Kanetix.ca DriveSmart is the first hands-free smartphone application in Canada that helps drivers gauge if they would benefit from joining a usage-based insurance (UBI) program. The app runs in the background and automatically detects when someone starts and stops driving. It’s completely hands-free, with no need to interact with the phone, encouraging drivers to not drive while distracted.
All driving factors used in UBI programs are captured by the app and used to calculating a driving score. The app is standalone with all data collection and scoring built into the app. The smartphone doesn’t need to be mounted or placed anywhere specific in the car, doesn’t use an OBD connection, and doesn’t require any data access.
The app could also be used for a full UBI program instead of the traditional black box approach. All driving factors used by UBI programs are captured, so the app can easily be adjusted to the scoring algorithm used by any UBI program.
Distracted driving is also captured, something that traditional UBI programs cannot detect.
The free app released in August is available for download through the Apple and Android app stores.
Benefits
UBI (black box) programs have a 7-8% increase in operating cost versus traditional insurance programs. Using a smartphone app, there is no cost for hardware, installation, maintenance, or connectivity to the provider or user. The app doesn’t require or use the phone’s data plan. To use this technology for a full UBI program, the cost and time involved in getting the black box installed in a users vehicle is eliminated. The user just needs to download the app from the Apple or Android app stores.
About Kanetix.ca
Launched in October 1999, Kanetix was Canada’s first online insurance marketplace and today provides over a million quotes per year to consumers looking for insurance, as well as comparisons for mortgage rates and credit cards.
The Kanetix.ca comparison service is a one-stop shopping environment for consumers. Each day, thousands visit the Kanetix website to comparison shop their various financial needs. Shoppers choose what they want to compare, obtain a quotation and complete an online application or, with the help of Kanetix connect with the provider to purchase or apply for the product over the phone.
Through its Software as a Service team, Kanetix is also the leading provider of online insurance quotation technology, developing online quotation systems, mobile solutions, actuarial tools and websites for many of Canada’s largest insurance brands.
Source: Kanetix.ca
Tags: Kanetix, Software as a Service (SaaS), Usage-Based Insurance (UBI)
