If you're searching for Metromile reviews, you're likely a low-mileage driver curious about this innovative pay-per-mile auto insurance option. Founded in 2011 in Redwood City, California, by David Friedberg and Steve Pretre, Metromile pioneered usage-based coverage tailored for infrequent drivers, charging a base monthly fee plus a few cents per mile driven. The company tracks mileage via a plug-in Pulse device connected to your car's OBD-II port, with data accessible through a user-friendly mobile app that also offers features like car health diagnostics, trip tracking, and street-sweeping alerts. In 2021, Metromile went public via a Nasdaq listing (ticker: MILE) before being acquired by Lemonade, Inc., in a $500 million all-stock deal completed in July 2022. As a result, Metromile no longer accepts new customers—existing policies have largely transferred to Lemonade or expired, depending on your state. This shift has influenced recent Metromile reviews, blending praise for cost savings with frustrations over service changes.
Available in eight states (Arizona, California, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington), Metromile's model suits urban dwellers, remote workers, or retirees who drive under 10,000 miles annually. Standard coverages include liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments, and uninsured motorist protection, with add-ons like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and pet injury coverage (up to $1,000 in most states). However, it lacks extras like accident forgiveness or rideshare insurance. A 17-day "Ride Along" trial lets you test the app without commitment to estimate costs.
Pros and Cons from Metromile Reviews
Metromile reviews highlight its appeal for budget-conscious, low-mileage drivers, but also reveal drawbacks amplified post-acquisition.
Pros
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Significant Savings for Low-Mileage Users: Drivers averaging 400-700 miles monthly report costs as low as $24-$74 base plus $0.06-$0.13 per mile, often undercutting traditional insurers like Progressive or Geico by $40-$80 monthly. For example, 450 miles might total $57, with a 250-mile daily cap preventing road-trip overcharges.
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Convenient App and Features: The iOS/Android app earns high marks (4.6/5 on App Store, 3.1/5 on Google Play) for mileage tracking, policy management, and tools like stolen vehicle location or check-engine alerts.
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Positive Claims in Some Cases: Users praise quick app-based filing and resolutions, like a $2,000 glass replacement for a $250 deductible without rate hikes, or smooth handling of hit-and-run incidents.
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Flexible for Occasional Use: Ideal for Turo renters (fractional coverage in CA/IL) or stored vehicles, with a 7-10 day grace period before tracking starts.
Cons
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Rate Increases Over Time: Many report hikes of 40-70% after six months, even without claims, pushing costs above traditional policies—e.g., base from $65 to $105, per-mile from 19¢ to 30¢.
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Device and Tracking Issues: The Pulse plug often drains batteries, loses signals (triggering "no-signal" fees), or over-reports miles, leading to disputes over undriven charges.
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Mixed Claims Experiences: While some are seamless, others involve delays (weeks for responses), unreachable adjusters, lowball valuations ignoring add-ons, or outright denials—e.g., a total loss claim unresolved for months, causing financial hardship.
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Customer Service Shortfalls: Complaints dominate about unresponsiveness (long holds, ignored emails), rude agents, and cancellation hurdles, with three times more NAIC complaints than peers.
Metromile Ratings Across Review Sites
Aggregated Metromile reviews show polarization, with professional analyses more optimistic than user feedback.
BBB lists Metromile as unaccredited with no rating or complaints detailed, while Glassdoor employee reviews (unavailable in this analysis) often tie to service quality.
Real User Experiences in Metromile Reviews
Reddit threads capture authentic Metromile reviews from frugal and insurance-savvy users. In r/Frugal (2020), low-mileage commuters lauded 5-year savings and app convenience for claims like windshield fixes, though some avoided small claims to dodge hikes. One user drove 160 miles/month, halving Progressive costs, with no battery drain from the device. However, telematics privacy and agent inconsistencies frustrated others.
A 2022 r/Insurance discussion focused on pricing: Users paid $24-$74 base + 9¢-13¢/mile for 400-700 miles/month, with satisfaction for work-from-home lifestyles but gripes over unresolved claims (e.g., 2-month waits, missed appointments) and job-loss fallout from delays. Quora users echoed skepticism from Yelp negatives, sharing hit-and-run successes but warning of policy cancellations post-claim.
For cancellation, call 888-311-2909 (8am-5pm PT, Mon-Fri); no fees noted, but users report runarounds.
Is Metromile Right for You? Final Verdict
Metromile reviews affirm its value for true low-milers—potentially $947 annual savings—but post-Lemonade transition, service inconsistencies and hikes deter many. Compare quotes via the Ride Along trial or alternatives like Allstate Milewise. For expertise, consult a licensed agent; this overview draws from verified sources for trustworthiness.
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