Question for drivers in their first year

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Commuter69, Mar 27, 2015.

  1. Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

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    Especially those who are single and have one personal vehicle:

    Can you give estimates of how much of a drop in expenses you had in terms of fuel and insurance for your PERSONAL vehicle?

    My thinking is that, if you are gone in a company rig for 10-12 days at a time, home for 3-4, you will only want to drive to run a few errands and stay put at home, while your car sits either at home or in a company terminal growing cobwebs.

    My current gas budget is roughly $160 per month, I would estimate that cost to go down by as much as 75%, if not more when I am on the road.

    How many of you gave up your personal vehicles because of this?
     
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  3. mrdot

    mrdot Light Load Member

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    Gotta have a personal vehicle but my costs drop tremendously. I still run around a lot while home, visiting family and what not but not like before. Have 2 vehicles, a new one that my fiance uses and the car I use back and forth to the truck stop. I cant remember the last time I filled the tank up in my car. I would not even waste my time worrying about that.
     
  4. G.Anthony

    G.Anthony Road Train Member

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    Your exspenes for your personal vehicle will only drop when it comes to buying gasoline and maybe oil changes.

    You still have to have insurance, and I personally know of NO insurance company that cuts down on premiums all because you don;t drive it daily. maybe classic cars in a storage facility, maybe hot rods or antiques that are only driven on weekends and holidays. But then at least up here, one needs special plates for that.

    You will still have yearly property taxes, again, we do up here, and plates to pay for.

    SO basically, only your gasoline purchases will drop, if your state, or YOUR insurance company gives discounts for NON-USAGE, then I highly suggest you ask them rather than here on a message board where probably all 50 US States, Canada, Peurto Rico, or the American and British Virgin Islands are represented.

    you'll get about a gazillion opinions, when the facts are at the tip of your fingers, calling YOUR insurance company
     
  5. Nukem

    Nukem Road Train Member

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    I fill the tank up every 2-3 weeks. I was one; sometimes twice a week fill ups. So yea from the gas perspective it went down. Insurance is still the same. That won't change unless you do something to your policy.
     
  6. VAdriver

    VAdriver Bobtail Member

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    Feb 7, 2015
    Virginia Beach, VA
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    Here's a tip if you haven't tried it already. I worked for a major car insurance company for almost 8 years prior to driving so maybe this helps. Some of your rate may be affected by what you have listed for commuting. For example, if your policy says you drive to work 5 days a week and 10 miles one way. you will pay more than someone who doesn't drive to work. The annual mileage can change the premium too. Since you don't technically drive to work, I would change the commuting to 0 days, 0 miles one way and 3000 miles a year. See if that helps. I picked 3000 because that was a threshold that changed the rate at the company I worked at. It may or may not help. Basically list it as pleasure use instead of commuting.
     
  7. Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

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    I read somewhere that insurance companies give discounts to CDL holders who are employed using them; in a similar manner that they discount motorcycle policies for riders that have taken safety courses (one year, I actually made $700 for taking it: the course was free as a promotion that was being offered, the Honda Rider Club paid me $75 to take it, and my insurance policy was discounted by more than $600 annually; not bad for a Saturday morning!)
     
  8. G.Anthony

    G.Anthony Road Train Member

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    In all my years, I ain't never heard of this. Maybe perhaps provide us with what you saw?

    Other than that, you sit here typing away, when just about ALL insurance companies have phone lines available 24/7/365, can't you call YOURS and then tell us?

    After all, "they say", it's so easy, a caveman can do it.
     
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  9. cootr68

    cootr68 Light Load Member

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    I have state farm my agent told me to list as "pleasure only" because I park my truck at my house. I think it dropped my bill 20%. Only catch is having to verify milage yearly.
     
  10. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Longview, TX
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    Not knowing your personal home situation, I can't ever recommend "giving up" a personal vehicle for probably 90% of drivers. You have to get home when you get home (if you park at a terminal) you have errands to run such as shopping, laundry, a personal life, etc

    Certainly don't do anything rash until you've given OTR trucking 4-6 months try and still happy with the job.
     
  11. CruisingAlong

    CruisingAlong Medium Load Member

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    Tampa , FL
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    I usually run a few months at the time and when home, call enterprise to bring me a car to drive for 3-4 days during home time. Sold my personal vehicle, no insurance or taxes and I get to drive a relatively new vehicle every time when home. If I need a truck, I get a truck, if midsize.... etc :)

    Take a look at it and compare costs....
     
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