UK, September 25, 2012, 8:48 am -- /EPR NETWORK/ -- The thought of having a telematics device fitted to their car may worry some drivers, and many drivers have not even heard of Telematics technology. However Confused.com has come up with a solution: the 'Confused.com MotorMate' driving app which is now available on Android and launched today on iPhone to coincide with the launch of the iPhone 5.
Confused.com MotorMate app will allow drivers to monitor their driving behaviour by using their mobile phones GPS. The app will assist drivers in finding out about telematics and how they can be rewarded for good driving. The app is free to download from Google Play and Apple's App Store.
With the introduction of telematics devices safe drivers may no longer have to pay the same high car insurance price as someone who drives like a 'bat out of hell'. Telematics devices, which monitor a driver’s skill and rewards good driving, are becoming increasingly popular, according to car insurance experts at comparison site, Confused.com, who now have several black box insurance providers on their books and have their own telematics app. However, new research also shows that many drivers remain unaware that they could be rewarded for good driving.
Almost two out of five drivers (38%) say they would consider having a telematics device fitted in their car. However, almost half (47%) of drivers have told Confused.com that they are still unaware of the new telematics, or black box, devices, which can reduce car insurance costs for careful drivers. Once they know about the boxes, saving money is a motivator for 86% of drivers, and deterring theft by using a black box as a tracking device is a motivating factor for 43% of drivers.
Young drivers are most likely to consider having the devices fitted: 40.5% of 17-24 year olds say yes they would consider getting a telematics device fitted, compared to an overall average of 38%.
Regionally, London has the least awareness of telematics. Only 36% of drivers said 'yes', they have heard of telematics, black boxes or pay-as-you-drive technology, compared to a national average of 44% and just 34% of London's drivers say they would consider having one of the boxes installed, as opposed to Northern Ireland where a whopping 54% of drivers say yes to the idea of the devices.
Significantly more men than women (50% v 39%) have heard of this new technology, but interestingly a similar number of men and women would consider having the devices fitted: 38% of women and 39% of men.
Joanne Garcia Head of Emerging Products at Confused.com said: "Telematics offers drivers the chance to save money on car insurance. Although the benefits are there for all drivers, it can be especially welcome to younger drivers considering that 17-20 year olds are paying an average of £2,491 for a comprehensive policy."
"Also by offering our customers our Confused.com MotorMate app if they are unsure of telematics it allows customers to try the telematics experience before having to commit. The app allows us to reward our customers for being good drivers. By using the app drivers can really understand how they drive and over time they can improve on their driving skills, making them a safer driver and hopefully making our roads safer too."
Anyone interested in finding out more about telematics can download the free app called Confused.com MotorMate
About Confused.com
Confused.com was the UK's first price comparison site for car insurance.
Confused.com is one of the UK's biggest and most popular price comparison services.
Launched in 2002, it generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded
its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include more
specialised insurances such as multicar insurance, cheap home insurance and term life insurance.
PR Contact:
Sarah Wenham
Confused.com press office
Friary House
Greyfriars Road
Cardiff
CF10 3AE
02920 434275
www.confused.com