metromile, Carrie is leading the next phase of company growth, disrupting the insurance industry with pay-per-mile auto insurance and seeing first hand how an innovative financial services model that leverages technology and data can translate into a better experience for consumers. As CFO, she is responsible for overseeing accounting, financial planning and analysis, treasury, actuary services, and investor relations. Carrie’s leadership impact extends outside of her team. She makes herself available to everyone in the company and works to improve communication and teamwork across the company. She also works to help everyone with finding their own career path and pushing us all to take more risks. In addition to her role as CFO, Carrie is committed to serving her community and supporting the advancement of women.

In honor of her win, we wanted to share some of the things Carrie has done that inspire us everyday. Carrie has decades of financial experience and a proven track record of scaling high-growth consumer brands, like Chevron, Charles Schwab, and Lending Club. Currently, Carrie is our CFO, responsible for overseeing accounting, financial planning and analysis, treasury, actuary services and investor relations. In addition to her professional successes, Carrie has received several industry accolades for her leadership and the impact she has made across the financial industry. In 2015, American Banker honored her as one of “The Most Powerful Women in Finance.” During the same year, The Financial Women of San Francisco named Carrie the “Financial Woman of the Year” for her remarkable commitment to her profession, service to her community, and support for the advancement of women. In 2013, the San Francisco Business Times awarded Carrie the Bay Area CFO of the Year for Emerging Companies.

We hope you’ll join us in congratulating Carrie on her win. Who are some other women who have inspired you? Interested in joining the Metromile team? Check out our jobs board.

Are you a cat person or a dog person? Or maybe you’re more of an iguana person. Wherever you fall on the animal spectrum one thing is for sure; animals hold a special place in our hearts. So much so that determining who gets separation anxiety – the pet or the human – can be quite tricky. And in the age of the “support animal,” it doesn’t matter really — furry (and not so furry!) friends are venturing into the real world, day in and day out. In fact, these days more and more companies are opening their doors to their employees’ pets, and many restaurants and airlines are following suit. The truth is, pets have become mobile.

Now that there is no need to leave your best friend at home all the time, have you thought about whether or not they’ll be covered in the case of a car accident? If you’re a Metromile customer, we have some good news; you don’t have to worry about it. Metromile policies (excluding WA and VA) include Pet Injury Coverage at no additional cost. So take that big road trip, because you can rest assured knowing Metromile has your back, and your pet’s too.

So how does Metromile’s pet coverage work? We’re glad you asked…

The Break-Down of Metromile Pet Injury Coverage:

• The definition of “Pet” in this instance includes cats and dogs only. Only pets owned by you or a relative will have coverage.
• The limits of liability for Pet Injury Coverage is up to $1,000 regardless of the number of pets involved in the accident.
• If you purchased collision coverage on at least one of your covered vehicles under your policy, Pet Injury Coverage is automatically applied.
• No deductible needs to be met in order to have this coverage apply.
• This coverage is applicable if your pet sustains injury or death inside your vehicle or any other vehicle you may be driving at the time of a covered accident.
• This coverage will pay up to $1,000 for reasonable and customary veterinary fees.
• If your cat or dog happens to pass away because of a covered auto claim then you will receive $1,000 death compensation minus any payments made towards veterinary expenses accrued.
• If your pet happens to be in the car (we don’t encourage anyone to leave their pet in their car while parked) while it is stolen and your pet is not recovered then you can receive up to $1,000 in compensation.

It’s important to note that Metromile Pet Injury Coverage is not the same as Pet Insurance. Metromile Pet Injury Coverage will only apply to your dog or cat should they sustain an injury in a covered auto accident. To cover your pet at all times, we recommend purchasing a separate pet insurance policy (at this time Metromile does not offer pet insurance). To take a closer look at your coverages you can download your policy contract when you log into your online dashboard or the smart driving app.

So – feel free to let those tongues and ears fly free with the windows rolled down and the music cranked up. If your tail-wagger is your go-to copilot in your car then make sure you purchase a policy from Metromile.

Kelsey Glynn is a blogger and owner of Social Graces, a business to support others in their social media needs. She is a contributing blog writer for East Valley Moms Blog, a social media content creator, and an avid photo taker. She is Metromile’s Senior Social Media Advocate and helps to maintain our online communities. You can catch her adventuring around AZ and living the mom life on Instagram.

Imagine you’re driving down the road and then suddenly and out of nowhere–screech and crash–someone hits you. Getting into a car accident can be one of the most stressful moments in someone’s life. Between the “is everyone okay?” gut reaction, the damage to your vehicle, and getting injured yourself, the last thing on your mind should be how much the accident is going to cost you. But what if you get into an accident with an uninsured (or underinsured) driver? What will your insurance cover?

Great questions. Let’s explore the answers to hopefully ease your mind if you ever hit the bad-luck jackpot and this happens to you.

What to Do If You Get Into an Accident With an Uninsured Driver

• • What will my insurance cover? This is probably the first and foremost question on someone’s mind as they start to put the pieces together after an accident. If you carry collision coverage on your auto insurance policy, your insurance company will pay for your vehicle damages less your deductible. Your insurance company would then pursue (subrogate) the other person or their insurance carrier for your deductible and any additional monies your insurance company pays out. If the other party is at fault and uninsured, you can utilize Uninsured Motorist Physical Damage (UMPD) coverage for your vehicle damages if offered in your state and you have it on your policy.

• What if I’m injured?If you are injured in an accident and the other party is at fault and is uninsured or carries inadequate bodily injury limits on their policy, you can pursue a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) bodily injury coverage.

When buying an auto insurance policy, make sure to discuss your personal insurance needs, coverage possibilities and necessary limits with your agent or insurance company. Looking into coverage with Metromile? We’re happy to offer both UIM coverage and collision coverage, so click here to get a free quote now!

Julianne Cronin is a Bay Area freelance writer, content creator, and founder/editor of the women’s lifestyle site, The Wink. You can find her working on her capsule wardrobe, collecting cacti, and trying out the latest beauty products on Instagram.

Hello, Spring! There’s nothing like the days getting longer and the weather getting warmer to inspire even the most sedentary of us to go outside and enjoy the great outdoors. May is Bike Awareness Month, and you know what that means – an influx of two-wheeled vehicles on the road and cyclists out and about. Whether you’re a biker yourself or just happen to share a lane with one, here are our best tips for being courteous and sharing the road this season.

Tips for Sharing the Road During Bike Awareness Month

• • Be careful when opening your car doors. If you’re parked on the side of the street or getting out of the back of an Uber, always be sure to look behind you before opening your door. In cycling lingo, hitting a biker with your car door is called “dooring” someone; to a cyclist, it is one of the worst things someone can do. Imagine you’re a cyclist moving fast down the bike lane of a busy city street and then suddenly a car door opens in front of you – how do you react? Do you swerve into traffic and risk getting hit? Do you brake hard and pray that you don’t catapult over your handlebars? Or do you collide with the open door and risk badly injuring yourself and the person getting out of the vehicle? Any way you slice the scenario, it doesn’t end well for the cyclist. Always be courteous and respectful and be sure to look behind you for oncoming bikers before opening your car door

• • Always check for bikers before making a right-hand turn. If you’ve ever driven in the city, you know that the bike lane is almost always the farthest right lane on the road. It’s even farther over than the right turning lane for vehicles, which can be dangerous if the cyclist is going straight through the intersection and the vehicle is turning right – that’s an accident waiting to happen. Before a right-hand turn, look over your right shoulder to spot any bikers approaching the intersection from behind you. Be sure to yield to them if they are going straight through the intersection and prevent a tragedy from happening.

• • Give at least a 3-foot clearance when passing. Remember in driver’s ed, they taught you to give a cyclist at least a 3-foot clearance when passing them? No, just me? Okay, cool. So since I was the only person paying attention in driver’s ed, I’m here to tell you: this rule is true. It is also a law in some states. Giving less than a 3-foot clearance may cause you to accidentally sideswipe a cyclist, especially if they need to maneuver away from some roadside debris.

• • Never drive in the bike lane. This rule is just common courtesy! Bike lanes were added to many city streets to accommodate and encourage cyclists to ride safely with traffic. When you drive in the bike lane, you’re inhibiting bikers from traveling safely on busy city streets, potentially putting them in harm’s way.

• Don’t assume. As with drivers, even the most skilled cyclists make mistakes sometimes. Always approach a cyclist with caution when driving, and don’t assume their actions will be predictable. If you’ve ever ridden a bike, you know how easy it is to suddenly lose balance on a tricky shoulder or have your foot slip from the pedal. Give all cyclists, regardless of skill level, enough space and clearance and always pass carefully. Be patient. As always, you should only pass a cyclist when it’s safe to do so, even if it means driving slowly behind them for a while.

Whether you’re a driver or a cyclist, be courteous to others and share the roads this Spring. We’re all in this together! If you’re biking to work this Spring and Summer and curious about how much you could save on your car insurance by switching to Metromile, click here to get a free quote!

Julianne Cronin is a Bay Area freelance writer, content creator, and founder/editor of the women’s lifestyle site, The Wink. You can find her working on her capsule wardrobe, collecting cacti, and trying out the latest beauty products on Instagram

Look, If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident, you’ve likely experienced any number of emotions ranging from fear to anger and everything in between. But if that accident was a hit and run, you may have also been left feeling confused and hopeless. After all, how do you claim your rightful compensation for damages and injuries if the person at fault has fled the scene? Luckily, there are some specific procedures and policies in place to protect hit and run victims — here’s what you need to know:

What Qualifies as a Hit and Run?

An accident qualifies as a hit and run if a driver intentionally flees the scene without providing the other party with their contact information. An example of this would be if another vehicle hits yours on the road and then speeds off or if a driver hits your parked car when it’s unattended and fails to leave behind their info.

How to Handle a Hit and Run

It’s understandable that a hit and run might leave you feeling frustrated and upset. The best thing you can do is try to remain calm and start collecting as much information as possible. The more facts you have about what happened, the more it will help your insurance company make a decision about your claim, and the more likely it is that the police will catch the driver responsible for the damage.

As soon as you’re safe and feel prepared to take action, follow these important steps:

1. Try to gather as much information about the car that hit you as you can. If you were in your vehicle, do your best to recall details like the color, make and model of the car and the license plate number.
2. Survey the scene to locate any potential witnesses who may be able to help fill in the details. Be sure to get contact information for these people.
3. Before you leave the accident scene, take photos of the area, and be sure to immediately snap photos of your car, especially if there are traces of paint left behind from the other car.
4. Write down the time and location of the accident; if you were away from your parked car when the accident occurred, write down as much information as you can gather.
5. Call the police as soon as possible and file an accident report — even if the police can’t locate the responsible driver, the report serves as an official document that may help speed up the insurance claims process. Police reports must be submitted within 48-72 hours of an accident, so don’t wait to take this important step.
6. File an auto insurance claim. If you’re a Metromile customer, follow the Accident Checklist and assess the damage to your vehicle.

Whatever you do, do not chase after a driver who hits you and leaves the scene. This may lead to another accident. Remain as calm as you can and follow the steps above instead. If you’re involved in a hit and run, or any accident, and you’re a Metromile customer, quickly and easily file a claim online or by calling 1.888.595.5485. Our team will help you get back on the road safely as soon as possible.

Michelle Konstantinovsky is a San Francisco-based journalist/writer/editor and UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism alumna. She’s written extensively on health, body image, entertainment, lifestyle, design, and tech for outlets like Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, O: The Oprah Magazine, Seventeen, and a whole lot more. She’s also a contributing editor at Fitbit and the social media director at California Home + Design Magazine. She is an avid admirer of shiny objects, manatees, and preteen entertainment.

Filing a car insurance claim doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, with Metromile’s step-by-step process, we will walk you through the steps to filing a claim and offer a simple solution to an often overly-complicated procedure. Whether you’ve experienced a hit-and-run, a minor fender bender sitch, or are in need of a quick glass repair, knowing what you should have prepared to file a claim can make for a seamless experience and get you back on the road faster.

First, we need to know what type of claim you will be filing – roadside assistance, a glass and windshield claim, a hit-and-run claim, or a general claim. Knowing which type of claim will help us direct your claim to the right department.

So, which types of claims fall into which categories? Pull up a chair and let’s chat.

Roadside Assistance

As we all know, cars can be somewhat unpredictable. If your car decides to break down at the worst possible time, Metromile has got your back! If your car breaks down on the road and you have elected Metromile Roadside Assistance coverage, you can submit an Online Roadside Assistance Request, file through the Metromile app, or call Metromile Roadside Assistance at 800-983-3400 to request service. Our Metromile Roadside Assistance team will make arrangements to assist you and also can provide an estimated time of arrival.

Glass and Windshield Claims

Has an errant, high-velocity pebble taken a hit to your windshield? File a claim through Metromile’s Glass and Windshield claims center. If you need to file a claim for a broken window or windshield, and you have purchased comprehensive coverage, you can file a glass only claim online, file through the Metromile app, or call Metromile Glass Assistance at 888-256-8375 to report a claim.

Hit-and-run Claims

As a vehicle owner, one of the most frustrating situations you might be involved in is a hit-and-run. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, you should definitely file an accident report with the police. The more information you can provide in the instance of a hit-and-run, the better. Information to provide (if it’s available):

• Information about the car that hit you:
  • Make
  • Model
  • License Plate
• Any possible witness information
• Time and location of the accident
• Pictures of the accident scene
• Pictures of your car

We understand that in certain situations, it may not be possible to provide all of the above information. At the bare minimum, be sure to have the following information handy when filing your claim:

• Time of incident
• Location of hit-and-run
• The damage
• The Accident Report Number (obtained from the police)

Metromile policyholders can always file a hit-and-run claim online or through the Metromile app 24/7 – or you can report a claim by calling (888) 595-5485.

General Claims

For everything else: file a general claim. Metromile policyholders can file a claim online or through the Metromile app 24/7, or you can report a claim with a claims representative by calling (888) 595-5485 M-F 6am-6pm. You will need the following information readily available when filing your claim:

• Your Metromile insurance policy number
• Date of the accident
• Location of the accident
• Description of the accident
• Party names
• Vehicles involved

We also recommend that you:

• Take pictures of (or write down) driver and occupant names, contact numbers and driver’s license information
• Obtain insurance carrier information (including policy number) from the other person(s) involved
• Write down vehicle information for any vehicles involved in the accident including: make, model, license plate number and damages
• Write down any witness information
• Take pictures of the accident scene, skid marks, and debris (if it is safe to do so)

So, what now? After you’ve filed your claim through Metromile, here are some next action steps to take.

Repairing Your Vehicle

The first thing you’ll need to get is a damage estimate. Your Metromile Claims Representative will be able to guide you through the repair process. In most situations, we’re able to complete an estimate from photos of the damage to your vehicle.

HOWEVER. If you are not ready to repair your car, that’s okay too. Metromile does not require you to repair your car in order to submit a claim. When filing, just let your claims representative know that you aren’t ready to repair your car.

In the case of a total loss, Metromile defers to the state rules regarding how to determine the value of your vehicle. If your vehicle is deemed a total loss (as outlined by your state rules), your policy remains in effect. You will need insurance for your rental car or temporary transportation while you shop for a replacement – however, we won’t charge you mileage while you’re shopping for a replacement vehicle. Once obtained, contact Metromile to add your replacement vehicle to your policy.

With Metromile, you never have to wonder if your insurance company has your back, because we always will! Get a free quote today and join the Metromile fam – we’re always one call, tap, or click away. Be safe out there and see you on the roads!

Julianne Cronin is a Bay Area freelance writer, content creator, and founder/editor of the women’s lifestyle site, The Wink.

You may be surprised to learn a car insurance company cares so much about preserving the Earth. But here at Metromile, we’re all about sustainability and lowering mileage. In fact, we pride ourselves on incentivizing our customers to drive less, since they pay based on the miles they drive.

With Earth Day just around the corner, we wanted to understand our customers’ driving patterns, and how we could – all together – inspire other drivers to lower their carbon footprint. So, we asked, and you answered. We’re proud of our customers for doing their part all year long, to take care of Mother Earth.

If you find that you, too, ditch your car to preserve the Earth, per-mile insurance could be a great fit for you. To learn more or to see how much you could save, get a free quote now.

No one likes to admit they could use some improvement behind the wheel. But the fact is, accidents happen and they happen a lot (over 7 million times in the United States alone in 2016). While you can’t control many of the risks on the road, you can set yourself up to be as safe as possible.

7 Steps You Can Take to Become a Safer Driver

1. Forget about your phone. This is one of the most important (and simplest) things you can do to improve the safety of you, your passengers, and others on the road. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, studies have shown that using a cell phone while driving — even when it’s a hands-free phone — is the equivalent of driving drunk. Scary, right? That means if you really want to reduce your risk, it’s best to refrain from talking.

And texting is definitely a dealbreaker. Sending a text may seem simple, but on average, it causes you to lose your focus on the road for 4.6 seconds. And if that doesn’t sound so bad, consider the fact that you can drive the length of a full football field in that amount of time. Even if you’re fully stopped, just keep your phone out of reach and pay attention to everything going on around you.

2. Keep your car in good shape. No, repairs aren’t cheap, but investing in the appropriate maintenance will ensure your vehicle is up to snuff and safe. Make sure you get routine check-ups for your tires, brakes, fluid levels, lights, wipers, and anything else indicated in your owner’s manual.

3. Buckling up is always a must. Your best defense in a crash is your seatbelt — no buts about it. No matter how far you’re driving or whether your passengers are riding in the front or back, every single person in the car should be wearing a seatbelt at all times.

4. Properly position your hands. Remember when your driver’s ed teacher insisted you keep your hands on the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions? Believe it or not, that 10 and 2 theory has been debunked. Guidelines have recently changed to instruct drivers to keep hands lower on the wheel, either at 9 and 3 or 8 and 4. The modified grip gives you more stability and control and it’s the most ergonomic option.

5. Only drive when you’re well rested. Getting behind the wheel when you’re seriously exhausted is seriously dangerous. Sleep deprivation can have the same effect on your body as drinking alcohol, and as you can imagine, make it incredibly difficult to pay attention and make fast decisions. And according to a 2010 study, one out of every six fatal crashes involves a drowsy driver. If you’re tired, find an alternative plan — it’s not worth the risk.

6. Keep a safe distance. It’s never a good idea to get too close to the other cars around you on the road. Maintain a safety cushion around your vehicle so you can see everything going on around you and you have room to act quickly if necessary.

7. Minimize all distractions. Now you know that looking at or talking on your phone shouldn’t be an option while driving. But ideally, eating, drinking, and searching for that perfect playlist shouldn’t be on your list of behind the wheel activities either. Whenever you’re in the driver’s seat, focus all your attention on the task at the hand.

Of course, accidents can happen despite your best efforts to stay safe. That’s why it’s so important to stick with an insurance company that has your back. Make the smart choice and visit Metromile today for a personalized quote.

The weather’s warming up, the kids have a break from school, and the open road is calling loud and clear. All those pleasant post-winter happenings can only mean one thing: Spring has officially sprung.

Road trips are one great way to soak up some sunshine and scenery, whether you’re bonding with your family or exploring on your own. But if you’re overwhelmed by the prospect of picking a perfect destination, take a deep breath: With so many amazing sights from California to Maine and everywhere in between, you really can’t go wrong on the road.

Here are some of the very best road trip destinations to consider this spring:

1. California’s Pacific Coast Highway

Highway 1 is by far the most scenic way to maneuver between Los Angeles and San Francisco, but the 550-mile PCH has much more to offer beyond that commute. Drive from north to south to stay on the ocean-side of the road for the whole journey and you might just catch the sunset somewhere between Big Sur and Santa Monica.

2. Hawaii’s Hana Highway

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in this island paradise, up the ante with a super scenic 52-mile drive along the Road to Hana. You’ll see tropical flowers, bamboo fields, rainforests, and waterfalls from start to finish, but be prepared: there are over 600 hairpin turns and over 50 one-lane bridges to navigate for those stellar views.

3. Oregon’s Historic Columbia River Highway

The 70-mile journey from Portland’s Columbia River to the 11,000-foot volcanic Mount Hood (the state’s highest peak) is a Pacific Northwest must. Wildflowers dot the landscape, and you’ll get to see Multnomah Falls, one of America’s tallest yearlong waterfalls.

4. New England Coast

Boston is a great destination in and of itself, but if you follow the southern coast from Gloucester, Massachusetts to New Haven, Connecticut, you’ll find 250 miles of marine wildlife to look at and world-famous seafood to sample.

5. Michigan’s Gold Coast

A beach getaway may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this northern state, but Americans have been flocking to Lake Michigan’s shores since the late 1800s. There are plenty of charming B&Bs and wineries to visit along the 300-mile western shoreline, and you can even take a surf break in New Buffalo!

6. Texas Hill Country

Bask in gardens of bluebonnets as you drive the 87 miles that starts just north of Austin and continues through San Antonio and beyond. If you take U.S. 290 west to Johnson City’s Wildflower Loop and then move along U.S. 281 N, you’ll have a chance to see the state’s official bluebonnet capital, Burnet.

7. South Carolina’s Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway

If you plan your trip just right, you might just catch the peach trees in full bloom along SC’s Highway 11, dubbed “Great Blue Hills of God” by the Cherokees. Starting in early June, you’ll be able to pick up loads of local fruit from roadside stands, and the 120-mile route features numerous waterfalls and covered bridges to dazzle the eye.

8. Maine’s Acadia All American Road

Add birdwatching to your agenda if you’re planning to drive the coastal 40-mile road just outside of Acadia National Park: Bald eagles and nesting peregrine are known to frequent the area. The drive starts in Trenton and follows the 27-mile Park Loop Road before heading down to Sand Beach, Otter Cliff, and and Jordan Pond. You’ll get your fill of homemade treats at all the small town haunts along the way (and have the opportunity to work up a sweat hiking Acadia’s 1,532-foot Cadillac Mountain, which overlooks the Atlantic).

Need a car insurance plan that fits your road trip needs? If you’re a Metromile customer, your daily mileage charges are capped at 250 miles per day for each vehicle (150 miles per day in New Jersey). You’ll never be charged for the miles above those amounts in any calendar day.

Make the switch: Visit metromile.com/insurance to learn more and get a quick quote.

Michelle Konstantinovsky is a San Francisco-based journalist/writer/editor and UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism alumna. She’s written extensively on health, body image, entertainment, lifestyle, design, and tech for outlets like Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, O: The Oprah Magazine, Seventeen, and a whole lot more. She’s also a contributing editor at Fitbit and the social media director at California Home + Design Magazine. She is an avid admirer of shiny objects, manatees, and preteen entertainment.

If your car has been parked in the garage for most of the COVID-19 pandemic, you might be wondering why in the world are your insurance rates going up.

Maybe you’re working remotely and don’t commute to the office anymore. Or perhaps you don’t feel comfortable going to the grocery store, so you have food delivered. You might even be putting off that road trip during a stay-at-home or shelter-in-place order.

Whatever your situation might be, if you’re driving less, it stands to reason you pose less of a risk as a driver. So why are your rates going up? How can auto insurers justify charging more? 

Let’s take a closer look.

How much is car insurance costing Americans these days?

According to a recent insurance industry report, the average American pays more than $1,400 a year for car insurance coverage. And if that sounds like a whole lot, you’re right: auto insurance rates have increased at more than twice the rate of inflation. 

Current national rates are 24% higher than in 2011, and some states’ auto insurance rates have increased as much as 18%.

What determines your premium rate?

A lot of factors can impact the price you pay for auto insurance:

• Local and state laws
• Population changes and urbanization
• Your claims history and driving record
• Adding new drivers to your policy or changes of the primary drivers of vehicles on the policy, especially teenage drivers
• Removing a vehicle from the policy
• Change of employment
• A history of convictions or driving violations, such as traffic tickets
• Changes to your insurance plan’s structure or payment plan fees
• Your credit history

But why the recent surge?

While all the factors mentioned above can certainly impact your premium, they don’t account for the recent surge in premium pricing. These factors could also be at play:

Extreme weather

In recent months, various parts of the United States have experienced major natural disasters, including severe weather. Devastating events like these can result in more claims, which drive up the cost of insurance rates.

Distracted drivers

Texting and driving don’t mix under any circumstances. As drivers allow themselves to be distracted by smartphones, they cause more accidents; many of which could be deadly. According to a recent National Safety Council report, more than 38,000 people died in 2919 because of traffic accidents. 

Because more road accidents lead to higher costs for insurance companies, insurers may raise their rates, passing the increased costs along to customers. That’s also why in some states, getting caught texting or using your phone while driving can increase your insurance premium as much as $321, according to a recent industry report from The Zebra.

Better technology

While cars are becoming safer thanks to ever-improving technology and design, those very same features make cars more expensive to fix in the event of an accident. As insurance companies have to pay more to repair more expensive vehicles, so do their customers.

Fraudulent claims

According to a study by the Insurance Research Council, up to $7.7 billion in car insurance injury claims filed in 2012 were fraudulent. The more claims an insurance company has to pay, the more the cost of premiums increases. 

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau: “Not only does fraud cause higher insurance premiums for all of us, but it also raises our taxes and inflates prices for consumer goods.”

Tips to keep your auto insurance premiums low

Luckily, there are some easy ways you can keep your car insurance rates reasonable:

The simplest way to lower your auto insurance bill: Stop paying for miles you’re not driving and switch to pay-per-mile insurance — you’ll pay a low monthly base rate plus a few cents per mile when you sign up with Metromile. Because you are paying-per-mile, you’ll have visibility into what your monthly bill is, giving you greater control over what you pay.

Maintain a clean driving record. Staying accident-free on the road may help you score a lower rate.

Keep your credit up. Many insurance companies factor your credit history into your quote, so stay on top of your bills. Bumping your score one tier, like from Good to Excellent, can save you money.

The bottom line

If you’re not happy with the price you pay for car insurance, you might want to consider switching to pay-per-mile car insurance. This is especially true if your driving habits have changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find out how much you could save with a free car insurance quote from Metromile. You can also try Ride Along™ for free. 

Ride Along is a free app feature that helps you get a more accurate rate before buying auto insurance. Download the Metromile app, and drive for about two weeks. During the trial period, you’ll keep your coverage with your current provider while Metromile considers your actual driving, including how many miles you drive. Once completed, we’ll show you your rate, so you have confidence you’ll save money before you switch to Metromile.