Big Brother Strikes Again!
Written by: Kim Sawyer
You’ve all heard of Progressive Insurance, right? They claim to have the lowest car insurance prices, but don’t they (all car insurance companies) claim that? Anyhoo…..
In Nevada, Progressive has implemented a new program, called My Rate Program, that claims to lower your car insurance by up to 30 percent. 30 percent! That’s a huge discount, right? Ah, but at what cost? Well, here’s the deal:
If you’re willing to let Progressive snoop on your driving habits, the company claims you would save up to 30 percent on your car insurance. Progressive would install a wireless device into your car and collect your personal driving information, such as the time of day you drive, how far you drive, and your speed and braking rates.
Are you thinking what I’m thinking? That they would install a GPS unit into your car? Well, Progressive says their device is not a GPS unit because it cannot track where you are or who is driving your vehicle. Hmmmmm, okay.
Now, I ask you 7DayBuzz readers, would you do this? Do you believe Progressive when they say their device is not a GPS unit? Do you think this device would be too invasive of your privacy?
On a side note, did you know that if you have an iPhone, there is a setting called Location Services, which can pinpoint where you are — if you keep it on! Anyway, back to Progressive. Maybe Progressive’s device works like that. Would you want Big Brother, oops I mean Progressive, knowing how you drive, how fast you go, if you brake hard (or soft) at all times to save a couple of bucks?
Tags: Big Brother Is Alive and Well at Car Insurance Companies, GPS units, My Rate Program, Nevada, Progressive Insurance, tracking driving habits
