Progressive's Plug-In: Monitoring Your Driving For Insurance Discounts

Progressive's Snapshot program offers a tracking device that plugs into your car's OBD II (onboard diagnostics II) port or a phone app that monitors your driving. The device or app captures data on driving activities such as mileage, speed, braking time, location, and phone usage. This data is then used to calculate a personalised rate or discount for the user's car insurance. Progressive claims that drivers who use Snapshot save an average of $231 a year, but it is important to note that rates can also increase for those who exhibit poor driving behaviours.

Progressive's Snapshot plug-in device tracks driving habits like speed, phone usage, and time of day

Progressive's Snapshot program is a usage-based auto insurance program that monitors driving behaviours to offer discounts of up to 20% to drivers who drive well. The program uses either a mobile app or a plug-in device that goes into the car's OBD II (onboard diagnostics II) port. Progressive's telematics device measures driving habits such as speed, phone usage, and time of day, as well as other driving activities like mileage, braking time, and location.

The Snapshot program offers an initial discount just for enrolling, and drivers can earn additional discounts based on their driving performance. The plug-in device beeps when it detects hard braking, and drivers can check their progress online or through the Progressive app. The program typically monitors drivers for around six months to collect enough data to determine a discount, and drivers can then return the device or delete the app.

While the Snapshot program can lead to significant savings for safe drivers, it is important to note that it can also result in increased rates for those who exhibit risky driving behaviours. Progressive reports that around 20% of participants experience a rate increase due to poor driving. Additionally, the program may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who drive a lot, have multiple drivers, or frequently drive at night.

Overall, Progressive's Snapshot plug-in device provides a way for drivers to potentially lower their insurance rates by tracking and improving their driving habits. However, it is essential to carefully consider one's driving habits and comfort with data sharing before enrolling in the program.

The plug-in device can be used with an app or on its own

Progressive's Snapshot program offers a tracking device that can be plugged into your car's OBD II (on-board diagnostics II) port, or you can use a phone app to monitor your driving. The plug-in device can be used with the app or on its own. The device is easy to install; simply pull the cover off the OBDII port and plug it in. Once installed, you will hear a quick double beep each time you start the car, signalling that the device is working.

The plug-in device can measure the same details as the mobile app, including mileage, speed, braking time, and where and when you drive. The device can also detect hard braking and fast starts, and it will beep to let you know when this happens. Both the app and the plug-in device need to be enabled to work, but once set up, they run in the background.

The data collected by the plug-in device is sent to Progressive, who will create a report and determine how it will affect your policy. It usually takes about six months of data for Progressive to make this determination. After this initial monitoring period, you can mail the device back to Progressive.

The plug-in device offers some advantages over the app. For example, it does not need to be installed on all vehicles or by all drivers on the policy. It also does not track phone usage, so you won't lose points for handheld calls. Additionally, the plug-in device may be a better option if you frequently drive cars other than your own, as it can be easily moved between vehicles.

The device plugs into the OBD-II port under the steering wheel

Progressive's Snapshot program offers a tracking device that plugs into your car's OBD-II (onboard diagnostics II) port, usually located under the steering wheel. This device collects data on your driving habits, including speed, phone usage, and time of day. Progressive uses this data to offer discounts or calculate insurance rates based on driving behaviour.

The device is easy to install; simply locate the OBD-II port under your steering wheel, pull off the cover, and plug it in. Once installed, the device will give a quick double beep each time you start the car, signalling that it is active.

The plug-in device offers the same functionality as the Snapshot mobile app, which runs in the background on your smartphone. Both options monitor driving behaviour and send data to Progressive, but the device may be preferable for those who frequently drive different cars.

The plug-in device beeps when it detects hard braking, providing immediate feedback on your driving behaviour. Progressive also provides regular email updates and access to trip logs and driving tips through your online account.

After collecting driving data for around 6 months, Progressive will calculate your discount or adjust your insurance rate accordingly. It is important to note that while safe driving can lead to lower rates and discounts, poor driving behaviour may result in increased insurance rates for some drivers.

Progressive offers an initial discount for opting into the program and further discounts for good driving

Progressive's Snapshot program offers an initial discount for opting into the program and further discounts for good driving. The program is a usage-based auto insurance program that monitors driving behaviours and rewards safe driving through discounts. The telematics device can be a physical device that plugs into a vehicle's onboard diagnostic port or a mobile app that runs off a user's smartphone. Progressive offers an initial discount of $47 on average for signing up, and drivers can earn additional discounts of up to 20% for good driving.

The plug-in device collects basic performance data and the driver's location via GPS and sends that data to Progressive. The device beeps when it detects hard braking, and drivers can see their progress online or through the Progressive app. Progressive only measures hard braking, fast starts, the amount of time driven, and the time of day the driver operates the vehicle. The company collects other data for its internal assessment and can provide additional data upon request, such as for defending oneself in a crash. Progressive does not use data collected by Snapshot when assessing a claim if the vehicle is damaged in an incident.

The Snapshot program is ideal for drivers who are confident in their driving abilities and don't spend much time on the road. However, it may not be suitable for drivers who work nights, speed, brake or accelerate hard, or use their phones while driving, as these factors may lead to higher rates. The program is also not recommended for drivers who are uncomfortable with sharing location data.

Progressive's Snapshot program is a great way for drivers to save money on their car insurance by demonstrating safe driving habits. The initial discount and the potential for further discounts make it an attractive option for those who want to improve their driving and lower their insurance costs.

Progressive may increase your insurance rates if the device detects poor driving

Progressive offers a telematics-based auto insurance program called Snapshot®, which can be accessed via a smartphone app or a device that plugs into the onboard diagnostic port under the dashboard. The device or app collects data on driving habits such as mileage, speed, braking time, lane changes, and the time of day the car is driven. This data is then used by Progressive to offer a personalized rate or discount. While Snapshot® can lead to lower insurance rates for safe drivers, it is important to note that insurance rates are based on a variety of factors, and Progressive may increase your insurance rates under certain circumstances.

Insurance rates are influenced by factors such as driving record, location, age, claims history, and vehicle make and model. Progressive may increase your insurance rates if the Snapshot® device detects poor driving habits that indicate a higher risk of accidents or violations. This includes behaviours such as frequent hard braking, fast starts, speeding, and driving during high-risk hours. The device also takes into account the amount of time driven, which can impact your rates if you log a significant number of miles. Additionally, if you add a new vehicle or driver to your policy, your rates may increase, especially if the added driver is a teen or has a poor driving record.

It is worth noting that Progressive is not the sole determinant of insurance rate increases. Industry trends, such as inflation, labour shortages, supply chain disruptions, and increases in vehicle repair and replacement costs, can also contribute to higher insurance rates across the board. Furthermore, factors outside your control, such as an increase in claim costs or the frequency of severe weather events in your area, can lead to rate adjustments.

While Progressive may increase your insurance rates based on data from the Snapshot® device or other factors, they also offer a range of discounts and opportunities for savings. These include discounts for continuous insurance, safe driving, and bundling policies. It is important for customers to review their policies and explore available discounts to potentially offset any rate increases.

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