Black box insurance explained: how telematics policies work

Black box insurance, also called telematics insurance, prices your cover partly on how you actually drive. It’s popular with young and newly qualified drivers because it rewards safe driving. This guide explains how A Choice’s telematics policies work, so you know exactly what to expect before you buy.

What is black box insurance?

A telematics policy calculates your premium based on how the vehicle is driven. A small device in your car measures your driving behaviour, including your speed, braking and the time of day or night you drive. If you drive safely and responsibly, your premium may be reduced at renewal.

A telematics policy can also give you:

• feedback on your driving and suggestions on how to drive more safely
• crash detection and assistance if you’ve been in an accident
• tracking that can help locate your vehicle if it’s stolen

Fitting the device

• You’re covered to drive as soon as the policy starts, but you must fit the device as soon as it arrives by post. If you don’t, your policy may be cancelled.
• It’s a self-fit device about the size of a matchbox. It plugs into the 12v power socket or the OBD (on-board diagnostics) port, takes a few minutes to fit and doesn’t need an engineer.
• It sits out of sight, doesn’t block your view and uses less power than a car stereo, so it won’t drain a battery in good working order.
• Devices aren’t transferable between policies: each new policy comes with its own device.

Keeping the device fitted

The device must stay installed and active for the whole policy. If you remove it or interfere with it, the insurer may cancel the policy and refuse to pay claims. If it has to come out, for example for diagnostic work during a service, tell us first so we can update your policy.

How your driving score works

The device collects data on how, when and where you drive, and this is used to calculate your driving score. Our telematics policies don’t have curfews, so you can drive when you want, but:

• regularly driving late at night, for example between 11pm and 5am, may lower your score
• regular speeding, or driving at an unsafe speed, lowers your score and may lead to your policy being cancelled
• if your overall score falls below an acceptable level, the policy can’t continue

The device doesn’t record conversations. We won’t tell the police if you’ve been speeding, or share your driving data, unless the law requires us to, and we only share data with partners where it’s needed to run your policy.

What a telematics policy doesn’t cover

Our telematics policies don’t cover using the car for deliveries, even on a temporary basis to help out a friend. If you’re not sure whether a journey is covered, check your policy documents or call us before you drive.

Mileage

You give an estimated annual mileage when you buy, and it’s one of the things used to work out your premium. If you think you’ll go over it, contact us so we can update your policy.

Is black box insurance right for you?

Black box insurance can suit drivers who are happy for their driving to be monitored and who mostly drive at sensible times and speeds. If you regularly drive late at night, or need the car for deliveries or work, check the policy terms carefully. We can tell you about the options available from our panel of insurers, including young driver insurance with or without a black box.

More answers are in our telematics FAQs.

Common questions

Can I drive before the black box arrives?

Yes. With a telematics policy through A Choice you are covered from the start of the policy, but you must fit the device as soon as it arrives by post, or your policy may be cancelled.

Are there curfews on A Choice black box policies?

No. Our telematics policies do not have curfews or driving restrictions, but regularly driving late at night, for example between 11pm and 5am, lowers your driving score.

Will the police be told if I speed?

We will not tell the police if you have been speeding, or share your driving data, unless the law requires us to. Regular speeding does lower your score and may lead to your policy being cancelled.

Can I take the black box out?

The device must stay installed and active for the whole policy. If it has to come out, for example for diagnostic work during a service, tell us first so we can update your policy.

Can I use my black box car for deliveries?

No. Our telematics policies do not cover using the car for deliveries, even on a temporary basis to help out a friend.