New smartphone app monitoring driver performance could help reduce insurance premiums

New app could save drivers money on their car insurance

A NEW smartphone app has been launched that enables motorists to track, score and improve their driving behaviour, and produce a qualified risk profile that can be presented to insurers.

 

The Octo U, from Octo Telematics, uses GPS to build a driver risk profile based on a number of factors, including acceleration, braking and cornering.

 

The app then continuously update the profile as it is used. If drivers manage to achieve a high enough score, they can opt for a personalised discounted motor insurance quote from insurance companies based on their driving behaviour.

The app is available is to download for free from the Apple App Store for iPhone and from the Google Play and Amazon Kindle stores for Android devices.

 

Changing driver behaviour is crucial in reducing collisions and helping all road users to make safer choices at the wheel

Dr Tom Fisher from Brake

Octo is also planning to add non-insurance based products and services to help reduce the cost of motoring, rewarding customers with incentives that are specific to the trips they take and providing for enhanced social sharing and engagement.

The app is also supported by road safety charity Brake, which campaigns for better driver behavior.

Dr Tom Fisher from Brake said: “Changing driver behaviour is crucial in reducing collisions and helping all road users to make safer choices at the wheel; in-vehicle technology is an invaluable tool in informing and improving driver behaviour.

“Telematics can play an important role in alerting road users to their own risky and potentially dangerous behaviours such as speeding and harsh braking, which is why we are excited about the launch of Octo U.”

Fabio Sbianchi, CEO of Octo Telematics, added: “By downloading the app, motorists are buying into the concept of telematics at an entry-level. This doesn’t replace black box technology, but opens the door for insurers to introduce a wider range of policies and services based on a clearer picture of the type of driver they are.”