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Progressive already has something like this that gets plugged into the car and monitors some driving habits (hours and miles IIRC). It's optional, but can get you a better deal on your insurance.
Ideally, it would also measure G-forces, to determine the frequency of sharp cornering and sudden stops and rabbit starts, which are an excellent measure of high-risk driving habits.
You can cheaply monitor your own, by putting a brim-full cup of coffee in the cupholder, but it won't help your insurance rates.
A device that minitors speed is of no use in gauging risk, unless the device knows what the speed limit is at that point. But there's nothing wrong with sliding scale insurance rates based on miles driven. Most insurers already have a 2-tiered scale on that, based on voluntary disclosure of estimated miles driven. The insurance company can check your odometer to verify, which doesn't sound very Big Brotherish to me.
Ideally, it would also measure G-forces, to determine the frequency of sharp cornering and sudden stops and rabbit starts, which are an excellent measure of high-risk driving habits.
You can cheaply monitor your own, by putting a brim-full cup of coffee in the cupholder, but it won't help your insurance rates.
A device that minitors speed is of no use in gauging risk, unless the device knows what the speed limit is at that point. But there's nothing wrong with sliding scale insurance rates based on miles driven. Most insurers already have a 2-tiered scale on that, based on voluntary disclosure of estimated miles driven. The insurance company can check your odometer to verify, which doesn't sound very Big Brotherish to me.
"Drivers on the scheme will be given a TomTom PRO 3100 as part of the package, and the device will include Active Driver Feedback and LIVE Services to warn drivers when they were cornering too sharply or braking too hard." (My Emphasis)
I still don't think it's pertinent, and just LOVE how they talk about "equality rules" and men being charged more for insurance than women. Apparently none of the folks that make up the rules have ever driven a car in a town anywhere. If they had, the insurance rates for teenage girls would be astronomical.
Remember that "Mayhem" commercial where he's a 16 year old girl, and he wrecks the pink HHR in the parking lot while he's texting?
States are also looking at ways to collect road use tax, normally paid as a tax on gas and diesel. Alternate fuel vehicles present challanges in states collecting these taxes. GPS tracking is one solution, and already built into many cars (GM's OnStar, Ford Sync, etc.) and the would only need to be programmed to 'phone home' on a periodic basis and download all trip information to the state. A bill would then be issued for the miles driven, at what ever rate per mile would be.
And they would also have every move the vehicle made with time stamps. Drive by a location where a crime occurred at about the same time, and expect to become a 'person of interest'.
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