Metromile Auto Insurance Review – Expert Reviews

When choosing car insurance, it’s essential to look beyond just the price. A good car insurance policy should offer a balance of comprehensive coverage, affordability, and excellent customer service. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating different insurance options:

1. Coverage Options

• Liability Coverage: This is mandatory in most states and covers damage or injuries you cause to others. Ensure that your policy meets state minimums but also consider higher coverage limits for better protection.
• Collision Coverage: This covers damage to your own vehicle in case of an accident. Especially important for new or expensive cars.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision-related damage like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This protects you if you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover the damages.

2. Premium Costs

While everyone wants affordable premiums, the cheapest insurance is not always the best. Look for a policy that offers adequate coverage for your needs at a fair price. Premiums can vary based on factors such as:

• Age and driving history.
• Vehicle type.
• Location (urban areas tend to have higher premiums due to increased risk).
• Credit score (in some states).

3. Customer Service & Claims Process

A good car insurance company should have a reliable customer service team and an efficient claims process. Reading customer reviews and understanding how easy it is to file a claim are essential before purchasing a policy.

4. Discounts and Bundling Options

Many companies offer discounts that can significantly lower your premium, such as:

• Good driver discounts.
• Multi-car or multi-policy discounts (bundling auto and home insurance, for example).
• Low-mileage discounts.
• Student or military discounts.

5. Company Reputation

Check out the company’s financial strength, customer reviews, and industry ratings. A company with a solid reputation for paying out claims efficiently and supporting customers is essential for peace of mind.

Popular Car Insurance Providers

Insurance Provider	Coverage Options	Average Premium	Customer Satisfaction Rating	Claims Process
Metromile	Pay-per-mile model	Varies based on mileage	4.2/5	Fast, app-based
GEICO	Full coverage options	$1,200/year	4.6/5	Good, efficient
State Farm (Read Review)	Comprehensive, collision, liability	$1,300/year	4.5/5	Reliable
Progressive	Full coverage + options	$1,500/year	4.3/5	Quick, app-based

Metromile Auto Insurance Review

Metromile offers a unique insurance model that is based on how much you drive. Instead of paying a flat annual or monthly premium, Metromile charges a base rate plus a few cents per mile. This makes it an excellent choice for drivers who don’t drive frequently but want the protection of full insurance coverage.

Features of Metromile:

• Pay-per-Mile Insurance: You pay a base rate and a per-mile charge. This can result in significant savings for low-mileage drivers.
• Metromile Pulse Device: This small device plugs into your car’s OBD-II port and tracks your mileage, helping the company calculate your monthly bill.
• Comprehensive Coverage Options: Despite its different billing model, Metromile offers the same coverage options as traditional insurance, including liability, collision, comprehensive, and more.
• Mobile App: Metromile has a highly rated mobile app that allows you to track your mileage, file claims, and access customer support.
• No Penalties for Increased Mileage: If you suddenly start driving more, you will only pay for the extra miles driven, without facing any penalties for changes in your driving habits.

User Reviews:

• Positive: Many users report significant savings, especially those who drive less than 10,000 miles per year. The app-based claims process and customer service are often praised.
• Negative: Some users have reported issues with the accuracy of the Metromile Pulse device and dissatisfaction with customer service when handling more complex claims.

Comparison with Traditional Insurance Models

Metromile differs from traditional insurance providers in its pay-per-mile model. For those who live in cities or work remotely, this can lead to hundreds of dollars in savings each year. However, for high-mileage drivers, a traditional insurance provider might be a more economical choice.

Metromile Auto Insurance Expert Reviews

As an expert in the auto insurance industry, here’s an in-depth analysis of Metromile:

Pros:

1. Cost Savings for Low-Mileage Drivers: If you drive less than the national average (12,000 miles per year), Metromile’s pricing structure can offer significant savings compared to traditional insurance models.
2. User-Friendly Technology: The Metromile app is intuitive and offers features like mileage tracking, street cleaning notifications, and claims filing—all from your smartphone.
3. Flexibility: Metromile’s pay-per-mile model gives customers flexibility. You’re not locked into a high premium if your driving habits change.
4. Comprehensive Coverage Options: Despite being a new and innovative company, Metromile offers a full range of coverage options, from liability to comprehensive and collision coverage.

Cons:

1. Not Ideal for High-Mileage Drivers: If you drive a lot, especially for work or long commutes, Metromile’s costs can quickly exceed those of traditional flat-rate policies.
2. Limited Availability: Metromile is only available in certain states, which limits its accessibility.
3. Reliability of Pulse Device: Some customers have experienced technical issues with the Pulse device, which tracks mileage and is essential for accurate billing.
4. Customer Service: While many customers praise Metromile’s customer service for routine issues, there have been reports of dissatisfaction with handling complex claims.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metromile Insurance

1. How does Metromile calculate my monthly bill?

Metromile uses a pay-per-mile insurance model, which combines a base rate with a per-mile charge. The base rate is a fixed monthly cost that covers your car while it’s parked, and the per-mile charge varies based on how many miles you drive. The total monthly bill is calculated by adding the base rate to the total miles driven, as tracked by the Metromile Pulse device.

2. What is the Metromile Pulse device and how does it work?

The Metromile Pulse is a small device that plugs into your car’s OBD-II port (usually located under the dashboard). It tracks the number of miles you drive and sends this data to Metromile to calculate your bill. The device also provides helpful driving insights, like trip summaries and vehicle health alerts, all accessible via the Metromile app.

3. What happens if I drive a lot more than usual one month?

Metromile’s pay-per-mile model allows for flexibility, meaning there are no penalties for driving more than usual. You’ll simply pay for the extra miles that month. If your driving habits change long-term (e.g., a new job with a longer commute), it may be worth comparing rates with traditional insurance plans to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

4. Does Metromile offer full coverage?

Yes, Metromile offers comprehensive, collision, liability, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, similar to traditional car insurance providers. The pay-per-mile aspect only affects how you are billed, not the types of coverage available.

5. Is Metromile a good option for high-mileage drivers?

Metromile is best suited for low- to moderate-mileage drivers, typically those who drive fewer than 10,000 miles per year. If you drive more than this, the cost of Metromile’s per-mile charges may add up to more than a traditional insurance policy. High-mileage drivers may find better value in flat-rate insurance.

6. Can I track my mileage and costs?

Yes, Metromile’s app provides real-time tracking of your trips, mileage, and insurance costs. You can also view past trips, get driving tips, and access your billing history. The app is user-friendly and helps drivers better understand their driving patterns and insurance costs.

7. How do I file a claim with Metromile?

Filing a claim with Metromile is simple and can be done through the Metromile app or by contacting their claims department via phone. The app allows you to upload documents and photos related to your claim, making the process smooth and efficient. Many users find the claims process to be quick and user-friendly, with regular updates provided through the app.

8. What states does Metromile operate in?

Metromile is currently available in several states, including California, New Jersey, Virginia, Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Arizona. You can check availability in your state by visiting the Metromile website or contacting their customer service.

9. Does Metromile offer roadside assistance?

Yes, Metromile offers optional roadside assistance as part of its insurance packages. This includes services like towing, lockout assistance, and jump-starts. You can add this to your policy for an additional fee.

10. Is my driving data safe with Metromile?

Metromile takes data privacy and security seriously. The Pulse device tracks your mileage but doesn’t monitor things like speed or location in real-time. Your driving data is only used for billing purposes, and the company has safeguards in place to protect your personal information.

11. What happens if the Metromile Pulse device stops working?

If the Pulse device malfunctions or stops working, Metromile advises customers to contact their support team immediately. In the meantime, Metromile may use an estimated mileage based on your historical driving patterns until the issue is resolved and a replacement device is provided.

12. Can I cancel my policy with Metromile at any time?

Yes, Metromile offers flexible policies that allow you to cancel your insurance at any time without any cancellation fees. You can manage your policy through the app or by contacting customer support.

13. Does Metromile offer coverage for rideshare drivers (e.g., Uber, Lyft)?

Currently, Metromile does not provide specific coverage for rideshare drivers. If you drive for Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare services, you may need additional insurance coverage to fully protect yourself while working.

14. How can I lower my Metromile bill?

To lower your bill with Metromile, try driving fewer miles. Additionally, maintaining a good driving record and checking for discounts may help lower your base rate. Metromile is most cost-effective for those who drive less, so reducing unnecessary trips can lead to savings.

Choice is Yours for Insurance Company

Metromile is a fantastic option for low-mileage drivers who want to pay only for the miles they drive. However, if you’re a high-mileage driver or live in a state where Metromile isn’t available, you’ll want to look at other options.