New Technology May Allow Insurance Companies to Charge Texting Drivers More

by | Feb 1, 2018

Texting and driving is not only one of the most dangerous things you can do behind the wheel, it may also soon be something that costs you when it comes to your auto insurance. That’s because Allstate subsidiary Artiy is developing technology to track smartphone use by motorists and use that information to reward or punish drivers, depending on whether or not they drive distracted.

According to Arity, the technology works by using accelerometers and gyroscopes inside of smartphones to detect whether a device is either immobile and lying flat on a surface, or being moved, likely in a driver’s hand. The technology would also implement features to determine when a phone is unlocked and apps are being used.

While it may sound like something from the future, Allstate has stated that it may soon use the technology when determining auto insurance rates for customers. The insurance giant also stated that it can help promote safe drivers and prevent risks posed by distracted driving, which has been cited among the leading causes of recent spikes in roadway deaths across the U.S. In fact, data from millions of trips made by Allstate drivers, confirmed that drivers who use phones behind the wheel aren’t just more likely to crash – they also cost insurance companies 160% more than drivers who refrain from distractions behind the wheel.

New Measures to Fight Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is not a new problem, but it has become increasingly concerning as smartphones have progressed and become more popular over recent years. While states across the nation have passed distracted driving laws – including laws prohibiting texting or the use of cell phones while driving – those laws have not prevented distracted drivers from injuring and killing hundreds of thousands of victims each year.

With exploration into new technology like the type being developed by Arity and Allstate, the public may see potential benefits. This includes safer roads, more accurate insurance pricing based on a person’s choices rather than factors like their credit score, and even lower insurance rates and discounts created by insurance companies that adopt similar smartphone data technology in order to compete in the marketplace and not lose out on the best drivers. While there are still some hurdles before implementation – such as approval from state regulators and privacy concerns – such technology could very well be the future of auto insurance.

Protecting the Rights of Accident Victims

As a law firm that has represented numerous victims of car accidents throughout the years, including those harmed by distracted drivers, we know the tremendous risks that come with using a cell phone behind the wheel. If you or someone you love has been harmed in a preventable wreck caused by a driver who was texting or distracted at the time, we encourage you to discuss your case and rights during a FREE consultation. Contact us to speak with a member of our team. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. represents victims throughout DC, Virginia, and Maryland.

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