Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’m a good driver. Why does my car insurance company charge me so much?” You aren’t alone. Nowadays, many insurance providers offer a device that tracks how you drive. These devices plug into your onboard diagnostic port, and they can track speed, braking, and miles driven as well as other things. Insurance companies use these as an incentive for good drivers. Saving of between five and fifty percent off their normal rate, many people say these devices are worth it.
The first company to use a device like this was Progressive. Progressive launched their Snapshot program in 1998, and many other companies followed suit. AllState took the program a step further by creating a mobile app. Instead of a device that goes in your car, the app will connect to the car’s Bluetooth and track speed, braking, and location. For many drivers, this is a great, easy alternative.
Car insurance companies use these devices for a number of reasons. The most important of all reasons is to see who will cost them the most money in claims. If a driver consistently speeds, rolls through stop signs, gets in accidents, and uses their emergency brakes, the company will charge that driver more since they are more likely to get in an accident. On the other hand, if a driver is safe, careful, and obeys traffic laws, the company will reduce their rate. These devices are good for both consumers and producers. They save everyday people money, and they save the insurance providers money in claims.
An interesting question arises as to whether these “driving profiles” or driving histories of a driver involved in an automobile collision could be used in litigation over a car wreck. For example, what if a driver loses control in a curve and hits you head-on. As your attorney, we would allege the other driver was speeding. If the other driver states that they “never speed while driving,” could we subpoena their driving statistics from their tracking device to show they do speed while driving? The courts have yet to decide this question, but, as your attorney, we would certainly seek that information.
If you have been in an automobile collision, the insurance companies are trained to quickly find all the evidence concerning the wreck and use that information against you. You need legal professional and caring help to be your advocate and get as much money for you as possible.
