Vehicle Telematics
Have you heard the term telematics and wondered what it is? Telematics is just a fancy term for the technology of using telecommunication devices such as satellites and GPS to send, receive, or store data.
Vehicle telematics is a method of monitoring a car or truck by either using a smartphone with GPS or by plugging a device directly into your vehicle’s diagnostic port (OBD-II port) and using the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics to record the vehicle movements. Your vehicle’s OBD-II Port is typically located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
The telematics data captured can include location, speed, idling time, harsh acceleration, braking, fuel consumption, and more.
Why consider telematics?
You are a safe driver. Policyholders are often disgruntled to learn that their auto insurance rates are increasing because the overall losses an insurance company is experiencing have increased in a specific region. It doesn’t seem fair to have to pay more because other drivers cause accidents. Have you ever said or thought,” But I didn’t have any claims or accidents, and I am a safe driver. I don’t even drive that much!”?
You want to be rewarded for being a good driver. Telematics can empower you to earn better pricing and be rewarded for safe driving behaviors. It is a great way to offset what feels like unfairness in paying more or being penalized for other drivers’ poor driving habits.
You don’t drive much. All the telematics plans charge less for drivers who don’t drive many miles. Pay-Per-Mile is a type of telematics plan designed to charge you for the miles you drive.
What are your Telematics options?
More and more companies are offering telematics. One reason insurance companies are so excited about telematics is that they are finding that it actually improves participants’ driving behaviors in the long term. This means those who participate will have fewer future losses, which will benefit everyone.
If you do not like the idea of being monitored, consider that most mobile app programs are temporary, and the participation periods range from only 85 days to the full policy term with some carriers.
Our current carrier telematics programs are:
Nationwide Telematics
SmartRide and SmartMile Because Two Is Better than One SmartRide is a mobile app Telematics plan If you decide to participate then your auto policy premium will include a 15% participation discount during the first policy term. You are given the opportunity to earn up to a 40% discount. The app is only active for […]
Safeco’s RightTrack
RightTrack is Safeco’s Mobile App Telematics plan. How does RightTrack work? First, you need to ask your Safeco agent to sign you up for RightTrack. You will then receive a request to agree to the enrollment and a link to download the RightTrack app onto all participating driver’s smartphones. Make sure to forward the activation […]
PEMCODOMETER
PEMCO’s My Driving Discount Program PEMCO members have an opportunity to save up to 20% with PEMCO’S My Driving Discount Program- PEMCOdometer. If you are insured with PEMCO and decide to participate you will receive an immediate participation discount on your auto policy. The app analyzes your driving behavior in these areas: Number of miles […]
Progressive’s Snapshot
Progressive’s Snapshot Snapshot can be a great way for Progressive customers to save and be empowered to earn a discount based on safe driving. Snapshot uses a mobile app or plug-in device to observe a customer’s driving to calculate a personalized rate based on how, how much, and when a vehicle is driven. They measure […]
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