Connected Car: Insurance Costs Reduction At Renewal

“Give the heave-ho to insurance costs and hikes” says Mike Brewer

With fears that car insurance premiums will surpass £1000 in the next year, motoring expert and TV Presenter Mike Brewer is urging drivers to take control of their insurance costs now and look for a policy that will see their premium cut at renewal as a bonus for safe driving.

Mike Brewer says: “The cost of running a car just keeps rising but some clever tech you fit yourself can help motorists cut their costs.  For example, a simple smart plug provided by a company called Smartdriverclub, inserted behind the dashboard could provide the answer for the majority of honest motorists who regard themselves as safe drivers – cutting their insurance costs by up to 40%.

I came across Smartdriverclub, the connected car service recently and have been seriously impressed by this clever solution to manage motoring expenses.  It not only assures members who show they drive well, car insurance at a much lower price than their current provider but provides a whole range of additional benefits for free – such as theft tracking, crash alerts, business mileage for expenses and warnings of engine faults or a low battery.

If you’re a good driver and have rarely, if ever, made a claim then there is no need to be paying a higher motor insurance premium than last year” Mike continues.  “Data from the Association of British Insurers reveals that insurers pay out claims on around 10% of their motor policies which means 9 out of 10 drivers are being unfairly chastened for other people’s accidents and fraudulent behaviour.  A service such as Smartdriverclub gives the many honest and good drivers out there a smart alternative for their insurance, with free cost saving and peace of mind benefits on top that they wouldn’t get from any other insurance provider. Drivers can even fit the smart plug themselves; it takes less than 60 seconds”

Mandy Reeves, 49, a Marketing Executive from Southampton says, “I am a careful driver, so it seems unfair that premiums keep rising, despite the fact that I haven’t had any accidents in the past 9 years. When I heard about a club that would help me get insurance at almost 40% less than my usual premiums, I wanted to know more.

The Smartdriverclub Smartplug device was easy to fit in my car and after around 3 months it had enough data to prove that I am a good driver.  My insurance used to cost me £490 a year, but now, with Smartdriverclub it’s £350.

The real reward is that I also get the peace of mind knowing that if something’s not right with my vehicle, the Smartdriverclub digital mechanic will flag this so that I can get the problem corrected before it becomes serious. Or if I do have a crash, Smartdriverclub will know where I am and can alert the emergency services.   There is a whole host of advantages that I get for free as a Smartdriverclub policyholder.”

Penny Searles CEO of Smartdriverclub adds: “Unlike other insurers, Smartdriverclub only covers good drivers, which is how we can give savings to customers like Mandy.  It is time motorists gained some control over escalating car insurance costs.  Take advantage of the technology that now enables insurers to offer fairer premiums to good drivers but look for those that go that bit further with advantages, such as theft tracking or crash assistance free with the policy.”

Smartdriverclub comprises the following services in one package:

My Mechanic – This will alert a motorist if a car problem crops up, suggest what they can do about it and find a local dealer they can talk to.  This includes TAX and MOT reminders
Crash Assistance – If the customer is in a collision and Smartdriverclub can’t reach the customer on their mobile phone, they will contact the emergency services and direct them to the location.

Stolen Car – An in-car tracker activated by the customer means that if it’s stolen, the Police should know exactly where to look.

Breakdown Help – Smartdriverclub will inform roadside assistance so they know where the customer is and have useful information about their car.

My Driving – Motorists can save money on fuel costs, by seeing how efficiently their car performs on each journey with a smart driving history that helps them manage fuel use.

My Deals – Customers can save money on everything from servicing to new tyres. Just tap through the app for the latest deal from their dealership.

Value My Car – Smartdriverclub provides a valuation of the customer’s car that’s actually based on their car, so that they can use this instant price for better deals and finance.

Where Did I Park? – A handy little map is provided to those that have forgotten where they parked

Business Miles – Business drivers can accurately record their business vs personal miles and download the information directly into their expense forms, confident that it is validated information for mileage claims

Club Insurance – Preferential rates for good drivers based on their driving behaviour, to ensure customers are not paying for the poor behaviour of others.

Car Wi-Fi optional – Family car journeys are always a challenge, especially with teenagers in the back seat desperate to upload the latest selfie or to connect with their friends on chat. A connected road trip could also mean a blissful journey with everyone occupied in the car.

Customers sign up by calling 0333 772 0489.

Source: Smart Driver Club