The AA has become the latest insurer to offer discounts to customers who agree to fit a tracking device that monitors their driving.
The Drivesafe scheme involves fitting a black box that can measure braking and acceleration, speed, cornering and the times at which the car is driven. Customers are quoted an initial annual premium, to be paid in instalments. If their driving meets and maintains the required standards, the payments will be lowered after 60 days. The cost of the equipment is built into the premiums.
The company says the scheme could mean discounts of up to 50 percent for drivers who are traditionally seen as in high-risk categories, such as young or inexperienced drivers. It also believes it will become more popular with young women once new rules banning price discrimination on gender grounds takes effect at the end of the year.
Drivers can track their performance via the Internet or a smartphone application. As well as tracking driving quality, the box can be used for automated alerts in the event of theft, a crash or a breakdown.
The scheme hasn't got universal support. The Association for British Drivers said it didn't take account of emergency journeys such as driving somebody to hospital that could involve high speed or breaking.
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