Travelers IntelliDrive: Save Up to 30% on Your Auto Insurance

If you’re looking for a way to save on your auto insurance, Travelers IntelliDrive might be just the solution you need. This innovative telematics program could offer you substantial savings based on your driving habits. However, there are several factors to consider before diving in. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand how IntelliDrive works, its benefits and drawbacks, and whether it’s the right fit for you.

How Does IntelliDrive Work?

Travelers IntelliDrive is a telematics program designed to reward safe driving with potential discounts on your auto insurance premium. To get started, you’ll need to download the IntelliDrive mobile app from either Google Play or the Apple App Store. Android users must have Android 8 or newer, while Apple users should have an iPhone 4S or above.

Once you’ve installed the app, you’ll agree to have your driving data tracked over the next 90 days. The app collects data on several driving behaviors:

• Speed: IntelliDrive monitors your adherence to speed limits and traffic laws. Driving at or below the speed limit and maintaining a safe reaction time can positively impact your discount.
• Time of Day: Your driving times are evaluated, with daylight driving rewarded and rush-hour or late-night drives flagged as higher risk.
• Acceleration: Rapid acceleration can lower your score, as gradual acceleration contributes to safer driving and better maneuverability.
• Braking: Abrupt braking might indicate driving too fast or too close to other vehicles. Safe braking practices contribute to a higher score.
• Distraction: The app tracks whether you’re using your phone while driving. Staying focused on the road is crucial for maintaining a good score.
• Mileage: Lower mileage generally correlates with reduced risk, so driving fewer miles can boost your score.

At the end of the 90-day monitoring period, Travelers will assess your driving performance and calculate a discount based on how safely you drove. This discount will be applied when you renew your policy. If you’re not satisfied with your discount, you have the option to undergo another 90-day monitoring period to improve your score.

However, if your driving habits are less than stellar—marked by speeding or abrupt braking, for instance—there is a possibility that your insurance rate could increase. Fortunately, you can opt out of the program within 45 days of enrollment without facing a penalty. For Montana and Kansas residents, the opt-out period is more flexible, with Montana allowing opt-out at any time and Kansas offering a 90-day window.

Where Is IntelliDrive Available?

IntelliDrive isn’t available in all states. Currently, it is offered in 38 states plus the District of Columbia. If you reside in one of the following states, you won’t be able to enroll in IntelliDrive:

• Alaska
• Arkansas
• California
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• New York
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

How Long Is the IntelliDrive Program?

The IntelliDrive program involves a 90-day monitoring period. During these three months, your driving data will be tracked to determine your discount amount. The discount will be applied at the time of your policy renewal. If the initial discount isn’t satisfactory, you can opt to undergo a second 90-day monitoring period to try and improve your discount.

What Discounts Can You Earn Through Travelers IntelliDrive?

Upon enrolling in IntelliDrive, you could initially save up to 12% on your insurance premiums. After completing the 90-day monitoring period and demonstrating safe driving habits, you may earn a discount of up to 30% off your car insurance premium. Keep in mind that the exact discount percentage can vary by state.

In addition to IntelliDrive, Travelers offers other ways to save on car insurance, such as discounts for maintaining a clean driving record, paying for your policy in full, and owning a new car.

What Are the Pros and Cons of IntelliDrive?

Pros:

• Easily Access Your Driving Data: IntelliDrive provides a grade from A to D based on your driving behavior. This feedback can help you identify areas for improvement and optimize your driving habits for a better discount.
• Opt Out Early Without Penalty: If you decide that IntelliDrive isn’t for you, or you’re concerned about a poor driving score impacting your premium, you can opt out within 45 days without facing any penalties (90 days for Kansas drivers).
• Short Monitoring Period: Unlike some telematics programs that require indefinite participation to retain discounts, IntelliDrive only requires a 90-day commitment.
• Monitor Teen Drivers: For parents, IntelliDrive offers insights into their teen drivers’ performance, which can be valuable for ensuring safe driving habits.
• No Premium Hike in Virginia and Pennsylvania: In these states, IntelliDrive participants are not penalized with a premium increase for poor driving habits.

Cons:

• Availability Limitations: IntelliDrive is not offered in all states, which may limit its accessibility for some drivers.
• Challenges for Daily Commuters: If you have a long daily commute, it might be difficult to achieve a perfect score due to higher mileage and increased exposure to potential traffic incidents.
• Privacy Concerns: The app tracks various aspects of your driving data, which might be intrusive for those concerned about privacy.
• Penalties for Extenuating Circumstances: Your driving score might be negatively affected by factors beyond your control, such as driving during rush hour or sudden braking in response to road conditions.
• Possible Score Penalty as a Passenger: If you’re a passenger in someone else’s car and fail to notify the app, you might get penalized based on the driver’s performance.

Who Is Travelers IntelliDrive Best For?

Travelers IntelliDrive is particularly well-suited for safe drivers who are eager to earn discounts on their auto insurance premiums. If you already practice defensive driving habits, you’re likely to benefit from the program. Additionally, those who are comfortable with their driving data being tracked and analyzed will have a better experience with IntelliDrive.

Ideal candidates include:

• Remote Workers: If you work from home and have limited driving needs, you may find it easier to achieve a high score.
• Remote College Students: Students who primarily stay at home or have minimal driving requirements can benefit from IntelliDrive.
• Stay-at-Home Parents: With less daily driving, stay-at-home parents can often maintain safe driving habits and achieve a good discount.
• Retirees: Those who drive less frequently and during off-peak hours might find IntelliDrive advantageous.
• Short Commuters: If your commute is brief, you’ll likely have fewer driving risks to impact your score.
• Public Transportation Users: Individuals who use public transportation regularly and drive less often can benefit from IntelliDrive’s discount opportunities.

FAQs

Q: What is Travelers IntelliDrive?

A: Travelers IntelliDrive is a telematics program that tracks your driving habits through a mobile app to potentially earn discounts on your auto insurance premium based on how safely you drive.

Q: How do I get started with IntelliDrive?

A: To start with IntelliDrive, download the IntelliDrive app from Google Play or the Apple App Store, agree to have your driving data tracked, and use the app over a 90-day monitoring period.

Q: What driving behaviors does IntelliDrive track?

A: IntelliDrive tracks several driving behaviors, including speed, time of day, acceleration, braking, distraction (e.g., phone use), and mileage.

Q: How long is the monitoring period for IntelliDrive?

A: The monitoring period for IntelliDrive is 90 days. During this time, your driving data is collected to determine your discount.

Q: When will I see the discount from IntelliDrive?

A: The discount calculated based on your driving performance will apply when you renew your insurance policy after the 90-day monitoring period.

Q: Can I opt out of IntelliDrive if I’m not happy with the program?

A: Yes, you can opt out within 45 days of enrollment without penalty. However, drivers in Montana and Kansas have a more flexible opt-out period: Montana drivers can opt out at any time, while Kansas drivers have 90 days to opt out.

Q: What happens if I drive poorly during the monitoring period?

A: If you exhibit poor driving habits, such as frequent speeding or abrupt braking, your insurance rate might increase. To avoid this, you can opt out of the program early.

Q: Is IntelliDrive available in all states?

A: No, IntelliDrive is not available in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, North Dakota, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Q: What discounts can I earn with IntelliDrive?

A: You can initially save up to 12% on your insurance premiums when you enroll. After the 90-day monitoring period, safe drivers could earn a discount of up to 30% off their car insurance premium, though the exact amount can vary by state.

Q: Are there any privacy concerns with IntelliDrive?

A: IntelliDrive tracks your driving data, which may raise privacy concerns for some users. If you are uncomfortable with having your driving habits monitored, this program may not be the best fit for you.

Q: Can IntelliDrive benefit my teen driver?

A: Yes, IntelliDrive can help parents monitor their teen drivers' performance and provide guidance on safe driving habits, potentially leading to safer driving practices.

Q: What if I have to drive during rush hour or late at night?

A: IntelliDrive may flag driving during rush hour or late-night hours as higher risk, which could affect your driving score.

Q: Will my insurance premium increase if I enroll in IntelliDrive in Virginia or Pennsylvania?

A: No, drivers in Virginia and Pennsylvania will not face a premium increase based on their driving habits tracked by IntelliDrive.