I Just Sold My Kia Soul To the Kia Dealer, Because My Little State Farm Beacon Buddy, Tracks Everything That I Do In My New Kia Sorento

Is this happening at any other Kia dealers?

Roderiqua Harris, a 2024 Kia Sorento buyer, shares her experience. She was able to afford a more expensive SUV from the Kia dealer by purchasing insurance that tracked her driving habits. This decision, she says, not only saved her a significant $282 per month but also provided her with a much-needed financial relief.

Can you relate?

Roderiqua (@roderiquaharris), in her TikTok video, humorously remarks that she 'sold her soul' to the Kia dealer to get the State Farm Insurance with the Bluetooth beacon. This decision, she explains, allowed her to save a substantial amount on her insurance, empowering her to make the purchase of her 2024 Kia Sorento. 

She says, holding up a Bluetooth beacon with the State Farm logo on it. 

"Apparently, I just sold my soul to the Kia dealer because this little buddy called a beacon from State Farm tracks everything that I do. It tracks how fast you drive, how fast you accelerate, how hard you hit your brakes, how fast you turn a corner, and even if you check your phone while you're driving." 

"It's connected to Bluetooth and can even tell if I'm distracted by my phone because it's playing music through my phone in my car. I'm not really sure how I feel about it because it's the only way I could afford life and buy my 2024 Kia Sorento." 

"So, I didn't really have a choice." 

"The dealer told me it's $500 a month for insurance without this beacon buddy, and with it, I pay $218 a month through State Farm," she says, emphasizing the significant savings she was able to make. 

"So, if you see me driving 25 miles per hour in a 35-mile-per-hour speed limit, mind your business. Don't get mad at me and honk your horn." 

"If you see me turning a corner as slow as a turtle, mind your business, and don't honk at me." 

"If you call me while I'm driving my car, I'll have to wait to call you when it's cool. Because I have to use this beacon, or I can't afford the insurance." 

What is the State Farm Bluetooth beacon?

The State Farm Bluetooth beacon is a device designed to connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth. It automatically tracks your driving data, helping you save money on your auto insurance. It's a key component of the Drive Safe & Save program, where State Farm sends you a beacon to install in your vehicle.

This program can potentially save you a significant amount on your car insurance premiums. However, there's a price you pay.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the State Farm Beacon program:

How it works:

• Installation: The beacon is typically installed in your car, usually behind the rearview mirror.
• Pairing: The beacon pairs with the State Farm app on your phone.
• Data Tracking: The app utilizes the beacon to automatically record trips, including data such as speed, acceleration, braking, and cornering.
• Driving Feedback: The app provides you with feedback on your driving habits, highlighting areas where you can improve.
• Saving Money: By participating in Drive Safe & Save and improving your driving habits, you can potentially earn discounts on your auto insurance premiums. 

Are Kia dealers telling buyers they can afford a more expensive car if they get a State Farm beacon?

I couldn't find any information directly linking Kia dealers to telling buyers they can afford a more expensive car because of the State Farm Beacon program.

The State Farm Beacon program is a usage-based insurance program that offers drivers discounts based on their driving habits, such as speed and mileage. Although this program can potentially save drivers money on car insurance, it typically would not influence a car loan approval or affordability assessment by a dealership. Dealers determine a buyer's affordability based on factors like income, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio. 

It's important to note that the State Farm Beacon program, while potentially beneficial, should not be the sole factor in determining the affordability of a car. It's crucial to evaluate your personal finances and secure pre-approved financing before visiting a dealership. This will help you understand your budget and make a purchase that you can comfortably afford. 

Conclusion:

A Kia salesperson with knowledge of the State Farm program likely recommended Roderiqua look into the State Farm insurance program. Roderiqua decided to buy the insurance so she could purchase the 2024 Kia Sorento. 

She says she didn't have a choice because it was the only way she could afford life. It's more likely that her lifestyle is more expensive than her income can afford.

Roderiqua says, "I'm probably going to call it Beacon Johnson or something like that," she says sarcastically.

Have you signed up for a driving-based insurance plan? If so, we want to hear about your experience. Click the red Add New Comment link below and share your thoughts with us.

Check out my Kia dealer story: A Subaru Dealer Says In Its IG Post, “We Bought a Kia and the Engine Blew Before We Made It Home”

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Roderiqua Harris