- Nearly two thirds of parents would encourage their child to purchase telematics insurance
- Almost three in four believe telematics makes young people drive more responsibly
- Just under half believe telematics should be compulsory for all drivers under 25
Parents with children aged 16‐ 26 are set to increase demand for telematics, as nearly two thirds (62 per cent) admit they would encourage their child to buy a telematics‐based insurance policy, according to research* by DrivePlus from Direct Line car insurance.
The research highlighted that the majority of parents of young drivers view telematics as positive for both their child’s pocket and safety. Three quarters (75 per cent) of mums and dads believe telematics is a good way to bring down the cost of car insurance and 73 per cent feel it reduces the dangers of driving for young people, by rewarding them to drive more responsibly. Nearly half of parents (46 per cent) would actually like to see telematics become compulsory for drivers under 25.
Parents not only want their children to embrace this technology, but over four out of ten (43 per cent) want to view their child’s driving behaviour online. Primarily they want access to check their loved one is driving safely. Eighty seven per cent of parents who want to view their child’s driving behaviour would like to see whether their child is speeding, 74 per cent want to check their child’s average speed and 51 and 41 per cent want to monitor their child’s braking and cornering respectively.
Paul Felton, Head of Telematics at Direct Line, said: “Parents are obviously concerned about their child’s safety and will always have mixed emotions when they start to drive. While driving gives a young person freedom, it also brings them closer to the potential dangers that are only too real on our roads. Parents seem to be embracing telematics as they see it as a great way to encourage less aggressive driving behaviours combined with lower car insurance premiums.”
The research also revealed that views differed between the sexes with fathers seeming more positive towards the benefits telematics can bring. Sixty five per cent of fathers would be more likely to encourage their child to purchase a telematics‐based insurance policy, compared with 59 per cent of mothers. More fathers (74 per cent) believe telematics can help young people drive more responsibly, while 72 per cent of mothers thought the same.
DrivePlus
DrivePlus, is a telematics product available either as an installed box (DrivePlus Installed) or smartphone app.DrivePlus enables drivers to receive a premium based on their individual driving behaviour and hopefully provide them with a discount on their insurance premium, depending on how well they drive. DrivePlus Installed is only available on policies where a young driver is either named or the main driver, however, the DrivePlus smartphone app is available to drivers of all ages and is available on both android and IOS formats. For anyone interested in DrivePlus Installed they should call Direct Line on 0345 246 0124 .
The DrivePlus app can be downloaded from our Telematics Page.
For more information, please contact:
Simon Henrick
Head of News and Issues
Direct Line Group
Tel:
020 8313 5965
Mob:
078 3316 6717
Email: simon.henrick@directlinegroup.co.uk
Notes to editors:
*Research undertaken by Opinium between 22nd to 28th May 2013. Sample size: 1,041 parents with children aged 16‐26.
Direct Line
Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides car, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.
Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 878 5587 or visiting www.directline.com