The 80 Detector | Mare’s Blog – Been There, Done That
November 2026
Remember that advertisement promising to tell us whether we qualified for cheaper car insurance?
Well, I have another question.
Why does everybody need my telephone number BEFORE they'll tell me what they're selling?
I wanted an insurance quote, not a new relationship with 47 insurance salespeople!
After investigating one of those sponsored advertisements, I decided it was time to look at something more useful.
How DO we shop for cheaper insurance without inviting the entire marketing industry into our living rooms?
First, know who you’re talking to
Not every website advertising cheap insurance actually sells insurance.
Some are comparison services. Others collect information about potential customers and pass it along to agents or marketing companies.
That's called lead generation.
It's a legitimate business model when done transparently and lawfully. But it can become a real nuisance when consumers don't understand who will receive their information.
The Federal Trade Commission has warned that websites offering insurance quotes can become sources of unwanted telemarketing calls.
Well, isn't that special!
My seven rules for shopping smarter
1. Start with your own insurance company.
Ask whether you're receiving every discount available. Low mileage? Safe driving? Multiple policies? Automatic payments?
Sometimes the easiest savings are hiding in the policy you already have.
2. Get three quotes.
Visit actual insurance company websites or contact a licensed independent agent who represents several insurers.
Don't start with a mysterious sponsored advertisement.
3. Compare apples with apples.
A cheaper policy isn't necessarily a better deal if it has half the coverage.
Compare liability limits, deductibles, uninsured motorist coverage and any optional benefits.
Saving $20 a month won't feel very clever if you discover you're thousands of dollars short after an accident.
4. Look at your deductible.
A higher deductible can reduce your premium.
But remember, that means more money out of YOUR pocket if something happens.
Don't choose a deductible you couldn't comfortably pay.
5. Ask about low-mileage discounts.
Especially if you're retired!
Many of us aren't commuting to work five days a week anymore.
Why pay a rate based on driving habits you no longer have?
Some insurers also offer usage-based programs, but ask what driving data they collect and whether that information could affect your rate.
6. Read the privacy policy BEFORE entering personal information.
Look for phrases such as "marketing partners," "third parties," and "consent to receive calls."
If you can't figure out who will contact you afterward, maybe it's time to close that window.
7. Check the company and agent.
Your state insurance department can help verify licensing and provide complaint information.
A pretty website and a smiling spokesperson aren't proof of a trustworthy insurer.
A special note for us older drivers
Don't assume getting older automatically means cheaper insurance.
Rates depend on many factors, including location, driving history, mileage, vehicle, coverage and the insurer's pricing rules.
Ask about defensive-driving discounts, mature-driver programs where available, and whether your annual mileage is accurately recorded.
And don't automatically drop important coverage just to save a few dollars.
That's a decision worth thinking through carefully.
One more thing: that Do Not Call list
The National Do Not Call Registry can help reduce unwanted sales calls, but it isn't a magical force field.
Scammers ignore it, and certain legally permitted calls may still get through.
If a website tricks people into providing information that is then used for unauthorized telemarketing, that can violate federal law.
You can report unwanted calls at DoNotCall.gov.
The 80 Detector's final thought
I don't mind insurance companies advertising.
I don't mind shopping for a better price.
And I certainly don't mind saving money!
But I'd like to know whether I'm getting a quote or auditioning to become somebody's next marketing prospect.
My phone number is not a party favor.
And I don't intend to hand it out to every company that promises to save me $500 before breakfast.
Until next time, keep investigating, keep asking questions, and keep your coffee brewing.
— Mare
Been There, Done That
Sources and reader resources
Federal Trade Commission — When sharing your info online leads to unwanted and unlawful telemarketing calls (2025)
National Association of Insurance Commissioners — Comparing Online Auto Insurance Quotes
National Association of Insurance Commissioners — A Shopping Tool for Auto Insurance
National Do Not Call Registry — https://www.donotcall.gov/
Reader question: Have you ever requested ONE insurance quote and ended up getting calls from several companies? Tell us what happened!