Audi Connect: Insurance Tracking System?

Audi Connect is a system that offers a range of connected services to enhance your navigation, infotainment, and peace of mind. It includes features such as Emergency Call, Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Start, Stolen Vehicle Locator, and Vehicle Status Report. One of its key features is the ability to locate your vehicle, which has led some to question whether it can be considered a vehicle tracking system for insurance purposes. While Audi Connect does provide location tracking, it may not meet the specific requirements of insurance companies for a dedicated tracking device. Insurance companies often use tracking devices to monitor driving habits, including speed, acceleration, braking, and mileage, to adjust premiums or offer discounts accordingly. It is recommended that individuals consult with their insurance providers to clarify their specific requirements and determine if Audi Connect is sufficient for their needs.

Audi connect's 'Stolen Vehicle Locator' feature

Audi connect is a system that provides a suite of helpful services for your Audi via one app. One of the features included in the Audi connect package is the Stolen Vehicle Locator. This feature allows you to report your vehicle as stolen via the app, and Audi will then work with local law enforcement to help track, locate, and recover your vehicle. The app provides live GPS tracking on a map, so you can see where your car is, whether it is parked or on a trip.

The Stolen Vehicle Locator feature is available as part of the Audi connect CARE package, which also includes other assistance and security services such as SOS call and online roadside assistance. Audi connect CARE is available without a subscription, although it is only offered "while technology is available". The package is available in the 2019 A6, A7, A8, and Q8; the 2018 A5 and Q5; and the 2017 Q7, A4, and Allroad.

While the Stolen Vehicle Locator feature can be useful in the event of a stolen car, there have been some reports of issues with the system. For example, one user reported that they were unable to use the feature to locate their vehicle as they did not have a police report number, even though the car could have potentially been moved to a different location by the time a report number was obtained. Additionally, some insurance companies may not recognize the Stolen Vehicle Locator feature as a "tracking device" for the purposes of providing a discount on premiums. It is important to check with your insurance provider to confirm if this feature is considered a valid tracking device for their purposes.

Audi's app-based tracking system

In terms of insurance, Audi Connect's tracking capabilities can be considered a form of vehicle tracking. It provides real-time location tracking and speed alerts, allowing users to monitor their vehicle's whereabouts and speed. This information can be useful for insurance purposes, as some insurance companies offer discounts or adjust premiums based on driving behavior and vehicle usage. However, it is important to note that insurance companies typically use dedicated tracking devices or smartphone apps specifically designed for insurance purposes. These devices focus on collecting data such as speed, acceleration, braking, mileage, and driving frequency, which are then used to calculate insurance rates.

While Audi Connect provides some tracking features, it may not meet the specific requirements of insurance companies for usage-based insurance programs. It is always best to consult with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements and determine if Audi Connect's tracking capabilities are sufficient for any potential discounts or adjustments to your insurance premium. Each insurance company has its own interpretation of a tracker, so it is essential to check with them directly. Additionally, some insurance companies may require a dedicated, standalone tracker to provide a discount, rather than relying solely on app-based tracking systems.

In conclusion, Audi Connect offers a comprehensive suite of features, including vehicle tracking, that can enhance the overall ownership experience. While it may not be specifically designed as an insurance tracking device, it provides valuable information and capabilities that can be beneficial to Audi owners, including the ability to track and locate their vehicles. For insurance-specific purposes, it is recommended to consult with insurance providers to understand their requirements and determine if Audi Connect's tracking system is sufficient for any potential benefits or adjustments.

Insurance-approved trackers

Thatcham is a non-profit, insurer-funded research centre that has been at the forefront of vehicle security since the 1990s. They are not a tracker brand but rather a governing body that has created the S5 and S7 certification for vehicle tracking systems, which verifies the functionality, design, and performance of the products.

The S5 and S7 trackers have certain strict criteria, such as internal battery backup, and are monitored 24 hours a day by a secure control centre. The S5 is the highest category and offers the best protection against modern theft methods. These are the gold standard of insurance industry accreditation and are awarded only to systems with the highest level of both security and recoverability. The S5 features an ID tag system that alerts the driver if the vehicle is started without the ID tag being recognised by the tracker. The S7 does not have this feature.

The Rewire 'S' Series, for example, is rigorously tested to the highest industry standards and certifications. The series is available with three levels of protection (S7, S5, and S5+) to meet all your security and insurance needs. All S series Thatcham-approved models are UK-manufactured and insurance-approved, and provide Level 1 police response in case of theft or an emergency.

Trackershop provides fast mobile installation, ensuring that your vehicle has the correct insurance-approved tracker fitted for your policy as quickly as possible. Their mobile engineers are Thatcham-accredited and cover the whole of the UK.

Infiniti Tracking specialises in car tracker installation at your home or workplace at a time suitable for you. They offer a wide range of insurance-approved car trackers that are delivered to your door and are ready to be installed into your vehicle. Their installation engineers are Thatcham-approved and will arrive within a convenient time slot.

How insurance tracking devices work

Insurance tracking devices are small devices that gather information about your driving habits and provide this information to insurance companies. They can be plugged into your car's onboard diagnostics or downloaded as a smartphone app. These devices monitor your speed, acceleration, braking, and other details, and insurance companies use the data to adjust your premium or offer discounts.

There are two main types of insurance tracking devices: physical telematics devices and smartphone apps. Physical telematics devices, also known as dongles, are installed or plugged into your vehicle. They are typically connected to the onboard diagnostic (OBD-II) port, which is usually located beneath the steering wheel. This port is the same one that mechanics use to diagnose car problems. Once installed, the device can collect information about your driving habits, including speed, acceleration, braking patterns, mileage, and more.

Smartphone apps, on the other hand, use sensors in your phone to gather data on your driving behaviour. While they don't have direct access to your vehicle's OBD-II port, they can still detect behaviours like sudden acceleration and hard braking. Both types of devices send the collected information to the insurance company, which is then used to evaluate your driving habits and determine your insurance rate and any applicable discounts.

Usage-based insurance (UBI) programs that utilise these tracking devices are becoming more popular, as they can lead to cheaper insurance rates for safe drivers or those who don't drive often. These programs are based on the idea of "pay-how-you-drive", where insurance premiums are calculated based on driving safety rather than traditional factors like age or credit score. By opting into these programs, drivers allow their insurance companies to monitor their driving habits in exchange for potential discounts on their premiums.

It's important to note that insurance companies are primarily concerned with how you drive rather than where you drive. While they may have access to your GPS data, the focus is typically on driving behaviour rather than location. Additionally, insurance companies take steps to protect your privacy by encrypting the data they collect and agreeing not to share it with anyone except law enforcement agencies when legally required.

Regarding Audi vehicles, the Audi connect® app offers a range of features, including Automatic Crash Notification, Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Locator. However, it is unclear if this app is considered a vehicle tracking system for insurance purposes. Some insurance companies may only accept dedicated, standalone trackers and may not acknowledge factory-installed tracking systems. It is always best to check with your insurance provider to clarify their specific requirements and determine if Audi connect® is sufficient for any tracking-related discounts or programs they offer.

Privacy concerns with insurance tracking

In today's world, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, and the car insurance industry is no exception. Car insurance tracking devices, often referred to as telematics or black boxes, have gained popularity due to their potential to offer personalized rates and promote safer driving. These devices monitor and record driving behaviour, including speed, acceleration, braking habits, cornering behaviour, time of driving, and distance travelled. While many praise these devices for their potential benefits, it is crucial to be aware of the associated privacy concerns.

One of the main privacy implications of insurance tracking is the potential invasion of personal freedom and constant monitoring. Every time an individual drives, their route may be tracked, revealing personal information such as daily routines, frequented locations, and appointments. This data could be collected and used for purposes beyond determining insurance premiums, such as marketing or sold to third-party entities. Many insurance companies share data with third parties, as stated in their privacy policies and terms and conditions. This raises concerns about who else may have access to this personal information, such as law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, there is a risk of hacking and cyber-attacks, which could lead to identity theft or misuse of personal information. Not all insurance companies may have robust security measures in place, leaving driving data vulnerable to breaches. Furthermore, data from these tracking devices has been subpoenaed in legal cases, turning driving habits into potential evidence in court. Minor driving mistakes, which would typically be insignificant, could now be counted against the driver. There is also the possibility of the device malfunctioning or misinterpretating driving events, resulting in unjustified increases in insurance rates.

Another concern arises for individuals who choose not to participate in insurance tracking programs. In some cases, they may end up paying higher premiums for the same coverage compared to those who opt into the tracking programs. This creates a dilemma for those who value their privacy but also want to obtain the best rates for their car insurance.

To mitigate these privacy concerns, individuals should educate themselves about the insurance company's policies regarding data collection, storage, and access. It is essential to check for third-party data sharing and ensure strict policies are in place to protect personal information. Strong digital security measures, such as regularly changing passwords and using encrypted networks, can provide additional protection. Reviewing the collected data can help identify any anomalies or inaccuracies and allow individuals to address them before they affect their insurance rates. Finally, understanding the opt-out policies can provide peace of mind, knowing that they have the option to discontinue the tracking program if they become uncomfortable.

Frequently asked questions