Survey reveals 30% of UK motorists don't see benefits of telematics

30% of UK motorists surveyed do not believe that telematics will bring them any benefits, a survey by Redtail Telematics, in partnership with YouGov has found.

1,500 drivers took part in the survey, which asked questions relating to their thoughts on using telematics-based insurance policies.

Of those surveyed, two incentives for opting for a telematics-based insurance policy emerged: getting cheaper car insurance and gaining improved awareness of how they drive. However, according to the Redtail Telematics and YouGov research, these are the top five reasons that UK drivers would choose telematics-based motor insurance policies:

• 47% said potential reduced cost of car insurance for the driver

• 36% said it would help with tracking stolen vehicles

• 31% Feel it would aid claim management after car accidents

• 29% believe it provides a financial incentive to drive safely

• 27% thank it could help increase self-awareness of their individual driving style

Redtail Telematics’ Chief Executive Dr Colin Smithers commented on the findings, saying: “Developments in the car insurance market have the potential to revolutionise the way we drive and how we guard against the risks of poor driver behaviour, but as the research highlights, there is still a process of education that needs to take place to convince the 30% of those surveyed who see no incentive to switch to using telematics”.

“The increased use of telematics has important implications for anyone who might consider taking up a telematics-based insurance policy, policymakers and for society as a whole,” he continued.

Smithers highlighted BRAKE, the UK road safety charity’s estimate of 1,793 deaths due to road traffic accidents in 2018, explaining: “Widespread use of telematics is also likely to lead to better driving and fewer fatalities.; How many lives would be saved if drivers knew they could save large amounts of money by paying more attention to their driving habits? As a parent who has used such policies, the reality is it’s the effects on one’s children driving that are so much more important than the discount.”

‍