Insurance Companies Try Out Auto Black Boxes

tekiegreg writes "It looks like the first black box test for auto insurance companies is underway. While this may be a privacy issue, it can also make better drivers out of everyone if insurance rates are adjustable based on the way everyone drives. This was covered on Slashdot before however this seems to be one of the first workups, that can even include tests on speed and braking, not just location."

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[Anonymous Luddite]

Most new cars already already have a black box. It records things like acceleration level, braking inputs and vehicle speed.

So far as I know, it only holds data for a short time, but if you are involved in an accident, the data can (and has been) accessed by law enforcement.

something to think about?

Re:No.

[Rude Turnip]

In New Jersey, we have New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance. They give back a "dividend" at the end of the year of unused money, so to speak. I always get a couple hundred back.

If you want cooperative insurance, in the real sense of the word "co-op," there's NJ CURE, which stands for something that has the words "reciprocal exchange" in it. It's like a credit union for car insurance...the policyholders own the company, which is a non-profit group.

In NJ, you need your head examined if you don't get your car insurance through one of these two companies.