Telematics insurance is an emerging type of car insurance based on usage and driver behaviour. It’s truly insurance-as-you-drive. This can be good or bad, depending on the type of driver you are. In this article, we’ll explain what telematic insurance is, how telematics works, and how it could impact your car insurance.
What is telematics insurance?
Telematics insurance uses a device or app to track your driving behaviours. This includes:
- Number of kilometres driven
- When you drive (time of day)
- Speed
- Acceleration
- Braking
- Cornering
This allows insurance providers to charge drivers exactly as they should be based on the risk level of their driving. If you’re a safe, law-abiding driver this is a great way to avoid being charged to compensate for other drivers in your demographic or geographic location.
Telematics is used extensively in commercial vehicles to track company vehicles and drivers. This technology has been available to regular drivers in Canada since 2013.
How does telematics work?
Your insurance company provides the device or an app that measures your driving habits. Based on the data collected, your insurance provider adjusts your car insurance premiums annually or even monthly. As of March 2019, this information cannot be used to raise your rates only lower them.
Some insurers allow you to track your driving habits on the app or online.
The data collected is not used for any other purpose without your explicit consent nor is it shared.
Should I get telematics insurance?
If you’re interested in telematics insurance, talk to your insurance broker. Not all insurers offer a telematics program, so you may need to switch car insurers. Your broker can also explain the pros and cons and how each individual program works.
