Scott Earns a New Badge!

OK, we have probably all seen the ‘Flo’ Commercials from Progressive about the little SnapShot device which monitors your driving. Ever wanted to know about that thing?  I know I have. Well, I have been testing it out for our agency.  Today is day 15 out of 30.  I am proud to say…..I earned another Badge! 

Let’s start with a bit of information first:

Facts: This device is extremely easy to install and measures Fast Breaking, how many miles you drive each day and how often you drive between midnight and 4 a.m., which they believe to be the riskiest time for accidents. (It also measures acceleration but this does not affect potential savings.) Here is another little-known fact: this device is used only once and only for 30 days.

Myths: they ‘monitor’ where you go, you get ‘dinged’ for fast acceleration and here’s a biggie: your premium will go UP if you are not a good driver; this is not true. You can ONLY get discounts not surcharges. In the end, this is an innovative way for some companies to GIVE discounts to GOOD drivers.   

I am not a big fan of “Big Brother” at all but I see the argument from the insurance company’s side: This technology works in the policy holder’s advantage with no downside to the policy holder.  If you drive in heavy traffic and have to hit
the brakes during your commute: no discount is applied and the same if you work
the night shift. However, if you can show the insurance company you keep safe
braking distances and your mileage is not high then they can extrapolate accident
frequency and cut costs for them as well as you. Your actual driving habits can make their costs go down.

Scott’s new Badge

I can go on line daily (and so can my wife!) and see my driving
stats. For every positive action I am awarded badges. They are just for fun.
They are a little pat on my back for great work.  For example: apparently, I am averaging 1.9 hard breaks per every 100 miles…..They tell me I “have feet like feathers. Tweet, tweet.” And the “Woodland creatures are singing your praises” because I am not accelerating fast.

In the end, I am watching my breaking, accelerations and anticipating other drivers a bit more. Not a bad thing.  Have a young driver or a senior driver in
your household? This could be a great learning tool and a way to save on insurance premiums. (up to 30%)

15 days left….Wish me luck. I want to earn the ‘Smooth Operator’ badge.