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 use the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics to record the vehicle movements. Your car’s OBD-II Port is typically located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Multiple websites offer help in finding your vehicle’s OBD-II Port Location.

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 due to other drivers causing 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!”?photo of car accident

You want to be rewarded for being a good driver. Telematics can empower you to earn better pricing and be rewarded for your 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 that don’t drive many miles.  Pay-Per-Mile type of telematics plan is designed specifically to charge for the miles you drive.

What are your Telematics options?

More and more companies are offering telematics. One of the reasons 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 that participate will have fewer future losses which will benefit everyone.

If you do not like the idea of being monitored then do consider that most of the 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:

Safeco’s RightTrack

PEMCODOMETER

Nationwide’s SmartMile

Nationwide’s SmartRide

Progressive’s Snapshot

 

 

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