Latest news with #OBD

Oxford Brain Diagnostics initiates dementia diagnostic commercialisation

Yahoo

27-05-2025

Business
Yahoo

Oxford Brain Diagnostics initiates dementia diagnostic commercialisation

Oxford Brain Diagnostics (OBD) is gearing up to launch a software tool designed to evaluate the early signs of dementia by analysing MRI scans. The UK company's cloud-based Cortical Disarray Measurement (CDM) Insights software processes MRI scan data to monitor patient brain changes across multiple stages of life, outputting the data as percentiles of a normative population distribution to provide an "objective, quantifiable measure of neurodegeneration". According to OBD, CDM's assessment of microstructural and macrostructural measurements, as well as cortical thickness, will bring methods of analysis to assist clinicians in the early detection of neurodegeneration currently unavailable on the US market. CDM Insights received a breakthrough device designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 and 510(k) clearance from the agency in January 2025. Intended for use by healthcare practitioners, including neurologists and radiologists, OBD states that the CDM software will be made available to all US healthcare facilities. OBD CEO and co-founder Dr Steven Chance commented: 'Our technology empowers clinicians with the tools they need to detect subtle brain changes and to diagnose with confidence at an early stage. 'These insights also help patients gain a better understanding of the changes happening in their brains, addressing the uncertainty often experienced with the early signs of Alzheimer's disease.' Spun out from the University of Oxford in 2018, OBD stated that it had reached this stage in its development due to a 2023 funding round led by the London-headquartered Business Growth Fund (BGF). This included additional support from existing investors, including the Oxford Technology & Innovations Fund (OTIF). Dr Chance continued: 'The support from BGF and other investors and partners is enabling us to accelerate the path to the commercialisation of our software tool and bring hope to those millions who are seeking a non-invasive, precision diagnostic tool to reveal the truth about their brain health.' The ability to detect neurodegenerative conditions earlier is an area of rising importance in pharmacology. A recent open-label extension (OLE) study (NCT06424236) of Roche's discontinued Alzheimer's drug, gantenerumab, showed signs that it could prevent the onset of the disease. Data from the OLE published in The Lancet demonstrated that the anti-amyloid drug cut the risk of developing symptoms by 50% for a subgroup of 22 participants who had no cognitive problems at the beginning of the study and who received the drug for an average of eight years. BGF investor Maggie Lau commented: 'The landscape for neurological diagnostics is evolving rapidly, particularly with the arrival of new anti-amyloid Alzheimer's drugs, sharpening the focus on early, accurate diagnosis. 'OBD's technology directly addresses this by enabling timely detection and precise monitoring of neurodegenerative disease.' "Oxford Brain Diagnostics initiates dementia diagnostic commercialisation" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Yahoo

27-05-2025

Business
Yahoo

Oxford Brain Diagnostics initiates dementia diagnostic commercialisation

FIXD Reviews: Is This OBD2 Scanner Worth Buying Or Just A Scam?

Yahoo

27-05-2025

Automotive
Yahoo

FIXD Reviews: Is This OBD2 Scanner Worth Buying Or Just A Scam?

Atlanta, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --FIXD Reviews You've probably been there — you go in for a simple oil change, and suddenly the mechanic tells you your transmission needs replacing. Or your check engine light turns on, and what you thought would be a quick check turns into a laundry list of costly repairs. Unfortunately, many mechanics know it's easy to take advantage of people who are not familiar with what's going on under the hood. The truth is, when that check engine light comes on, it could mean thousands of different things — and for years, the only way to find out was to visit a mechanic who might not have your best interests in mind. But that's changing. Thanks to a smart new device called FIXD, you can now find out exactly what's wrong with your car — in plain, easy-to-understand language. It tells you how serious the issue is, whether it needs urgent attention, and helps you avoid unnecessary repairs. With FIXD, shady mechanics lose their advantage — and you stay in control. In this review, we will take a closer look at how FIXD works, what features it offers, who it is best for, and what real users are saying about it. We will also examine its pros, cons, pricing, and whether it is a smart investment for your vehicle needs. What Is FIXD? FIXD is a little sensor that connects to the OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) connector on your vehicle. Using a mobile app, you can scan your car's system for error codes and receive a diagnostic in layman's terms, allowing you to either attempt to repair the problem yourself or at the very least know what to expect before taking the car to a mechanic. It is simple to use and performs an excellent job diagnosing problems in your car. When you plug the Fixd into your automobile's On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) port, it grants you access to the vehicle's computerized self-diagnosis system. The Fixd is a smallish device that measures 1.9 by 1.6 by 0.8 inches (HWD). All automobiles built after 1996 are equipped with an OBD-II port, which is often found under the dashboard on the driver's side. This sensor is compatible with all gasoline-powered cars equipped with an OBD-II port; however, it is not compatible with cars made before 1996, nor is it compatible with cars powered by diesel engines or cars that are solely electric. It will, however, function on hybrid vehicles. The FIXD technology sends data from your car to a smartphone app, and if Fixd detects any issues, you may submit that information to your mechanic. Fixd is also a useful maintenance tool that may notify you when your vehicle needs MISS OUT: FIXD Is Available At A Special Price – Click Here To Order Directly From The Official Website Who Developed FIXD OBD2 Scanner? (FIXD Reviews) FIXD was invented and developed by three engineering students from Georgia Tech, Atlanta, USA. These three smart students were tired of seeing their family and friends stress out over car repairs and thus developed this new affordable device that instantly diagnoses your car's real problems for you and translates them into simple, easy-to-understand terms. These three engineering students from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA, were displeased with the frustrations their parents and friends usually face over car breakdowns and repairs. They then came up with this game-changer called FIXD. They wanted their parents and friends to look at their smartphones and get a glimpse of what is wrong with their cars instead of going to the mechanic at the slightest breakdown. After successful testing and confirmation, they decided to bring Fixd to the notice of the public. Today, anyone with FIXD can look at their smartphone and instantly know: If there is a problem with their car How serious is it Whether it is an emergency And what it is going to cost With FIXD, the next time you need to take your car into the shop you are in control You can strut in there and confidently tell the mechanic exactly what needs to be done and how much you are going to pay for it! The bottom line is that FIXD gives everyone the information they need to take control of their own car and avoid paying too much or getting repairs they do not And Benefits Of FIXD(FIXD Sensor Reviews) Detects A Wide Range Of Issues: Because of the wide range of issues that FIXD can detect in your vehicle, it is the most important feature and reason to utilize it. According to the manufacturer, FIXD can detect and identify more than 6,000 issues, which include both minor issues that can be handled at home and serious repairs that require professional assistance to do properly. It also claims to be able to tell you straight up whether or not you should hire a mechanic to do the task. If your oxygen sensor has failed, or if your oil temperature has reached a dangerous level, the tool can advise you when you need to tighten your gas cap or replace your oxygen sensor. Once you have identified and resolved the issue, the app will allow you to turn off the dash light as well. Estimates Of The Cost Of Repair: Have you ever been in a car accident and found yourself in need of repair services? Your insurer will most likely recommend a couple of businesses that you may use, but they will also recommend that you acquire estimates from a few other repairers as well. This can take a significant amount of time and leave you feeling disappointed in what those stores mentioned. This aspect of FIXD's app is particularly useful, as it truly offers you with estimates depending on your current zip code or area. Not only does the app tell you how much you could expect to pay for the items you require, but it also tells you how much you might expect to pay to the mechanic in your neighborhood to work on those issues. Highly Affordable: These days, several stores provide free diagnostic scans to customers. This is in the hopes that you will come in for your free scan and be so grateful that you will agree to pay for expensive repairs right there on the spot. Some auto parts stores also provide free scans since they anticipate that you will purchase the parts that you require from them in the future. Free scans, on the other hand, will frequently necessitate waiting in line and dealing with pushy sales personnel. FIXD allows you the flexibility to perform your own scans at your convenience whenever you need. It sells its diagnostic combo for roughly $60, and it also has a bundle that includes two scanners for less than $100 dollars. Provides Support For Android and iOS Devices: One key issue with other scanning apps is that some of them are only compatible with a specific sort of operating system. If you are currently using an Android or an iPhone, but anticipate that you may want to switch in the future, FIXD is a smart choice for you because it is compatible with both of these platforms. In addition to its tools, the company provides free apps that may be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the Apple Store to be used in conjunction with them. Once you have created an account, you will be able to access it even if you switch phones in the future. Monitoring On A Continuous Basis: Another aspect that distinguishes FIXED from the competition is the fact that it provides constant monitoring services. How many times have you had your check engine light come on and then turn off on its own when you were driving over a pothole in the road? This is frequently caused by a snag in the engine wiring. Those potholes on the road can momentarily alleviate the situation until you reach another pothole. FIXD will do the scan that you require and will then continue to monitor your vehicle until the tool is unplugged. Any subsequent issues that are discovered by the app will be instantly reported to you by the application. Guaranteed Return of Funds: FIXD provides a guarantee that, in essence, states that the company is not satisfied unless you are satisfied. The product can be tried for up to 30 days after you purchase it online from the official website through the links provided in this Fixd Review. If you decide that you are not satisfied with your purchase, you have 30 days to return it for a full refund. In this method, you can ensure that the tool not only works with your specific make and model, but also that it will give the information that you require. It is possible that you will prefer a diagnostic tool that is capable of monitoring and scanning many parameters. One Account for a Number of Vehicles: It is likely that you have used a diagnostic scanning tool and app in the past and discovered that you could only use that account in a single vehicle. While FIXD mandates that you use a single sensor per vehicle, it allows you to utilize a single account to monitor any additional scanners that you may be using. Consider the following scenario: you typically drive one automobile, but your spouse and child have their own vehicles. You can purchase and install scanning instruments in each vehicle, and then execute scans on each vehicle using an app on your phone. In addition, you can use the same app to set up reminders for any future maintenance that those vehicles may require. How Does FIXD Work? In most cases, when the check engine light illuminates, it means that the system has detected an issue, such as an incorrect cylinder, a faulty mass airflow or oxygen sensor, or a gasoline vapor leak. Mechanical engineers use the code generated by the on-board computer to troubleshoot and resolve the issue, which is why you will find them at work staring at a handheld screen while the engine is running. Now with FIXD, you can view what the mechanic sees, and it can recognize up to 6,800 different possible causes of a check engine light to come on. It also provides a description of the probable cause, as well as the standard error code and any implications that may result if the problem is not remedied immediately. Unlike other sensors, the Fixd sensor draws its power from the OBD-II port, so you never have to worry about having to charge it. Once plugged in, you can forget about it. Alternatively, you may remove it and use it on any other gas-powered car that has an OBD-II port. It talks with your phone via Bluetooth and is controlled by a free Android or iOS mobile application. The app establishes a connection with the Fixd servers via cellular or Wi-Fi in order to retrieve diagnostic data and preserve the findings of your car's scan. A Condition screen appears, with a large Tap To Scan button in the center and a small engine icon button just above it. It is easy to navigate through. The buttons for the Timeline, Wear Items, and Logbook are located at the bottom of the screen, as is a button that returns you to the Condition screen. To initiate a scan, press the Tap To Scan button on your screen: A green Fixd icon will appear if no problems are detected; if moderate issues such as a faulty EVAP sensor are discovered, the icon will change yellow; and if more severe issues such as a misfire or a broken EGR Vacuum regulator are discovered, the icon will turn red. Upon detection of a problem, press the Details icon to see the diagnosis, which includes a brief description of the problem as well as probable implications if the problem is not SEE: CLICK HERE NOW TO GET FIXD SCANNER DIRECTLY FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE Why Choose FIXD? (FIXD Scanner Reviews) Fixd is not the only device available on the market that can monitor the health of your vehicle. However, Fixd has a lot to teach you, and you might be amazed at how much you can learn from it. According to the manufacturer, the sensor can detect 6,800 problems with your vehicle that could cause the check-engine light to turn on. A key advantage of the Fixd sensor appears to be its retail availability at some of the world's largest shops, which is something that not all of its competitors can match. Furthermore, Fixd's app is often regarded as one of the most well-designed tools available in the sector. Although Fixd does not specify all of the things that its app can detect, it claims that it can detect critical issues such as whether your engine oil temperature is too high or whether your O2 sensor has failed. It can also notify you if your automobile has more serious problems that need to be addressed by a repair. Additionally, the app allows you to clear your check-engine light if you conclude that the issue it has detected is not serious. Other dashboard lights, such as TPMS, ABS, Airbag, Maintenance, and Stability Control, can also be cleared with Fixd. Fixd can also keep track of your vehicle's maintenance routine. When you insert the sensor into your car, it will figure out what your car's manufacturer suggests for maintenance at each milestone and notify you. Fixd keeps track of your miles so you always know what you need to do. According to the company, Fixd distinguishes itself from the competition by breaking down difficulties into basic and clear words. Instead of providing you with a code or technical description, the gadget informs you of the severity of the problem, the repercussions of continuing to drive, and the recommended maintenance schedule for your specific make, model, and year of vehicle. Is FIXD Any Good? Because of the amount of money we spend on our vehicles, it is then critical that they remain in good condition. Your check engine light may turn on as a result of something as simple as a loose wire in the motor, and it may remain illuminated for several weeks. There is no assurance that the light was illuminated as a result of anything as simple as a faulty bulb, which is why having a diagnostic scanning tool such as FIXD is so beneficial. FIXD comes with a sensor that can be plugged in and configured in seconds, as well as an app that works in conjunction with the sensor. The FIXD sensor does not require any additional charging or replacement batteries. The power generated by your engine is sufficient to meet all of its requirements. Because the FIXD sensor and your phone communicate over Bluetooth, you have full access to the app as long as you have a working connection. Once you have downloaded the app, you will be required to register an account with FIXD. If you later upgrade to a better phone, you will be able to log in with your existing information and obtain access to your account once more. How To Install FIXD Sensor Using FIXD is refreshingly simple — even if you have zero experience with cars. It works in just three steps: Plug It In: Insert the FIXD sensor into your car's OBD-II port, which is usually located just beneath the steering wheel. Pair It With Your Phone: Connect the sensor via Bluetooth to the free FIXD mobile app (available on iPhone and Android). Get Instant Alerts: As soon as it runs a scan, the app sends notifications to your phone explaining what's wrong, how serious it is, and what action to take. FIXD inspects over 6,000+ potential issues, from simple sensor problems to more serious mechanical faults. Each diagnosis comes with clear, easy-to-understand language — so you're not stuck Googling obscure engine codes or relying blindly on what a mechanic tells vs. Visiting the Mechanic First(FIXD OBD II Scanner Reviews) Visiting a mechanic without knowing what's wrong can leave you feeling powerless — and worse, overcharged. FIXD flips the script by giving you a clear picture of your car's health before you even leave your driveway. By diagnosing problems upfront, FIXD allows you to: • Understand the severity of the issue • Know whether it's safe to keep driving • Avoid paying for unnecessary or inflated repairs • Communicate more confidently with your mechanic That said, FIXD isn't meant to replace mechanics altogether. For serious or unclear issues, it's still wise to get a professional diagnosis — but FIXD helps you enter that conversation informed, not vulnerable. DON'T MISS OUT: FIXD OBD2 Scanner Is Available At A Special Price – Click Here To Order Directly From The Official WebsiteFIXD Reviews Consumer Reports and Complaints Some Fixd users left positive reviews on their website, praising the ease with which they were able to connect the sensor to their automobile and retrieve the information displayed by the Fixd app. These great customer opinions are presented below: 'FIXD works perfectly! We got the 2 sensors deal, so my wife and I could decipher that dreaded check-engine light. Although we ran into a few installation issues; thanks to timely, excellent and extraordinary technical support from Casey and Davis at FIXD, those issues quickly became a thing of the past. In summary, these guys are the bomb! I highly recommend FIXD." (Michael P.) "FIXD saved me from being stranded. This is one of my favorite gadgets of all time. No more going to a shop to get the check engine codes checked and interpreted by someone else. It also alerted me while I was driving that I had two new codes. I drove immediately to the place I intended to get it repaired and the mechanic told me if I hadn't brought it in when I did, I might have to pay for much more costly repairs and my car would break down on me. The app is also constantly being updated and made better. No complaints there either." (Dona) "Finally, a product worth the Money! We bought 3 of them so we could monitor the wife's and daughter's car even when they are not at home. What a great product and well worth the money!! About time that someone used their head to market a product that is not only useful but gives the dad peace of mind and help with service reminders as well!!! Great job, guys!!!" (April McKee) "Helps Alleviate "Check Engine" Light Stress. Very helpful when the "Check Engine" light comes on... especially in older vehicles that don't give more active descriptions. Provides code numbers/info and offers advice as to whether the vehicle is safe to drive or should be towed in for repairs to avoid damage. Can also be used to monitor some engine functions routinely, rather than just when engine light illuminates. More advice is also available, such as repair estimates, recommended providers, etc." (James) FIXD Pros and Cons Here's a balanced look at what FIXD does well — and what to consider before buying: Pros (FIXD Reviews) Easy to set up and use — no tech skills required Explains car issues in plain English Diagnoses 6,000+ problems and flags severity Tracks multiple cars through one app Sends reminders for routine maintenance (like oil changes) One-time purchase, unlimited uses Works with most gas cars (1996+) and diesel (2008+) Compact, portable, and no subscription required Cons (FIXD Reviews) Doesn't replace a full mechanic inspection for complex or uncommon issues Requires Bluetooth + mobile app pairing (not ideal for those without smartphones) Some very advanced diagnostics may still need a professional scan tool Price of FIXD Scanner - How Much Does FIXD Cost? Frankly, Diagnostic Technology usually costs $800, $1,200, even $2,000 or more and is usually only found in professional Autos hops. That is costly, right? Yeah! But that is what makes this Fixd so great. FIXD is ONLY $59.99! That is less than a tank of gas and you can purchase it on their official website here. FIXD is currently available with special bundle pricing and free shipping on select orders. Here's the latest offer from the official website: 1 FIXD Device – $59.99 (Save $10 off retail) 2 FIXD Devices – $89.99 (Buy 1, Get 1 50% OFF) 3 FIXD Devices – $119.98 (Buy 2, Get 1 FREE) Free Shipping included on orders of 2 or more Each purchase includes unlimited uses, lifetime access to the FIXD app, and a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee. Where To Buy FIXD? On the internet and even offline market, there are many persons selling FIXD. However, you are advised to only purchase FIXD from the official website of the manufacturer through the links provided in this FIXD review article. Getting this product from another website or seller means that you want to be given a fake. Avoid buying FIXD through third-party marketplaces, as unofficial listings may be outdated, unsupported, or counterfeit. You can pay through PayPal, Mastercard, Visa, etc on the official website and enjoy the best discount and other promotional offers available. Purchasing from other stores may disqualify you for these awesome offers. CLICK HERE NOW TO BUY FIXD DIRECTLY FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE Frequently Asked Questions (FIXD OBD2 Scanner Reviews)How Does FIXD Connect To My Phone? FIXD syncs data wirelessly and automatically to your smartphone through bluetooth when in your vehicle. Will the sensor interfere with other Bluetooth devices in my car? No, your smartphone will allow you to pair and communicate with multiple Bluetooth receivers at one time. Will FIXD Work With My Car? FIXD works on all gas and hybrid-powered cars built in 1996 and after, and every diesel vehicle built in 2009 and after. FIXD also runs on all gas-powered trucks that were purchased in the US and have a gross vehicle weight under 14,500 lbs. Where is this port in my car? In the vast majority of cars, it is on the driver side under the dashboard, just above the pedals. If you have difficulty finding the port in your car, contact us at fixd-contactus@ Can I leave FIXD in my car all the time? You can leave the sensor plugged in all the time, as it uses very little power when not communicating with the app. If you leave your car sitting for more than 3 weeks, we recommend that you remove the sensor. My family has vehicles all over the country. Do I have to be near a vehicle to use FIXD? As long as there is a person with the car running the FIXD App, you can see the status and details of that car through our Multi-Vehicle Control feature. Does FIXD Work With Windows Phones? There currently is no plan for Windows Phone, but if you contact us, we will keep you updated. Does The FIXD Device Need To Be Charged? No. The FIXD device uses vehicle energy to stay charged and uses a low-energy mode, so it won't drain your battery. Is There A Money-Back Guarantee? Yes. Every device sold comes with a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee. Is There A Warranty? Yes. Every device sold comes with a 1 year limited warranty. Will I have to pay any additional customs, duties or VAT fees when I receive my order? Depending on your country, it is possible that you will be charged one or more of these fees when you receive your order. How long does delivery take to countries outside of the U.S.? We ship orders out FAST, but we can't control carrier transit times. For orders outside the USA, please allow 7-12 business days for your order to arrive. Delivery times will vary based on Verdict On FIXD Reviews The FIXD diagnostic scanner is a fantastic tool for folks who want to take good care of their automobiles and do minor repairs at their convenience. The reason for your check engine light to turn on could be that you need to tighten your gas cap or replace a few spark plugs, both of which are simple repairs that you can perform yourself. FIXD will perform a complete scan and inform you of what needs to be done, allowing you to decide whether or not to take your car to a shop. It is simple enough to use at home to diagnose engine problems for those who are just getting started. FIXD gives information that is simple to comprehend and is a tool that everyone may utilize. You do not have to be an expert computer user or have the most up-to-date smartphone on the market in order to make use of it. You can also download the app to a tablet running the Android or iOS operating systems and get all of the information you require. It takes only a few seconds to plug in the FIXD scanner and a few more minutes to download and set up the app, which is available for free. Doing a scan can be done while standing directly next to your car or while sitting inside your house. A scan can be carried out as long as there is a connection between the app and the tool in question. The FIXD app will be a godsend if you are bored of your check engine light on your dashboard glowing or blinking at you every time you step behind the wheel. It is highly recommended that you get your own FIXD. Enjoy! CLICK HERE NOW TO GET FIXD DIRECTLY FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT A DISCOUNTED PRICEContent verified and submitted by (support@ CONTACT: Website - Email - support@ address - 999 Peachtree St NE Suite 840, Atlanta, GA 30309

Milwaukee man's car stolen by thieves using a reprogrammed key fob — what to know about this alarming trend

Yahoo

25-05-2025

Automotive
Yahoo

Milwaukee man's car stolen by thieves using a reprogrammed key fob — what to know about this alarming trend

Austin Washington's car keys were at his apartment in the Milwaukee suburb of Shorewood. However, thieves were still able to drive off with his vehicle. They broke into his parked Infiniti car through the sunroof and stole it using a reprogrammed key fob. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Last month, Washington told WISN 12 News he felt 'violated.' "Somebody was in your car, going through your stuff, stole your car," he said. "I thought I was doing everything right with the information I knew about vehicles. I had no idea about these fob re-programmers." Fortunately, police found his car dumped a few miles away, but they told the news network such high-tech car theft is on the rise across Milwaukee. Thieves use key fob programmers to get cars to start, and then simply drive away. Milwaukee police told WISN 12 News there have been at least 19 reported cases of car thefts using this method within the first three months of 2025. Keyless, or re-programmed car keys, is a growing method of car theft. News reports show that police in different parts of the country, like San Fernando Valley or Oakland County, have issued warnings about this problem. Multiple locksmiths told WISN 12 News that thieves steal key programmers from businesses like theirs in order to steal cars with keyless ignitions. Itay Rahamim, owner of Milwaukee Automotive Locksmith, showed reporters how the theft works on a Lexus. Thieves either go through the sunroof, break the window, or find some other way to get inside the vehicle. They then find the vehicle's on-board diagnostic (OBD) port and plug in the key programmer. It's typically under the steering wheel, close to the gas and brake pedals. Once it's successfully plugged in, the thief can then program a new key to the car. It was about 40 seconds from the time Rahamim opened the door to the car to when he started it using the reprogrammer. Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Any car that uses a key fob is susceptible to such theft, but some vehicles are more vulnerable than others. Nissans and Infinitis are the most targeted, police told WISN 12 News, but they are not exactly sure why. Rahamim told reporters that 2007 to 2017 models of Honda, Nissan, Infiniti, Dodge, Chrysler, Lexus, and Toyota are more easily stolen The reason? These cars don't have a wait time for someone to start the vehicle after they've reprogrammed a new key. Ford and GM vehicles are among those that do not start immediately, and so they are harder to steal, according to him. Vehicle thefts nationwide decreased 17% to 850,708 in 2024, dropping below the one million mark for the first time since 2021, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). But owners should still take precautions. In an April Facebook post, Milwaukee Police said it has noticed an increase in motorvehicle thefts and drivers should consider protecting their car by installing a lock over their car's OBD port. These types of locks are typically made from a piece of metal or strong plastic that covers the OBD port and makes sure it can only be accessed with a special key. A wheel lock can also deter thieves. The National Insurance Crime Bureau recommends taking the 'layered approach' to protection and has a list of ways owners can try to prevent car theft.. If you discover your vehicle has been stolen, file a police report right away. Provide as many details as possible like information about your car, where it was parked and when you last saw it. Call your auto insurance company and report the loss. Insurers should be able to help if you have comprehensive coverage. Even if your vehicle is recovered, your insurance company may pay to repair it or pay you the actual cash value if it's been declared a total loss. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

I Tried Progressive Snapshot To Lower My Car Insurance Rates—and Then Switched to Geico

Yahoo

22-03-2025

Automotive
Yahoo

I Tried Progressive Snapshot To Lower My Car Insurance Rates—and Then Switched to Geico

When Progressive messaged me with an offer to lower my car insurance by installing an OBD reader, or onboard diagnostics reader, in my car, I jumped at the chance. I'm a good driver, but I have two younger drivers on my policy so every penny saved is meaningful. Progressive is just one of many car insurance companies that allow drivers to track their driving, via an OBD tracker or a phone app, to potentially lower their car insurance rates. I tried it out and here's what I learned about saving money on car insurance, plus a few other consequential lessons. This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Progressive, like car insurance companies including State Farm, Geico, USAA and others, offer a tracking service that in theory allows you to reduce your insurance premiums by demonstrating you're a safe driver. I was an early adopter, so Progressive sent me a pod that plugs into a car's OBD reader. More commonly, though, car insurance companies allow you to download a phone app to track your driving. Once the tracker is activated, it collects basic performance data and tracks your GPS location. It sends that data to your insurer and a report is created. It takes several weeks to several month's worth of data for an insurer to determine how the report will affect your policy, for good or bad. Read: Who's Tracking You? How to Avoid Car Tracking and Maintain Privacy In Your Car I was offered Progressive Snapshot when I renewed my family's car insurance. We have four drivers—two under 25— and three cars. I opted to put Snapshot only in my car, and to use the plug-in device rather than the app since I frequently drive cars other than my own. By opting for Snapshot I immediately got a discount of $25. State Farm's Drive Safe and Save app offers a discount when you sign up and that discount is adjusted (or not) based on your driving performance. Read: Easy Car Diagnosis & Repair: RepairPal to the Rescue The device easily installed; I simply pulled the cover off the OBDII port and plugged it in. Once it was installed, and every time I started the car, it gave me a quick double beep to signal that it was working. It was a good reminder to know that I was being tracked on each trip. While it's possible for Snapshot to track where you go, when you go, your speed, lane changes, whether you roll through stop signs and more, including when you break the speed limit, it doesn't. Progressive only measures 4 things: Hard braking, fast starts, amount of time driven and time of day you drive. Other car insurance company trackers also measure speeding, fast cornering and distracted driving. Progressive does collect other data for its own internal assessment, and if you ask the company to provide more data for, say, defending yourself after a crash, they say they will try to accommodate. And, the site says they will not use data collected by Snapshot in assessing a claim if your car is damaged in an incident. Read: I Went To Driver's Ed And Learned … I Have A Lot To Learn About Driving! I decided to put Progressive Snapshot on my car because I drive very little and almost never in the middle of the night. I decided NOT to put it on the family car because I didn't want to stress other drivers with the monitoring or risk having our insurance go up thanks to other drivers behaviors. Snapshot is not great for cars that log a lot of miles, have a variety of drivers or younger drivers who might inadvertently increase your insurance rates as they learn. Progressive says that 2 in 10 drivers actually increase their insurance rate after using Snapshot. The Progressive Snapshot reader responds with a beep when any performance is detected that might penalize you. This is great for drivers who learn well from external input; if you recognize the message the beeps are sending and try not to trigger it, this could be a great tool to help improve your driving. Phone apps don't do this, however; they simply measure inputs, though you can see them on your phone app, a slower, less instantaneous way of learning but still valuable. Once installed, and knowing the device was tracking me, it only took me about 10 minutes to get my first warning. I rolled up to a stop sign and pushed down hard on the brake to come to a complete stop and got a quick 'beep beep' from the device. Oops. I tried softer braking that day and a few times the device beeped at me even if I approached a stop sign or intersection slowly. Though sometimes, when I was more considerate about my braking, not jamming on the brake in those last few feet, there was no beep. Puzzling. Over time I noticed the beeping lessening. I became sensitive to it and learned to adapt my driving so as not to be punished. Still, I worried that Progressive was going to raise my rates. I only drive locally, so I didn't put a lot of miles on my car during my time with Snapshot, and I don't typically drive between 11PM and 6AM, so those factors worked in my favor. Using the tracking monitor it took longer to get my results and calculate my discount—about 6 months. At the end of the data collection period Progressive sent a prepaid mailing box to return the device. Once I returned the tracker, Progressive calculated my savings or penalty but did not share details with me. I saved $30. In the end, the discount was much less than the $130 Progressive claimed people saved on average. But it made me curious: could I save money by shopping around? So, I did. I found that Geico would offer the same coverage for about 20% less than Progressive, so I signed up, then called Progressive to cancel my policy. Turns out, they didn't do their part and instead of cancelling my policy, my account was sent to collections. It took more than a year to clean up that mess, and it's easy to understand why Crash Network, an organization that rates car insurance companies for body shops and other service providers, ranks Progressive #75 out of 97 car insurance providers. The ranking, which measures 'How well does this company's claims handling policies, attitude and payment practices ensure quality repairs and customer service for motorists?' also ranks Allstate at #93, Liberty at #89, USAA at #85, State Farm at #81 and Geico at #80. Keep in mind, these rankings are on service and practices, not pricing. Surprisingly, none rank better than Progressive, which leads me to my next move: no more tracking devices for me. Shopping around—and yes, I'll be looking at those companies that rank higher on the Crash Network survey—is your best bet to save money on car insurance. More must-reads: Super Cruise, Blue Cruise and More: Hands-Free Driving Systems Mean More Safety, Less Stress On the Road EV Charging Hiccups Remedied by Home Charge Adapters

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