Dear GDM Community,

I'm Julia, and as an old Chinese saying goes: “Nothing, not even mountains and oceans, can separate people with shared goals and vision”. We’re all here at Good Driver Mutuality (GDM) because we share the same values — helping each other and facing challenges together. I’m grateful for how our paths have crossed on this platform.

As we step into 2025, I want to share how GDM has transformed my life — building trust, saving money, and opening doors to new possibilities in a foreign land.

With GDM, Safe Driving Really Saves You Money

Six months ago, I came across GDM, an alternative to collision and comprehensive coverage, and was immediately intrigued.

I had always been frustrated with the high costs of traditional coverage, so when I learned that 94% of drivers are accident-free and that GDM offers a money-saving approach and greater transparency for its members, I thought, 'Why not give it a try?'

GDM let me pay only 20% of my quote as a service fee on the first day of joining, then pay small contributions each week from the remaining 80% of my quote (or "pledge amount") in the event that there were accidents within the community that needed help. As a budget-conscious mom who was used to paying the full price for traditional products, this seemed like a great opportunity.

With GDM, my mutuality plan was quoted at $534.94. Over six months, I didn’t have any accidents, and I contributed a total of only $33 in weekly sharing to help five members with their repairs. In total, I saved $395 — 73% off the original quote!

These savings meant more for my kids’ activities or having more family meals out. I renewed my plan without hesitation, and I can confidently say that driving safely with GDM really pays off.

Who Am I? A Dreamer Shaped by Change

You might be wondering, who is this enthusiastic, budget-conscious Julia?

I've spent over 20 years in the U.S., and my journey here has been anything but conventional. When I first arrived, I started as a jewelry designer, but life took a turn when my father fell ill, and I had to return home. Upon returning to the U.S., I found myself unemployed, but through a connection at church, I landed a job with an airline — an experience that greatly improved my English. I also worked part-time as a host for a Chinese radio station, a role that further connected me to the community. Eventually, after I became pregnant, I transitioned into being a stay-at-home mom.

As my children grew, I found myself reevaluating my career path and decided to study healthcare. I worked at a clinic for several years, but when the pandemic hit, the clinic closed, and I decided to pivot once more.

This time, I enrolled in CCIE Network Engineering courses. I wanted to set a powerful example for my children, showing them that it’s possible to build a career that balances both family and work. I didn’t want them to follow in their father's footsteps, working in a traditional business where work consumed all his time and left little room for family.

After years of constantly shifting careers out of necessity, I began to wonder: "Is there a way to build a career that not only supports my family but also allows me to feel truly valued?"

Meeting GDM: A Turning Point in My Journey

The turning point came during my preparation for the CCIE certification. Around that time, after a church meeting, my older sister introduced me to GDM. Although I was skeptical at first, I knew I needed a way to save on auto insurance.

One day, while driving a retired software engineer home from church, we started talking about the high costs of auto insurance. I casually mentioned GDM as a potential alternative to collision and comprehensive coverage. It was just a passing thought, based on my sister’s introduction, about how GDM could save money. To my surprise, her eyes lit up. She leaned forward, full of curiosity, and began asking questions about how it worked.

Before I knew it, she was pulling out her phone to sign up, eager to give it a try. Her excitement was contagious. We spent the next three hours figuring out the enrollment process together.

Once I successfully registered, she entered my referral code, and a notification popped up: “Your direct referral bonus has been applied.” That’s when it hit me — this wasn’t just about saving money for us, it was an opportunity to create a new source of income.

From Newcomer to L3 Affiliate: My Growth into Leadership

As a Christian, I believe that everyone is unique and valuable in God’s eyes. Over the years, I’ve been blessed with opportunities that seemed impossible, like being interviewed on Good Morning News and landing jobs that others thought were out of reach. These blessings fueled my faith and determination.

As I reflect on my journey from newcomer to L3 affiliate, I've learned a lot of strategies that helped me along the way. Here are some tips for others in their GDM referral journey:

• Leverage Events to Expand Your Network: During an offline GDM meeting in California, I connected with an industry expert I've known for years, with my sister's help. Her sharp business sense and interest in AI technology made her an ideal fit. Not only did she join, but she also brought a partner along.

• Build Trust with Humility and Honesty: When inviting church members like Nancy and Rebecca, I humbly shared my own financial struggles. By being open about my challenges, I was able to build a genuine connection and earn their trust. This honesty helped them feel comfortable joining GDM. Sharing your own experiences with humility deepens relationships and encourages others to open up.

• Use Special Occasions to Connect: At a large insurance company conference with over a thousand attendees, my sister and I connected with more prospective members through Annie and her team. And events like birthday parties or casual meetups create a lighthearted environment, making it easier to introduce GDM.

• Build Trust with Strangers: I learned how to build rapport quickly with strangers by asking, “Has your insurance premium gone up?” When they answered “Yes,” I would naturally introduce the GDM plan. This approach has proven effective in casual conversations, allowing me to connect over shared concerns.

• Stay Positive: When feeling down, I readjust my mindset by focusing on what I can control and reminding myself of past successes. I also take a moment to practice gratitude, which helps shift my focus from challenges to opportunities.

I’ve also developed a “three-step method” to identify potential members:

1. Assess Their Situation: Ask, "How much did your auto insurance premium go up last year?" This helps you identify people who may be interested in saving money on their auto insurance.

2. Evaluate the Vehicle: Follow up with, "Is your car over 15 years old?" This lets you quickly figure out if they might be eligible for the program.

3. Offer a Solution: If their car meets the criteria, explain, "By joining GDM, you'll only pay 20% of your quote, as a service fee on the first day, instead of the full cost required by traditional insurance.

Sharing my tips with the GDM community reminded me of a time when I helped an elderly woman on my way to California. She was so grateful that she invited me to visit her friend, and later, she gifted me a large box of fresh fruit, including longan. It was my first time trying such a succulent longan, and I couldn’t help but think of the Bible story of the widow’s two coins — true gifts aren’t about the price. A true gift is not about the cost, but about the value it brings to others.

Becoming an L3 affiliate has been a rewarding challenge, and leading a team is a responsibility I take seriously. Through it all, I’m reminded that true leadership isn’t just about reaching the top — it’s about the impact we have on others along the way.

I’m grateful to be part of a community that’s about more than just success; it’s about the value we bring to each other.

Looking Ahead: The Future with GDM

As auto insurance premiums continue to rise, GDM offers a money-saving alternative that rewards safe drivers. It’s a competitive advantage, especially for younger drivers who face higher premiums.

Looking back, we saw how Uber reshaped transportation and Airbnb revolutionized hospitality. GDM is following a similar path, using AI to optimize cost-sharing and make the entire process transparent, with clear sharing amount, repair cost, damage photos and receipts for every eligible event.

This shift in how we trust and share repair costs is a game-changer, and I believe GDM is just getting started. I don’t want to miss out on an opportunity like the early days of Uber or Airbnb again.

GDM’s innovative approach has me excited about the future, and I’m confident in my decision to continue growing with it.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're tired of sky-high insurance premiums and believe safe drivers should be rewarded for their good habits, give GDM a try! When we lift others up, we end up lifting ourselves, and just like holding an umbrella for someone on a rainy day, we create clearer skies for everyone.

In 2025, my hope is to hear more stories from good drivers like you — stories of how GDM helped you save money and encouraged you to keep driving safely.

Wishing you peace and success,

Julia