In recent years, many car insurance companies offer discount programs for safe driving if you download an app that tracks your driving habits. While a reduced premium sounds appealing, there are risks that accompany car insurance tracking programs. Using a smartphone app or in-vehicle connected service like OnStar, insurers track driving habits such as:
- The time of day you drive
- How often you drive
- Braking
- Speed
- Acceleration and braking speeds
- Sharp turns
- Phone usage while driving
Brad Parker says, “Your car insurance company isn’t interested in making sure you get the lowest premium. The insurance industry in the U.S. takes in more than $1 trillion in premiums annually. With their bottom line as the No. 1 priority, they make money by simply paying out less. The name of the game is deny, delay and defend. They will do anything to avoid paying claims.”
Every insurer tracks varying metrics and will reward drivers differently. Certain driving habits could earn you a discount, but others could raise your rates. For example, could your insurer penalize you for frequently driving late at night since this is the riskiest time of day to drive? It’s important to realize that a drive tracking program is only tracking your car, not other drivers or pedestrians around you.
There is little context to the actual situation, especially if an animal or person unexpectedly jumps out onto the road and you have to brake hard. “Texas insurance companies have a fiduciary duty to their customers. Their job is to find coverage where it exists and provide the proper reimbursement; it is NOT to search for reasons to avoid paying on the policy,” Brad says.
Insurance companies may use your driving data in ways you may not realize. Some major auto insurers share your data with affiliated advertisers, which is unsettling because you are sharing a lot of personal data without realizing it. When you download and join a drive tracking program, you are giving permission for your insurance company to use that data. They may use your own data against you to deny or devalue a claim. If an insurer can show that you were partly at-fault for an accident, they will try to lessen the settlement amount. Brad says, “Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always act in good faith, and it can be confusing to understand whether or not your insurance company is attempting to manipulate you.”
Have You Been Injured In A Texas Area Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Bedford, Texas office directly at 817.440.3888 to schedule your free consultation. We help car accident victims throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington as well as all areas of Texas.
At Parker Law Firm, our experienced personal injury lawyers believe people matter. We are committed to our clients, not case numbers, and we believe in the power of the civil justice system. With years spent both representing accident victims and participating in the state legislative process, our founder, Brad Parker, has developed a deep understanding of the law and gained unique experience that helps him get results for his clients.
