Have you ever seen a car fitted with a telematics device? You might have done without realising… That’s because these devices are usually fitted out of sight. So, just where does a telematics device live within your car?
Telematics boxes (otherwise known as black boxes) are normally fitted out of sight behind the dashboard. The telematics box is completely safe and won’t affect the workings of your car in any way.
Who installs the box?
Engineers fit some devices, whilst others are self-install. The type of box you’ll get depends on the kind of device used by your insurer.
What happens next?
Insurance quotes are based on risk factors. But, by having the box installed, you can earn monthly premiums which reflect how safely you drive. This means that your insurance is tailored to you as an individual, rather than everyone else’s driving.
Once fitted, the telematics device will begin to collect data on how you drive and use it to calculate a score. The higher your Driving Behaviour Score is, the safer a driver you are, and the more personalised your premium can be. The lower your score is, the more you could be paying for your insurance. Your Driving Behaviour Score – or DBS – is calculated based on the following four factors:
- how quickly you accelerate
- the sharpness of your braking
- your speed
- the time of day that you are driving
If your score increases over time, you could earn a lower premium. Drive poorly, and your premium may rise.
What happens if I cancel my policy?
Your box will be deactivated if you cancel your policy. You won’t have to remove the box, as it won’t affect the rest of your car. However, you can choose to have the box removed for an additional fee.
Photo by JD Weiher on Unsplash
Correct at the time of publication. Information in this article has been gathered from various sources, therefore WiseDriving cannot be held responsible for any view or opinion expressed herein.
