I know a random account, or accounts, would see this title and immediately feel the rage coming up from the pit of their stomach, their blood boiling to temperatures so hot their bodies would flash white.
I know they’d be cracking their knuckles getting ready to unleash an unholy keyboard tsunami of political punditry complete with examples of conservative politicians and their mismanagement of worldly affairs. “So, you want to go there huh Mr. Michael? Well, I’ll cut you down to your kneecaps!”
😂
But this is not about the mindset of being a Progressive. Not in the least. So for those who momentarily got riled up, please sit back and enjoy the post lol.
We have a vehicle insurance company here in the United States called Progressive. They have a funny spokeswoman who makes it seem like it’s very easy to purchase a good insurance policy from them. They also have this neat idea wherein you get this gadget that attaches to your vehicle’s electronic board and it can take data as to how well (or badly) you drive. The ensuing data metrics will determine whether you are eligible for a discount.
Seeing this as a good opportunity to save money, I decided to switch my insurance policy to Progressive and within a week or so, the sensor was delivered to me.
As I drove with this sensor for the time alloted (you have to return it for Progressive to get a datametrics reading), I suddenly started to ask myself these philosophical questions about privacy, safety-ism, and how – for a measly discount on an insurance rate – I was willing to just give up metrics about how I drove and my overall driving behavior. It’s not like I was anonymous at that point, Progressive had my address, my vehicle…almost everything about me that was important they knew. And now, I’ve given them an insight to how my mind works as a driver.
I decided, on principle, that I didn’t like the idea and promptly returned the unit when I was asked for it. I had enough of this self-imposed Orwellian experience.
A few weeks later, I was given my driving report along with a nonchalant $54 discount for my good behavior – almost like a velvet gloved slap across the face.
Was there a lesson learned here? I guess yes and no. It was more on principle if anything. But moving forward, I was more careful about vendors who innocently would ask for my information. At least, with Progressive, I got something out of it!
EPILOGUE:
Many moons after receiving my discount, I started to compare rates again for a possible insurance rate move and I came across my data metrics.
I thought it might be a useful piece of information to shop myself around with for new insurance but alas, it didn’t garner the type of money discount attention I hoped for.
I asked myself, “Where could this information be submitted to that would be useful?”
“Who, or what, would it be useful to?
As the options dwindled down and with nothing to lose, I decided to put it on my dating profile. I figure somewhere out there, there has to be women that sees metrics like these and uses it to make an informed decision as to how good/compatible of a partner I could be.
So, I guess in that way, I should be thankful to Progressive.
😂😂😂
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