Paul Sanchez
GEICO's DriveEasy is a telematics program that uses an app to track driving behaviour and patterns, rewarding safe driving habits with insurance discounts of up to 25% according to GEICO, though some sources state the maximum discount is 10%. DriveEasy monitors various metrics, including phone usage, speed, cornering, smoothness, and trip distance, to calculate a driving score. While the program can lead to significant savings for safe drivers, it may also increase insurance rates for those exhibiting risky driving behaviours. The impact on insurance rates depends on individual states' policies, with some states potentially forbidding negative adjustments based on driving data.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accident/Crash Assist | Sends a notification to check your status after a hard brake. Can pinpoint your location and contact emergency services or request a tow if you need it. |
| Rate increases | Risky driving behaviours may lead to rate increases. |
| Data requirements | Requires access to a large amount of personal data, including geolocation data, to calculate your discount. |
| Distance travelled | Reviews daily miles travelled and adjusts insurance based on time spent driving. |
| Time of day | Driving at night may negatively impact your score. |
| Distracted driving | Tracks active phone use, such as handheld phone calls and any typing or scrolling. |
| Cornering | Taking corners too fast or sharply may negatively affect your score. |
| Smoothness | Frequent changes in speed and abrupt stops will impact your score. |
| Route regularity | Notes if your routes are generally the same each day. |
| Driver/passenger distinction | Can distinguish between when you are driving and when you are a passenger. |
| Discounts | Offers discounts for enrollment and safe driving habits. |
| Score impact | Your score will be impacted by driving behaviours such as quick acceleration or braking, and phone use. |
| Phone usage | Does not prevent phone usage while driving. |
| Data and battery usage | Generally low, but may not be suitable for those with a low monthly data allowance. |
| App accuracy | Some reviewers have complained about the accuracy of the app. |
| Availability | Currently available to eligible GEICO policyholders in certain states. |
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What You'll Learn
Geico DriveEasy tracks driving behaviour via phone
GEICO DriveEasy is a telematics program that uses an app to track driving behaviour via a driver's phone. The program is designed to enhance fleet safety and promote safe driving behaviours by offering personalized rates based on driving data.
The DriveEasy app automatically measures driving habits and patterns, such as how hard a driver brakes, how fast they go around corners, their speed changes, and how often they use their phone. It then calculates a safe driving score, which is used to determine insurance rates. The safer the driving, the better the score, and the more the driver can save on their insurance.
While the program offers potential savings for customers, there are some drawbacks to consider. DriveEasy requires access to a large amount of personal data, including geolocation data, and in most states, this data is not protected by privacy laws. Additionally, the app has been known to incorrectly flag drivers for distracted driving when a passenger is using their phone.
Overall, the GEICO DriveEasy program can be a good option for careful drivers who are looking to lower their insurance rates. However, it is important for drivers to be aware of the data sharing requirements and the potential for inaccurate scoring before signing up for the program.
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It offers up to a 25% discount for safe driving
GEICO DriveEasy is a telematics program that uses technology to track and measure customers' driving habits and patterns. It is designed to enhance fleet safety and promote safe driving behaviours by offering savings and discounts based on driving data. The program is currently only available to existing GEICO customers, and anyone on their policy can use it.
DriveEasy uses the GEICO Mobile app to track driving behaviour and patterns, including handheld phone use, speed, cornering, smoothness, route regularity, and distance travelled. The app also offers a Crash Assist feature, which can detect hard brakes and notify the driver to check if they are ok. If needed, the app can pinpoint the driver's location and help them contact emergency services, request a tow, or get claims support.
DriveEasy rewards users with savings based on their safe driving habits. The safer the driver, the better the score, and the more they can save. The program offers a discount of up to 25% for safe driving, with most customers able to save based on their driving habits. The discount can be up to 10% according to a GEICO representative, and the amount saved depends on how well the user drives. Users can also receive a 10% discount just for participating in the program.
However, it is important to note that risky driving behaviours can lead to a higher insurance rate. DriveEasy monitors driving habits and can negatively impact a user's score if they spend more time driving after dark or exhibit distracted driving behaviours, such as handheld phone calls and active phone use. Additionally, the program requires access to a large amount of personal data, including geolocation data, which may be a concern for some users.
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Risky driving behaviour may increase insurance rates
GEICO's DriveEasy program uses telematics technology to track and reward safe driving habits. It measures factors such as hard braking, cornering speed, phone usage, and trip distance. While the program aims to incentivize safer driving and offer savings to customers, risky driving behaviours detected through DriveEasy can negatively impact insurance rates.
Risky driving behaviours, such as distracted driving, speeding, and reckless manoeuvres, can lead to increased insurance rates. Distracted driving, particularly the use of mobile phones while driving, is a significant concern for road safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), even a brief glance at a text message is equivalent to driving blind, increasing the risk of accidents. As a result, insurers may treat distracted driving as a moving violation, leading to higher insurance premiums.
Speeding is another risky behaviour that can impact insurance rates. Speeding tickets, especially those involving excessive speed, indicate a higher risk of accidents and can result in substantial premium increases. Reckless driving, including sharp turns and abrupt speed changes, is also considered a serious offence. A conviction for reckless driving can lead to higher-risk insurance policies with significantly increased rates.
In addition to driving behaviours, other factors can contribute to higher insurance rates. These include a history of violations, claims, and lapses in insurance coverage. Insurance companies also consider the driver's experience, with less experienced drivers often facing higher premiums. The type of vehicle driven also matters, as luxury and sports cars tend to have higher premiums due to expensive repairs and replacement costs.
While DriveEasy aims to encourage safe driving and provide savings, it's important to note that risky driving behaviours detected through the program can have financial implications. Insurance rates are dynamic and can be influenced by a combination of factors, including driving history, vehicle characteristics, and personal information such as age and gender and credit score. Therefore, it is beneficial for drivers to regularly reassess their insurance situation to ensure they are receiving the best coverage at competitive rates.
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It can detect hard brakes and notify emergency services
GEICO's DriveEasy program uses an app to track your driving behaviour and patterns. It measures things like how hard you brake, how fast you go around corners, your speed changes, and how often you use your phone. This data is used to calculate a safe driving score, which can result in savings of up to 25% for safe drivers.
One of the key features of DriveEasy is its ability to detect hard brakes and notify emergency services. If you experience a hard brake while driving, the app will immediately send you a notification to check if you're okay. If you need assistance, DriveEasy can pinpoint your location and help you contact emergency services, request a tow, or get other claims support. This feature ensures that you get the help you need as quickly as possible in the event of an accident.
The hard braking detection feature is a crucial aspect of the DriveEasy program's focus on safe driving. Hard braking is considered an abrupt stop that can increase the risk of losing control of your vehicle or being hit by another car. By monitoring your rate of deceleration, DriveEasy can identify when you've had to brake hard, which may indicate a potential safety hazard or an emergency situation.
In addition to notifying you and offering assistance options, the app also takes into account your rate of deceleration during hard brakes when calculating your driving score. This score reflects your overall driving behaviour and can impact your insurance rates. While safe driving can lead to savings and discounts, risky driving behaviours, including frequent hard braking, may result in higher insurance premiums.
It's important to note that while DriveEasy can detect hard brakes and provide valuable assistance, it does not prevent accidents or guarantee emergency services. It is a tool to encourage safer driving and provide support in the event of an incident. As with all driving assistance programs, it's essential to maintain focus and practice safe driving habits at all times.
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It can distinguish between driver and passenger phone use
GEICO's DriveEasy is a safe-driving program that rewards safe driving habits with savings. The program uses the technology in your phone to measure your driving. It looks at things like how hard you brake, how fast you go around corners, and how often you use your phone. While DriveEasy does not prevent you from using your phone while driving, it does track phone usage and includes it in your driving score.
Although DriveEasy can distinguish between driver and passenger phone use, it cannot differentiate between a driver or passenger using the same phone. This means that if a passenger uses the driver's phone during a trip, the app may still flag the driver for distracted driving. To avoid this, drivers can report phone usage by a passenger in the app or update the driver status for that trip to "Other".
DriveEasy calculates two types of distracted driving: "phone in hand" and "hand-held calls". "Phone in hand" refers to interacting with your phone for any reason when driving faster than six miles per hour, such as texting or choosing a song. "Hand-held calls" include any calls made without Bluetooth. Both behaviours will impact your DriveEasy score and, consequently, your premium. However, hands-free phone calls and passive phone use, such as having the phone mounted, will not affect your score.
GEICO also offers DriveEasy Pro, a telematics program designed for commercial auto insurance customers, particularly small businesses. This version involves using a free OBD device that connects with GEICO to monitor safe driving habits and provide insights into driving patterns and behaviours. The program offers personalized rates upon policy renewal.
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Frequently asked questions
GEICO DriveEasy is a telematics program that uses an app to track your driving behaviour and patterns. It measures things like how hard you brake, how fast you go around corners, your speed changes, your daily miles travelled, and how often you use your phone.
GEICO DriveEasy gives you a driving score based on the data it collects. The safer you drive, the better your score, and the more you can save on your insurance. However, if DriveEasy flags you as a risky driver, your insurance rates might increase.
According to GEICO, you can get a discount of up to 10% on your insurance premium with DriveEasy. Some sources mention a potential discount of up to 25%, but this has been disputed.
GEICO DriveEasy may be worth it for careful drivers who are already GEICO insurance customers. It can provide savings for those with safe driving habits. However, other insurance companies may offer bigger discounts for good drivers.
To sign up for GEICO DriveEasy, you need to be an existing GEICO customer. You can download the DriveEasy app and register to start tracking your driving behaviour.
