If you are a new driver or a parent or guardian of a new or aspiring driver, then you are probably desperately seeking the best (cheapest) insurance options. Insurance for young drivers can be astronomically high, because not only are they inexperienced on the road, but some young drivers are prone to driving erratically, or with groups of friends, which can lead to poor decision making.
A black box allows you to prove to your insurance company that you are a proficient, responsible and safe driver. In doing so, it can help to make new and young drivers more aware of their driving style and habits, and it can help to reduce your insurance premiums in the long term, too.
What is a black box?
Black box car insurance, also referred to as telematics car insurance, utilizes a small device installed in your vehicle to monitor your driving behaviour. This enables your insurance company to offer a tailored insurance quote according to how you drive.
For young or inexperienced drivers, a black box policy can potentially lead to cost savings. Being aware of the monitoring encourages safer driving habits, and as you gain more skills and experience on the road, you become a lower insurance risk.
Ultimately, the safer you drive, the more likely you are to enjoy reduced insurance premiums when it’s time to renew.
How does it work?
If you decide to get a black box insurance, you will need to estimate how many miles you will drive. Once you have signed up, the first step is to get your telematics device installed. Once it is installed and activated, it will start to collect data about your driving. Depending on the policy you choose, you may receive regular reports on your driving and you could earn bonus miles outside of your specified allowance. When the policy comes up for renewal, this data will be used to decide whether you should be paying les or more.
What does a black box record?
The black box gathers data based on your driving style, how often, and when you drive. It records a host of information including:
- Number of journeys
- Time of day or night
- Mileage
- Braking
- Acceleration
- Steering
- Location
How do you get a black box fitted?
Installing a black box isn’t complicated, so it is becoming increasingly common for them to be self-fitted. Your insurance company will send you the box with instructions on how to plug it into the 12-volt charging socket or the on-board diagnostics port (OBD port). If you are unsure, your local garage will be able to help you to do it in a couple of minutes.
Some people are unsure about getting a black box as they don’t want to feel as though they are being watched. Others believe that if you have nothing to hide, you won’t mind people seeing what you are up to! If you are confident that your driving is safe, and you are eager to reduce your insurance costs, then a black box may be the right choice for you. Was this useful? Tell us your experiences on Facebook or Twitter.