New Usage-Based Insurance Software Can Track Drivers Using Smartphones

Nope! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 01:33 · Score: 4, Insightful

Over my dead body! George Orwell is turning in his grave!

Re:Nope! by JosKarith · 2014-09-04 01:51 · Score: 5, Informative

My old employer - one of the biggest insurance firms in the UK - has been running stuff like this for years. A little app on your smartphone that analyses your driving style for minor infractions and squeals back to the company so they can produce evidence for why your premiums have shot up...
And of course to get it working they tested it on... the call center staff. Seriously, any call center staff who had company insurance had to agree to this sh1t being installed on their mobiles to qualify for the staff discount during its testing phase. And the claims of anonymisation of data for the testing were proven to be BS the day the leaderboards of "Who's the safest drivers in XXX team" started going up to shame staff members who weren't good little boys and girls.

--
'Don't worry' said the trees when they saw the axe coming, 'The handle is one of us.'
Re:Nope! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 02:01 · Score: 0

So, the numbnuts driving erratically while yakking and texting at lights while it's green, forcing everyone behind them to wait another red light cycle, will have to pay more than me?
Alright!
Re:Nope! by kheldan · 2014-09-04 02:06 · Score: 3, Insightful

I second the motion; fuck that. We're already 'tracked' in enough ways we (apparently) can't control, I'll be damned if I do it willingly. As is I'm getting fucking sick and fed up with feeling more and more every year like we're animals in a zoo or criminals in a prison.

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Are YOU using the TOOL, or is the TOOL using YOU? Think about it!
Re:Nope! by sumdumass · 2014-09-04 02:08 · Score: 1

So eill the passengers who caught a ride with them and likely anyone who's phone is malfunctioning.
As long as it isn't me or whatever.
Re:Nope! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 02:20 · Score: 0

How will the phone know what color the traffic light is, or who you cut off, or when you should have used a turn signal, or how close you come to pedestrians? I'd be very unlikely to buy an insurance plan with one of these phone deals because I drive safely but quickly. I've never caused an accident (or been in one while my car is moving) but 65 mph is bullshit.
So if you're safe in easy-to-quantify ways you should sign up. If you think you're safer than the dumbest of data would suggest, then you shouldn't sign up.
Re:Nope! by waspleg · 2014-09-04 02:50 · Score: 2

The UK seems to be winning the race to the bottom for the dystopian nightmare where our gov't use all our technology against us... For our own good, not total power of course.
Re:Nope! by Noah+Haders · 2014-09-04 02:54 · Score: 1

I agree. fuck. that. shit. If they wanted to do usage based billing they could still respect the customer and provide a third-party odometer that goes in the car and tracks distance traveled. this could be limited so it's not tracking the routes, just the distances. also it may not be always connected. what's the point of saving a couple bucks on a ins plan if you pay more for a sim? maybe it could use whispernet like kindle if it just has to send out a bit of info every once and a while. or sms.

tangentially, how much does everybody pay for car insurance? I'm in US and me and my SO pay $150/mo. Is that crazy?
Re:Nope! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 02:56 · Score: 0

How will the phone know what color the traffic light is, or who you cut off, or when you should have used a turn signal, or how close you come to pedestrians? I'd be very unlikely to buy an insurance plan with one of these phone deals because I drive safely but quickly. I've never caused an accident (or been in one while my car is moving) but 65 mph is bullshit.
So if you're safe in easy-to-quantify ways you should sign up. If you think you're safer than the dumbest of data would suggest, then you shouldn't sign up.
Oh look, someone who wants to tell me about their driving skills
[condescending wonka]
Please do regale me with how above-average you are! This never gets old even though *everyone says it*
Re:Nope! by SternisheFan · 2014-09-04 03:08 · Score: 1

Over my dead body! George Orwell is turning in his grave!
Are you buried under him?
Re:Nope! by Charliemopps · 2014-09-04 03:22 · Score: 1

I think I'll be getting a cheap phone and putting it in my 6yr old's backpack.
Re:Nope! by Russ1642 · 2014-09-04 03:41 · Score: 1

The majority of drivers ARE above average. It's a statistical fact.
Re:Nope! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 03:52 · Score: 0

Even with GPS enabled and my Samsung Galaxy S4 set to GPS only, the map location often jumps to cellular tower locations it is using. I suspect the thing might sometimes register several hundred miles per hour on an app that used it's GPS.
Re:Nope! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 04:03 · Score: 0

At least for now this is only an option, no one is forcing you to use these. The idea is you can choose to opt into this if you believe you're a better driver than average and therefore can save money since your risk is lower therefore your premiums are lower. Everyone else continues using the untracked policies as they always have. Only an issue if somewhere down the line this kind of policy becomes compulsory.
Re:Nope! by Khyber · 2014-09-04 04:09 · Score: 1

400K+ flawless driving record, thank you very much. TN, TX, and CA DMV proven.

--
Still waiting on Serviscope_minor to wake up to fucking reality and realize that Jessica Price isn't going to fuck him.
Re:Nope! by davester666 · 2014-09-04 05:04 · Score: 1

There is nobody alive who has seen me driving while distracted!

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Sleep your way to a whiter smile...date a dentist!
Re:Nope! by Bob+the+Super+Hamste · 2014-09-04 06:07 · Score: 1

There are already limited use insurance plans. I have one for my jeep that in the 3 1/2 years of ownership I have only put ~10,000 mile on. I can drive that vehicle at most 5000 miles a year and every year they call to get the mileage that I just read off the odometer. The last time I paid it it cost $47 for 6 months.

As for what I pay for comprehensive with a $500 deductible on my daily driver ('02 BMW 325i) I pay like $225 every 6 months. On the other hand after my sister was getting into a substantial (not totaling her car) accident every month for the better part of a year plus a number of moving violations he insurance shot up to $1200 a month.

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Time to offend someone
Re:Nope! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 06:23 · Score: 0

The majority of drivers ARE above average. It's a statistical fact.
Saying something is a statistical fact does not make it a statistical fact. You need to actually back up that claim with something.

The majority of drivers are not, in fact, above average. Because 49% is not greater than or equal to 51%. Now how did I arrive at those numbers? It's simple really.

If we were to take the set of all drivers, and carve out the barest minimum that can be called a "majority", that value would be greater than 50%. It must be greater than, because to be equal to the other half in size would not a majority make. For simplicities sake, I rounded up to 51%. So any group consisting of at least 51% of drivers constitutes a majority of drivers.

Now lets take the set of all drivers, and order them worst to best. Here, we cut at two places, just above and just below the 50% mark. Again for simplicity, I rounded to 49% and 51%. So we have three sets of drivers. Those below average, those above average, and those that are perfectly average.

The size of the above average set is 49% the size of the entire set.

Q.E.D.
Re:Nope! by sillybilly · 2014-09-04 06:30 · Score: 1

Insurance companies are nothing but scam artists screwing people out of their hard earned money by giving them bullshit contracts. And now mandatory car insurance minimum limits have been increased by law, due to successful lobbying by these fucking bloodsuckers. Now they have a story of how, lookie look, we can make life easier and nicer for everyone, and the world a more fair place, by tracking people's driving habits via their smart phones, so the ones that don't speed don't have to bear the cost burden of those who are high risk. Yay! what a fairer and better world! It's like them nazi guards in the gas chamber business installing elevators leading to pit, so people don't have to overexert themselves walking, plus they can haul them down there faster. Both the company and the customers win! And look at the pretty, gorgeously decorated handrails inside them elevators, to make them feel better! Yay! As you do anything you can to make the world a better place, except finding a different, honest source of income instead of being a bloodsucking scumbag, to put your God given daily bread on the table. Nazi gas chamber operators suck the living life out of you by gassing you with quick acting and nice Zyklon B. Insurance companies suck the living life out of you by forcing you to purchase their overpriced bullshit policies through law, true, it's a slower death, through not being able to afford to take care of a family, instead of instant death by Zyklon B, but the end result is the same.
Re:Nope! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 07:53 · Score: 0

Hahaha you're so clever! I bet you know all about the Dunning-Kruger effect too. Such worldly wisdom!
Except the skill of the GP has nothing to do with their "garbage in, garbage out" argument. They could just as easily say they are a slow but dangerous driver who would prefer phone tracking.
Re:Nope! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 07:59 · Score: 0

"We'll believe you're a good driver once you prove that negative."
Re:Nope! by Spugglefink · 2014-09-04 09:37 · Score: 1

Everybody told me, "You can't buy a red vehicle! Your insurance will skyrocket!"
Everybody told me, "You can't buy a large vehicle! Your insurance will skyrocket!"
I bought a large red vehicle. My insurance skyrocketed. By $3.86 a year.
Then I added a teenage driver to my policy... Ugh.
Re:Nope! by Khyber · 2014-09-04 12:23 · Score: 1

The radio stays on one station. I don't have cell service on my phone, purposely (wi-fi is ubiquitous enough.) My mirrors are properly set and I don't smoke while I drive.
Wheel, gear shifter, pedals, road, traffic around me. That's all my focus is on.

--
Still waiting on Serviscope_minor to wake up to fucking reality and realize that Jessica Price isn't going to fuck him.
Re:Nope! by sillybilly · 2014-09-04 14:53 · Score: 1

The government should not meddle in the finances of anyone other than asking for a tax for military protection, roads, and support of the elederly. Yes, the welfare state is there for the elederly not for young people abusing it and breeding out of control on it. If you're young and you have to be on welfare, oh well, but all I'm asking is not to pop a million kids. How can you tell somebody not to have kids. It's not fair. Well, have two kids, or something like that. I know it's not fair telling somebody to watch how many kids they have, but it's also not fair coming from them, like inner city black folk, having 5-8+ kids starting at age 13, putting extra burden on back country or suburban white folk who can barely afford to raise one child and send him to college. We don't want anybody to starve, but it's not fair to have so many kids on welfare, and we can't like gas anybody extra, all we can do is bitch and make those people feel bad about it, which of course does not work anyway when they got thick skin on the face and bootay always on da mind.)
The government should not make my financial decisions for me, like forced gambling, forced insurance purchases. That is my domain. I'm in charge of managing my finances and trying to stay within my means, including how many kids not to have if I cannot afford them. I'm the one to decide whether a risk, an investment, a gamble forward looking into the future is worth it for me, based on price. If insurance is available as an option but I'm not forced to buy any, that's awesome, better than not having insurance available as an option. But force purchases from private parties irregardless of price, instilled into law, is absolute bullshit. Like the heartland born and raised terrorist, Timothy McVeigh cited the poem Invictus at his execution (and later terrorists like 9/11 and Marathon were there to draw the attention away from the home grown Unabomber and Oklahoma bombers):
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
Not the fucking government. In fact they should purge everyone's credit record who's ever had a bankruptcy, and transfer that stamp over to the government: bankrupt for making bad financial decisions, the government is, not the individual, who is forced through laws to gamble with insurance irregardless of price.
Re:Nope! by jenningsthecat · 2014-09-04 16:12 · Score: 1

Only an issue if somewhere down the line this kind of policy becomes compulsory.
Only an issue when somewhere down the line this kind of policy becomes compulsory.
The vast majority of the population believes the "I have nothing to hide so I have nothing to fear" bullshit that the authorities are peddling in oh-so-many propagandistic ways. "Be a good little citizen, and you'll never come to harm!" So soon, almost everybody and his dog will sign up for this "money saving" Trojan horse, and then it will be impossible for anyone to buy insurance without consenting to the insurance companies raping their privacy.

--
'The Economy' is a giant Ponzi scheme whose most pitiable suckers are the youngest among us and the yet-unborn.
Re:Nope! by JosKarith · 2014-09-04 20:42 · Score: 1

Ironically that wouldn't penalise them - they're not maneuvering sharply or breaking speed limits so it wouldn't be logged...

--
'Don't worry' said the trees when they saw the axe coming, 'The handle is one of us.'
Re:Nope! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 20:46 · Score: 0

I work for the guys that fit the telematics boxes used by most insurance companies who do this sort of thing and our boss drove his R8 down autobans at 155mph with the underwriter from the insurance policy I think you're referring to and the driver monitor app came back as excellent driving.
Then you have the youngster who forgot to turn the app off when he got on a train and got his insurance cancelled for doing over 100mph :)
Re:Nope! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 22:36 · Score: 0

If the mean is better than the median for driving than this is true.
Re:Nope! by rezme · 2014-09-05 07:33 · Score: 1

Well... That went rather far afield...

Don't need to track by Mr+D+from+63 · 2014-09-04 01:33 · Score: 3, Insightful

No need to track to help roadside assistance. All you need to know is where the car is at the time it needs assistance.

1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by sinij · 2014-09-04 01:34 · Score: 4, Insightful

This is just another attack surface on my privacy and in case of OBD-II devices on my safety.

Insurances are not in business to save you money, they are also no in business of securing data or massive distributed sensor networks. Best case scenario - you will save $5/mo while your car/cellphone ends up sending out spam, worst case scenario you will die in a flaming wreck when someone in CN remotely turns your auto-parking feature while you are driving at 75mph.

Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by Mr+D+from+63 · 2014-09-04 01:38 · Score: 3, Insightful

"Saving money" = "raising rates less"
Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by Vitriol+Angst · 2014-09-04 01:58 · Score: 2

I wonder if this will be like the "consumer loyalty cards" at the grocery store;
1) Lower price with loyalty card.
2) Raise Prices such that those with loyalty card are paying the same old price and others are penalized.
3) Establish in customer's minds that giving up data about their habits SAVES them money.
The "you can have a discount if" policies from Insurance companies will likely be followed by subtle increase in rates.If you want privacy, you can pay ridiculous amounts of money.
And in this case, they will likely use evidence to withhold payouts and support for people in a legal disclaimer somewhere, which they can now better prove because they've tracked you. AAA can tell you were here when you called, and now your care is on the road because you rolled it away from the gas station; no tow truck for you!

--
>>"ad space available -- low rates!!!"
Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by wiredlogic · 2014-09-04 02:01 · Score: 2

The OBD-II readers aren't a safety threat. They only monitor sensor readings and special modes for updating ECUs cannot be accessed when a vehicle is moving or by general purpose diagnostic devices which these readers present themselves as. Airbag systems are implemented on a completely separate network using a special low-latency protocol.

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I am becoming gerund, destroyer of verbs.
Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by sinij · 2014-09-04 02:07 · Score: 3, Insightful

The OBD-II dongles are not a threat until Metasploit module exploiting this overflow or that out of bound write comes out and cars start crashing. OBD of modern cars have been successfully exploited, considering that cars can easily stay on the road 15+ years and automotive industry only now started taking rudimentary first steps to secure it, it will be 20+ years until such dongles will be safe to use for general public.
Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by Noah+Haders · 2014-09-04 02:55 · Score: 1

worst case scenario you will die in a flaming wreck when someone in CN remotely turns your auto-parking feature while you are driving at 75mph.
I don't know what CN is, but I imagine /b/ will be all over it.
Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by jeffmeden · 2014-09-04 03:05 · Score: 0

The OBD-II dongles are not a threat until Metasploit module exploiting this overflow or that out of bound write comes out and cars start crashing. OBD of modern cars have been successfully exploited, considering that cars can easily stay on the road 15+ years and automotive industry only now started taking rudimentary first steps to secure it, it will be 20+ years until such dongles will be safe to use for general public.
The AT&T telematics system (that the Progressive Snapshot system runs on) is internal to AT&T and there have been no credible threats to its integrity. Does that mean it's totally secure? Of course not. But your hand-waving of "oh someone will just start pwning them with metasploit! and then you will see!!!!11" is completely uncalled for and uninformed. You might as well suggest that drivers' cellphones that get "hacked" can then "hack into" the Bluetooth interface on late model cars and totally "hack the brakes!!!" and make them refuse to operate.
Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by drinkypoo · 2014-09-04 03:10 · Score: 1

They only monitor sensor readings and special modes for updating ECUs cannot be accessed when a vehicle is moving or by general purpose diagnostic devices
Except that most PCMs will happily take a reset any old time, including while the vehicle is in motion. You might not be able to engage in sudden unplanned acceleration, but you may well be able to cause the engine to die, depending on how the PCM is designed.
Further, you might not be able to reflash the PCM while the vehicle is in motion (generally you need key on, engine off for that) but a) you might be able to kill it and then reflash it, and b) that's really not relevant because there's still things you can do while the car is in motion. For example, you can diddle the fuel trim and burn out the catalysts, which is expensive if not dangerous to the driver. On many modern vehicles you can shut off alternator charging and run down the battery. There's just lots of opportunities to cause problems.

--
"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by stoploss · 2014-09-04 03:36 · Score: 1

drivers' cellphones that get "hacked" can then "hack into" the Bluetooth interface on late model cars and totally "hack the brakes!!!" and make them refuse to operate.
The hidden threat in your pocket... hackers already stole your credit card info, but now they might cause you and your loved ones to die in a fiery wreck. More at 11!
Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by sinij · 2014-09-04 03:50 · Score: 1

The above scenario is actually not as far-fetched as you think. There are proof-of-concept hacks of car infotainment systems over Bluetooth, and there are confirmed cases of infotainment systems directly connected to CANBUS giving attackers access to vehicle systems. Clearly, not all cars are so badly designed, but some are. So it is possible to chain cellphone-bluetooth-CANBUS and end up in a fiery crash.
Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 03:57 · Score: 0

One can "brick" (as in render a vehicle incapable of starting) an ECM/TCM through the OBD port on some makes of cars. Buy the wrong tune for your vehicle, and one can encounter this easily.
In any case, I wouldn't use an OBD-II reader tattling on my driving to an insurance company, period. From what I read, the main things it looked for was hard braking and driving time. At my previous job, the commute was hairy, and even with proper driving and keeping space, one would get someone zooming in the gap between your vehicle and the one ahead, the driver who got in the lane miscalculating, and slamming on brakes, so 60-0 was a normal part of the daily commute. I ended up changing brake pads on a prophylactic basis because of this every 5000 miles. I'm glad I changed jobs... no more of that mess.
I do believe in OBD-II readers, though... A Scangauge 2 is a must if you are serious about your vehicle.
Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by Khyber · 2014-09-04 04:11 · Score: 1

"But your hand-waving of "oh someone will just start pwning them with metasploit! and then you will see!!!!11" is completely uncalled for and uninformed."
No, you're uninformed. Man can make it. Man will break it. This is a natural constant.

--
Still waiting on Serviscope_minor to wake up to fucking reality and realize that Jessica Price isn't going to fuck him.
Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by fnj · 2014-09-04 04:48 · Score: 1

PRETENDING to raise rates less than they otherwise would have.
FTFY.
Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by Sentrion · 2014-09-04 06:38 · Score: 1

Off-topic, but I shop at Hispanic and Asian grocery stores. No loyalty cards and prices are much better. No quality issues either, though there are a few stores I wouldn't shop at.
Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by sinij · 2014-09-04 07:43 · Score: 1

Or you could just blast speed reading of 0km/h and then engage electronic parking gear, or auto-parking module, or ABS diagnostic mode. You might even be able to deploy air bags, but I am not 100% sure on that one.
Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by danomac · 2014-09-05 07:17 · Score: 1

My grocery store recently (well, a few months ago now) got rid of the loyalty program. You don't need a card to get the advertised prices. Maybe they found out it cost way too much to run?
Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by EvilJoker · 2014-09-06 10:09 · Score: 1

And in this case, they will likely use evidence to withhold payouts and support for people
This is being done by Progressive. They might even use it in court against their clients
Re:1..2..3.. until massive security breaches by EvilJoker · 2014-09-06 10:14 · Score: 1

Establish in customer's minds that giving up data about their habits SAVES them money.
I've noticed that several grocery stores in my area are now doing frequent promotions like "Buy 5, get $5 off" with a motley collection of products. Undoubtedly sourced from the loyalty cards. Rarely worth a shit for me, since even getting to 5 isn't worthwhile.

Like I want them to know where I am 24x7... by Paleolibertarian · 2014-09-04 01:34 · Score: 2

Which I don't. If I need them I'll call them. Only an idiot want's to be tracked.

Edwin

Re:Like I want them to know where I am 24x7... by sinij · 2014-09-04 01:40 · Score: 3, Insightful

Dear Edwin,

We have noticed that in the past 30 days you have parked twice near a bar. We regret to inform you that as a result your premium increased by GAZILLION DOLLARS and this information was added to your permanent driving record so you will never be able to get insurance anywhere else again.

Sincerely,

Your Insurance Company
Re:Like I want them to know where I am 24x7... by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 01:40 · Score: 0

No self-respecting paleolibertarian buys insurance.
Re:Like I want them to know where I am 24x7... by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 01:43 · Score: 0

Only and idiot uses an apostrophe to make a verb plural.
Re:Like I want them to know where I am 24x7... by Chrisq · 2014-09-04 01:55 · Score: 1

Only an idiot want's to be tracked.
Only and idiot uses an apostrophe to make a verb plural.
Since we seem to be doing Grammar Nazism, only an idiot would confuse the present indicative for a plural.
Now what's the law that says that anyone correcting grammar is bound to make a grammatical error when doing so? I wait nervously for someone to point one out!
Re:Like I want them to know where I am 24x7... by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 02:00 · Score: 1

in Wisconsin it's impossible to not park near a bar.
We're fucked!
Re:Like I want them to know where I am 24x7... by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 02:09 · Score: 0

Neither do self-respecting neo-libertarians. It's stupid.
Re:Like I want them to know where I am 24x7... by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 04:10 · Score: 0

Dear sinij,
I think Edwin is aware of the ramifications. What part of "only an idiot want's to be tracked" don't you understand?
Sincerely,
AC
Re:Like I want them to know where I am 24x7... by fnj · 2014-09-04 04:56 · Score: 1

Only and idiot uses an apostrophe to make a verb plural.
First, misusing the apostrophe is a mark of ignorance, not idiocy. Second, ignorance of the fine points of english is not a sensible, polite or even intelligent thing to accuse a writer of, if the writer's native language is perhaps not english.
What's your excuse for confusing "and" and "an"?
Re:Like I want them to know where I am 24x7... by Sentrion · 2014-09-04 06:42 · Score: 1

Most of Wisconsin doesn't even have cellular coverage. Where are all these bars at?

Please make sure you have your phone ready by i+kan+reed · 2014-09-04 01:34 · Score: 1

You never know when you're going to be in an accident, so you should be using this app whenever you're driving, just in case. I promise it'll pay off faster that way.

Re:Please make sure you have your phone ready by Vitriol+Angst · 2014-09-04 01:59 · Score: 1

They'll have to slow down the regular payments to give in that extra feeling of "special."

--
>>"ad space available -- low rates!!!"

Interesting, if optional by TheDarkMaster · 2014-09-04 01:36 · Score: 1

As long as is optional, is interesting to have it considering that the driver will not always be able to call for help in an emergency (And from the standpoint of first responders is also interesting that a car can automatically call for help when involved in an accident).

--
Religion: The greatest weapon of mass destruction of all time

Re:Interesting, if optional by Mr+D+from+63 · 2014-09-04 01:46 · Score: 2

As for the insurance tracking, its optional until the point where the cost of opting out becomes too much.
Re:Interesting, if optional by Somebody+Is+Using+My · 2014-09-04 01:54 · Score: 4, Insightful

It's optional today. It'll be mandatory tomorrow.
Get the consumers used to the idea of being tracked and lead them in the direction you want to go with a carrot in the form of a tiny financial incentive (make up for the lost revenue by increasing insurance rates in general so these "savings" are swallowed up by higher average costs).
Then once you have enough people subscribed to the tracking, start making the tracking a part of any plan for /new/ users (possibly with an option to stop being tracked after a few years, with a substantial rate hike of course). After all, the insurance company has no idea if you are a good driver or not so it is only in their best interest for them to gather as much information on you as they can. After all, the company is taking a big risk by offering you insurance, you understand.
Later, force tracking on any existing users who don't already have it. Stop offering any discounts for its use; if the consumer wants insurance, they better prepare to have their every move tracked.
Meanwhile, make sure to use all this collected information for the company's maximum financial benefit. Sift it for every possible marketing use. Sell it to other companies. Deny coverage because it incriminates the user without checking to see if it is actually accurate. That sort of thing.
This is the way it always works, creeping slowly ahead to the detriment of the customer. The only way to stop this sort of thing is to squash it before it gets started.
Re:Interesting, if optional by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 01:55 · Score: 0

...and I don't know if this makes you feel better about this sort of thing, but I can tell you that with Progressive's Snapshot program it's not like you're tracked for the rest of your life. After 30 days they usually have enough data for your temporary discount, after 6 months you get your permanent discount and they ask for the device back.
Re:Interesting, if optional by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 02:15 · Score: 0

A simple ballot proposition that outlaws location tracking as a condition of selling auto insurance, and outlaws financial penalties for customers who decline location tracking would be sufficient.
Re:Interesting, if optional by scuzzlebutt · 2014-09-04 02:16 · Score: 1

I guess you could thwart this by installing the software on an older device you don't use anymore and just leave it at home or the office.

--
In C++, your friends can see your privates.
Re:Interesting, if optional by RivenAleem · 2014-09-04 02:36 · Score: 1

Who's going to propose that in the face of lobbying? Can you outbid the lobbyists?
Re:Interesting, if optional by Sentrion · 2014-09-04 06:56 · Score: 1

It's a free market; consumers can lobby Congress just as much as any corporation can. Of course, if the consumers of the world start organizing and taking collective action, that will only show that they are just a bunch of unpatriotic Communists trying to destroy the free market.
Re:Interesting, if optional by Sentrion · 2014-09-04 07:20 · Score: 1

Then if you ARE in an accident, they will deny your claim and if you fight it in court they will charge you with insurance fraud to encourage you to settle for little or nothing. If you're going to take on the insurance company you might as well tape a throw-away phone to the under-carriage of an insurance executive's sports car. When they try to jack up your rates for bad driving, ask them if VP Joe is paying the same rate - because if he's not he ought to be.
Re:Interesting, if optional by reboot246 · 2014-09-04 09:46 · Score: 1

For now.

We're talking about the future when such devices become mandatory. Even a blind man can see it coming a mile away.
Re:Interesting, if optional by EvilJoker · 2014-09-06 10:21 · Score: 1

But SCOTUS ruled that money is speech, so you have to outbid (either out-yell or out-spend) the other side. I'm not sure what the exchange rate is.
More seriously, how often do you see a report of "Big industry lobbyists push for X, general population pushes for Y. Congress goes with Y"? I realize it happens occasionally, but it's rare. Hell, most of the legitimate reporting on the Comcast/TW merger acknowledges that the general population is massive opposed, yet it will probably be approved regardless.
Re:Interesting, if optional by RyoShin · 2014-09-12 10:38 · Score: 1

This seems like one of those situations where the "free market" would actually be useful. Want to sell your soul, er, data to save $5/mo? Go ahead. Or go with Company Y who have pledged not to institute such a requirement over privacy/security concerns.
States requiring car insurance does hamper the market, of course, so perhaps legislation now that would outlaw it is for the best.
Of course, even if companies make it mandatory, they won't actually make it "mandatory". That would lead to outcry and Congressional yapping. Instead, rates will raise across the board, but doncha know they have this whizz-bang device that will somehow save you exactly the same amount of money your rates just went up by...

What if no phone? by smooth+wombat · 2014-09-04 01:38 · Score: 1

What if someone doesn't have a smart phone but a solid, reliable "dumb" phone? What then? Are they going to be penalized because they can't be tracked?

Bite me. Insurance is enough of a scam now as it is. Having them track you in real time is pathetic. If they want to see how good a driver I am, see how many accidents I've had.

None? Well guess what, I must be pretty damn good not to have hit anyone in the decades I've been driving so stop raising my rates every year.

--
We will bankrupt ourselves in the vain search for absolute security. -- Dwight D. Eisenhower

Re:What if no phone? by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 02:07 · Score: 0

What if someone doesn't have a smart phone but a solid, reliable "dumb" phone? What then? Are they going to be penalized because they can't be tracked?
Yes.
Re:What if no phone? by Shadow99_1 · 2014-09-04 02:51 · Score: 1

I"m in the dumb phone camp as well and thinking about it while by law I'm mandated to have insurance... The last thing my insurance paid out for was some glass fixer after a rock came up off the road and took a sliver out of it. That was over 5 years ago and I have to go back another 7 or 8 years past that since I've had any other issues they have paid out for. Yet... I pay $80/month and have been for at least a decade... So I've paid them at least $9600 over a decade and basically cost them nothing... I'm so getting shafted from that deal...

--
we are all invisible unless we choose otherwise
Re:What if no phone? by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 03:02 · Score: 0

Time to go read up on the definition of 'insurance'.
Re: What if no phone? by DigiShaman · 2014-09-04 03:27 · Score: 1

That $9,600 goes toward paying off someone else's totaled car. That someone could be you one day. That, and liability ranging in the hundreds of thousand of dollars.
That $9,600 is looking like a pretty good "investment" in the grand scheme of things, doesn't it?

--
Life is not for the lazy.
Re:What if no phone? by bws111 · 2014-09-04 03:34 · Score: 1

OK, plow into someone on the way home tonight. Your insurance company will pay their bills. That'll show em.
Seriously, what kind of idiotic thinking is that?
Re:What if no phone? by Sentrion · 2014-09-04 07:35 · Score: 1

True. If you don't break something then you're not getting your money's worth. Time to put some big tires on that Hummer and run down a brick mailbox. You only live once!

How do they know I'm driving? by Snotnose · 2014-09-04 01:38 · Score: 1

I ride my bike a lot. Unless I'm doing 65 on the freeway, how do they know I'm driving to the grocery store instead of riding my bike? The route is flat and through a residential area, I average 20 MPH there and back in a 25 MPH zone.

Re:How do they know I'm driving? by Enry · 2014-09-04 01:44 · Score: 1

Android is pretty good about knowing when I'm on a bike vs. in my car.
Re:How do they know I'm driving? by mjwx · 2014-09-04 14:04 · Score: 1

I ride my bike a lot. Unless I'm doing 65 on the freeway, how do they know I'm driving to the grocery store instead of riding my bike? The route is flat and through a residential area, I average 20 MPH there and back in a 25 MPH zone.
Easy, you're going too slow. Your 0-20 KPH time is around 20-30 seconds, you will go through red lights and there will be a large line of their other customers being held up behind you.

--
Calling someone a "hater" only means you can not rationally rebut their argument.

where do i sign up? by alen · 2014-09-04 01:40 · Score: 1

i haven't had an accident in almost 20 years
i never run red lights
i'm not in a constant hurry like most of the idiots i see in NYC
i'll gladly take a discount in exchange for proof that i'm a safe driver. i'm at the point where i'm thinking of recording my driving like they do in russia just in case i get hit or hit someone stopping in the street out of the blue for no reason

Re:where do i sign up? by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 01:50 · Score: 0

i haven't had an accident in almost 20 years i never run red lights i'm not in a constant hurry like most of the idiots i see in NYC i'll gladly take a discount in exchange for proof that i'm a safe driver. i'm at the point where i'm thinking of recording my driving like they do in russia just in case i get hit or hit someone stopping in the street out of the blue for no reason
I guess you prefer the guilty until proven innocent mentality.
Re:where do i sign up? by Mr+D+from+63 · 2014-09-04 01:52 · Score: 1

The question is what habits are rewarded or punished. I think the insurance company should be required to provide full disclosure on exactly what is monitored and how the rate adjustment calculation is performed. Then the consumer can make an informed decision on if it will help or not.
Re:where do i sign up? by bleh-of-the-huns · 2014-09-04 02:02 · Score: 1

I somewhat agree with you here. There are a few caveats though. Will the insurance company furnish the data to law enforcement on request or court order. Black box data in cars is typically at the vehicle owners discretion to be provided in any criminal or civil case, or insurance claim. The vehicles owner has the right to decline access to that data regardless of the circumstances (although that will make you more of a suspect in some cases). Now you are streaming that data to a third party, who can probably be forced to hand it over via court orders and what not. Also, the discount is worthless, I'm sorry, but $5 off a month when my insurance is close to $150 a month is not worth the hassle.

--
I came, I conquered, I coredumped
Re:where do i sign up? by Cardoor · 2014-09-04 02:04 · Score: 1

Will the insurance company furnish the data to law enforcement on request or court order.

is this really even a question?
Re:where do i sign up? by alen · 2014-09-04 02:05 · Score: 1

the dollars will have to be significant, but in most states it takes some really crazy driving to get hit with a criminal charge in an accident. like going 70mph in a 30mph urban or residential environment, killing someone and then crying innocent how you didn't see them
Re:where do i sign up? by bws111 · 2014-09-04 02:11 · Score: 2

Don't know about this app, but Progressive and State Farm do tell you what they monitor. State Farm (at least) also provides you with a 'dashboard' so you can see the data, along with how it will affect your rates.
Progressive monitors hard braking, miles driven per day, and how often you drive between midnight and 4AM.
State Farm monitors braking, acceleration, left and right turns, time of day vehicle is driven, and speed over 80MPH
Re:where do i sign up? by Patent+Lover · 2014-09-04 02:31 · Score: 1

Then why haven't you been given a discount already?
Re:where do i sign up? by h4ck7h3p14n37 · 2014-09-04 02:35 · Score: 1

I would definitely recommend getting a camera to protect yourself. It's unfortunate, but some drivers will flat-out lie about what happened to cause a crash and try to blame you for their mistake. If you have video evidence they can't pull crap like that.
Re: where do i sign up? by DigiShaman · 2014-09-04 03:21 · Score: 2

Speed over 80MPh!?? That practically 1 and what, 200 drivers in the left lane during non-rush hour in Houston. That's substantial!

--
Life is not for the lazy.
Re:where do i sign up? by bleh-of-the-huns · 2014-09-04 04:28 · Score: 1

Yes, it really is a question. Simply due to the fact that there are laws and rules in place to prevent law enforcement, or even opposing defendants from obtaining that information to use against you, similar to the 5th Amendment. I guess a better way to ask the question would be will the insurance companies follow those same rules as it relates to the same data, or is there fine print buried in your contract that says they can do with it as they please.

--
I came, I conquered, I coredumped
Re:where do i sign up? by Cardoor · 2014-09-04 04:52 · Score: 1

well, considering that recent history has shown corporate america doesn't hesitate to hand over all personal data to govt authorities at the request, never mind a court order, i think the answer is a resounding yes.
Re:where do i sign up? by Cardoor · 2014-09-04 04:53 · Score: 1

'laws and rules in place' no longer mean anything.
Re:where do i sign up? by Bob+the+Super+Hamste · 2014-09-04 06:26 · Score: 1

This is why I have thought about getting a dash cam as well as a rear facing one. I must be getting old as I have noticed the number of teenagers who want to ride up on my bumper, cut me off, swerve into my lane, or otherwise be obnoxious on the road towards me has gone up in the last few weeks. Then toss in the inevitable police law breaker (you know the ones like the state trooper who passes you like you are standing still when you are at freeway speed without their siren or cherries on) that crop up fairly regularly. As a side benefit I could setup a youtube channel showing their antics and probably make some side money.

--
Time to offend someone
Re:where do i sign up? by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 07:51 · Score: 0

Dear customer
We regret to inform you that we have determined that you are not safe driver as you take turns to sharply and stop to abruptly.
We believe that your driving style is accident waiting to happen and therefore have increased your premiums accordingly.
yours truly,
Insurance Company
Re:where do i sign up? by EvilJoker · 2014-09-06 10:27 · Score: 1

I think you're confusing "criminal charge" with "felony", or the possibility of jail time.
All court cases are either criminal (brought by the gov't) or civil (brought by a private entity)
Minor offenses like littering are still criminal (usually a minor misdemeanor or similar)

another chain voluntaril added to our incaseration by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 01:42 · Score: 0

and some one thinks this is a good idea. as you can see officer i was not speeding when you stopped me. but if you where hear yesterday as you can see i whould be going 100 mph

Speedy by Impy+the+Impiuos+Imp · 2014-09-04 01:45 · Score: 1

Check the fine print to see if they bail on payouts if you are exceeding the speed limit or engage in other behavior they don't like.

--
(-1: Post disagrees with my already-settled worldview) is not a valid mod option.

No Thanks by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 02:08 · Score: 0

I can only see usage based insurance ending badly, at the moment they seem to be playing fairly nice but that will change the second they get significant market share or force it through legislation. Then it will be used to screw you in every way possible. The information shows you were going 3 mph over the speed limit before that wreck (even though the sensors can vary +/- 5 mph on a good day), coverage denied. Didn't come to a complete stop at that leaving your driveway, + 5% on your premiums. About the only "usage based" information I would be willing to report to my insurance company would be the odometer reading. They don't need my location, speed, deceleration, shopping, service, etc information as far as I am concerned.

Re:No Thanks by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 02:48 · Score: 0

Competition is pretty fierce in the auto insurance industry. Market pressures will likely have companies using this data weed out risky drivers so they can keep rates low. Rates for safe drivers will be driven down by market forces as insurance companies absolutely do want safe drivers.
Re:No Thanks by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 04:12 · Score: 0

Competition is fierce to get customers, but once they have them I don't think they are quite so cordial, things get even worse after an accident/ticket. I know that they ratcheted up the rates on my dad quite a bit before he finally did some shopping around and found out how out of wack his premiums were, and that was with a pretty good driving history. Years ago someone pulled out in front of my sister while she was driving my car, the accident effectively totaled my car and the opposing insurance company said "take $500 and sign a waiver or we'll see you in court." They're happy to take your money, but when it comes to actually paying out for the purchased insurance coverage they'll find all kinds of ways to deny you.

How does the app know who is driving? by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 02:13 · Score: 0

How does the app know if the owner of the phone is driving? Does the app penalize the policy holder when they ride with a driver and car that is not on the policy?

Noway by AndyKron · 2014-09-04 02:26 · Score: 1

Big Brother travels with the driver in and out of the car, so that if a customer is in an accident law enforcement services are still contacted.

Plate of Shrimp... by NotSanguine · 2014-09-04 02:27 · Score: 1

The more you drive, the less intelligent you are.

--
No, no, you're not thinking; you're just being logical. --Niels Bohr

Re:Plate of Shrimp... by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 04:05 · Score: 0

The more you drive, the less intelligent you are.
Stephen Hawking drives *everywhere*. No wonder he lost the bet about information in black holes...
Re:Plate of Shrimp... by NotSanguine · 2014-09-04 04:16 · Score: 1

The more you drive, the less intelligent you are.
Stephen Hawking drives *everywhere*. No wonder he lost the bet about information in black holes...
Actually, he doesn't drive anywhere. He is driven by others.

--
No, no, you're not thinking; you're just being logical. --Niels Bohr

So spoof it by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 02:28 · Score: 1

I've been waiting for someone to come up with a device to send spoofed ODB data to these things ever since Flo started pushing them on TV.

Re:So spoof it by Bob+the+Super+Hamste · 2014-09-04 06:31 · Score: 1

It shouldn't be that hard given something like this and an adruino or RPi.

--
Time to offend someone

I was ... by PPH · 2014-09-04 02:33 · Score: 3, Funny

... pulled over leaving the airport for having previously been doing 600 MPH.

--
Have gnu, will travel.

Of course EVERYONE speeds by Squidlips · 2014-09-04 02:36 · Score: 1

Who never goes over 65 on the highway? So all you offenders will get rate hikes....i.e. everyone

Re:Of course EVERYONE speeds by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 02:51 · Score: 0

They can't just raise prices across the board like that, unless they don't want customers. The auto insurance industry is very competitive compared to most. The data is likely going to be used to identify safer drivers so they can be targeted for retention with lower rates and riskier drivers so they can offset risk better with higher premiums. Ideally if the company can set its rates so that its attractive to safe drivers only it would do that, this is just a step in being able to develop that kind of pricing.
Re:Of course EVERYONE speeds by drinkypoo · 2014-09-04 03:15 · Score: 1

Who never goes over 65 on the highway?
Old people. Not all of them, but a subset of them. I see them in various lanes all day. Many of them are actually good enough to tuck over towards the exits someplace and not bother anyone. They're getting amazing mileage and they're good people, but of course they're not the ones you notice most readily, are they?
Also, some young couples, and some mountain bikers. After singletrack, very little you can do on a public road feels fast, mostly because you don't have trees going by (relatively) inches from your face. Technically, it's your whole head, but what I find myself thinking about most is my face. If you're not going far, or if you plan to make a lot of stops, then there's little point to speeding. You just won't save any meaningful amount of time.
With that said, I live far from everywhere, I shan't be installing such an app any time soon.

--
"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
Re:Of course EVERYONE speeds by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 07:54 · Score: 0

> Who never goes over 65 on the highway?
Self-absorbed morons in the fast lane here in Michigan.
MOVE OVER YOU DUMMIES.

Shut phone off when driving by chaosdivine69 · 2014-09-04 02:36 · Score: 2

Sorry, but isn't there a law about distracted driving? So why not adhere to the rule and be a good little boy/girl and shut the damn thing off while driving. Turn it on when parked. They can't complain about it then since you are "just complying with the law". Oh, and if you need a GPS for your job, bring your own dash mount style. Give the fuckers nothing...

I don't have a smart phone by BringsApples · 2014-09-04 03:09 · Score: 1

But if you need to look at my odometer from time to time, I'm fine with that. If I break down I'll just use my old style phone to call for a friend of mine to come help me.

Also:

technology
noun
1) the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry."advances in computer technology"
2) machinery and equipment developed from the application of scientific knowledge.
3) the branch of knowledge dealing with engineering or applied sciences.
No, this doesn't sound like what's going on here. Maybe...

slave
noun
1) a person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them.
2) a person who is excessively dependent upon or controlled by something.
3) work excessively hard.
Yeah, that sounds more like it.

--
Politics; n. : A religion whereby man is god.

G forces by mythix · 2014-09-04 03:14 · Score: 1

What if your phone falls off it's holder on the center console and on the floor, registering big G foroces while it's bouncing around in the car, but you aren't driving like a mad man...

Re:G forces by tlhIngan · 2014-09-04 05:18 · Score: 1

What if your phone falls off it's holder on the center console and on the floor, registering big G foroces while it's bouncing around in the car, but you aren't driving like a mad man...
Then you're still a dangerous driver because you didn't securely mount your phone. Because in an accident, loose items become projectiles and have the possibility to cause injury.
A phone that's fallen is also a danger like any object that can get wedged between the brake and the floor, and the driver is distracted because they're at speed and most likely going to look for the fallen thing rather than the road.
Hell, if there's any reason to follow the law and turn off your phone...
Re:G forces by Sentrion · 2014-09-04 07:40 · Score: 1

Sucks to be you. Oh, and your rate has gone up $80 per month.
Meanwhile, I'm ditching cameras and insurance companies altogether and going full Mafia. "You hit me, we hit you!"

Privacy Issue by nranger · 2014-09-04 03:16 · Score: 1

This seems to be a privacy the the insurance companies need to back off from.. http://www.knoxinjury.com/

You don't get it by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 03:29 · Score: 0

It's all nicety-nice until they declare some club you belong to to be a subversive organization, or some behavior to be suspicious. Oh, I see he drove to the ACLU and... THE LIBRARY. Take him in for questioning.

What's that? A warrant? What's that?

Orwell not good enough for you? OK, did you stop to consider that discounts for the compliant are really just taxes on the non-compliant? I don't want a smart phone. I don't want to be tracked. Oh, but my rates are higher if I don't participate. So. I'm taxed. If nothing else, consider your fellow humans who are sensitive to these issues even though you may not be.

Do us a favor. Say "NO" with the rest of us. Support any legislation to make this shit illegal. If they do force this device on you, you have a duty to hack it and make it look like you're doing something innocent... but in our dystopian present, can anybody can figure out what "innocent behavior" is? Hint: there is none. Your all guilty, slaves..

They need to do this for sexual behavior by gelfling · 2014-09-04 03:44 · Score: 1

Your health insurance provider should have direct real time insight into your sexual behavior so they can tweak your premiums accordingly. If you don't suck dicks in the club every night then you have nothing to hide.

Achievements by jtwiegand · 2014-09-04 04:20 · Score: 1

I'm sure if there were achievements for driving safely in conjunction with the rollout people would adopt it. I can see it now:

"Merger achievement awarded: 500 cars allowed to merge into your lane from an onramp."

No. by DigitalSorceress · 2014-09-04 04:36 · Score: 1

Simply put, NO, I will not do this.

I have quietly suffered a great number of infringements on my privacy, but I draw the line here.

My driving record shows 26+ years with only one ticket ever (and that was 20 years ago, for being 15mph over the limit) and never an accident or claim except for when a tree limb broke my windshield.

There are plenty of insurers our there who would LOVE to have my business as I'm certainly paying in more than they're ever likely to have to pay out for me, thanks.

--

The Digital Sorceress

I can't wait by beefoot · 2014-09-04 04:38 · Score: 1

I can't wait to receive discount for being a good driver. By tracking my usage pattern on my phone, insurance companies will be surprised how good am I when I'm behind the wheel. They will all fight to get me as a customer. In turn, I will go out to pay a $25 cheapo phone and tell them that is my main phone. They can track it day and night, the phone will never get used whether I'm behind the wheel or in my house :-) I can't wait.

Re:I can't wait by number17 · 2014-09-04 05:24 · Score: 1

They can track it day and night, the phone will never get used whether I'm behind the wheel or in my house :-) I can't wait.
Good luck with that. Where I live an odometer reading is required as well as the occasional drive clean test for plate renewal. Let us know what they say when you report the same reading each year.
Re:I can't wait by EvilJoker · 2014-09-06 10:33 · Score: 1

Much like cake, the discount is a lie.

If necessary, what's the best way to do it? by eepok · 2014-09-04 05:28 · Score: 1

There are some things (very few) in this world that I simply accept to be inevitable. I predict that the cost of having non-tracked auto insurance will increase greatly in relation to the cost of tracked auto insurance. It will become costly to hold onto 100% privacy in your automobile transportation habits.

While I have the preference of not being tracked whatsoever, what limitations would you propose within such a tracking system to preserve as much privacy as possible while also promoting the risk analysis that an insurance company would want from the data?

My suggestions:
-- Record speed measurements every 5 seconds the engine is on.
-- Record mile traveled per day.
-- No GPS coordinates recorded. (No actual location.)
-- Transmit data only once per month. Frequent transmissions can be used as a means of obtaining location.

What say you?

Another Fee by MagickalMyst · 2014-09-04 05:54 · Score: 1

This is just one more way for the insurance companies to track you and provide you with insurance premiums based on your "driving history/usage". You're premiums probably won't go down - they will be "adjusted" to the new rate based on acquired data. And you will likely be charged a "service" fee for allowing them to collect and sift through your personal driving/gps data. It wouldn't surprise me at all if insurance companies started charging per kilometer - much like how ISP's now charge per gigabyte instead of a flat rate.

--
Political correctness is really just herd psychology pushed by insecure people who desperately seek social conformity.

Re:Another Fee by MagickalMyst · 2014-09-04 05:54 · Score: 1

*your

--
Political correctness is really just herd psychology pushed by insecure people who desperately seek social conformity.

As a bicyclist... by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-04 10:14 · Score: 0

...this sounds like a great idea. I'm on the side of the insurance companies. Posting as AC for obvious reasons.

I mean seriously: airplanes and pilots are monitored in the interests of public safety, why not cars and their drivers that can, and do kill us?

Re:As a bicyclist... by EvilJoker · 2014-09-06 10:38 · Score: 1

Perhaps you or your area is different from mine, but I often see cyclists being borderline suicidal, and the motorists being excessively generous.
Regardless, there is really no way currently to monitor how a driver reacts to a cyclist. At least, not in a way that encourages safety, such as hard braking when one jumps out in front of the car (yes, I see it regularly)

Good driving is not grandma driving by markdavis · 2014-09-04 15:45 · Score: 1

>"in order to offer good driver incentives"

You can't determine if someone is a "good driver" from a phone. PERIOD. Speed, G-forces, where you are driving, when you are driving, NONE OF THAT determines if you are

1) Leaving reasonable following distance
2) In control
3) Alert and paying attention
4) Using proper signaling
5) Courteous
6) Familiar with the limits of function of the vehicle
7) Defensive/predictive

etc. They seem to think that if you brake hard, accelerate faster than some "typical norm", or corner too hard, you are a bad driver... and that simply is neither true nor fair.

loopholes by Anonymous Coward · 2014-09-05 05:38 · Score: 0

So if you leave your cell phone at home, your rates go down? That's what I would infer from the term "usage-based" insurance. And if you live in a rural area, good luck getting a signal.

Re:loopholes by EvilJoker · 2014-09-06 10:39 · Score: 1

It wouldn't have to upload constantly, just log the data for upload later.
That being said, GPS is major drain on batteries.

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New Usage-Based Insurance Software Can Track Drivers Using Smartphones

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