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Myth 1: “Telematics policies give you a driving curfew”

Perhaps the most common misconception about this type of policy is that it will enforce a strict curfew on driving times, meaning you can’t drive early in the morning or late at night without being penalised. Not much use if you’re on night shifts or traveling to the airport!

Whilst some insurers might give these trips a poorer rating, most don’t impose actual curfews preventing you from driving at these times. Better still, there are insurers like Marmalade and Veygo that don’t take the time you drive into account at all when rating your trips!

Myth 2: “You’ll be charged money for every mistake”

Telematics policies don’t operate on a zero-tolerance basis. A harsh brake or a single incident of speeding won’t immediately increase your premiums. The providers track trends over time, focusing on patterns of unsafe driving rather than isolated mistakes.

So, don’t worry – you’re not going to be financially punished for a slip-up here or there.

Myth 3: “This insurance is only for new or young drivers”

While it’s true that young or new drivers might benefit the most from black box insurance due to the extortionately high premiums found elsewhere, these policies can also save more experienced drivers money too.

If you’re looking for ways to save on your monthly or annual bills, taking out a telematics policy could result in a decent saving. Plus, if you prove you’re a safe driver, you’ll likely reduce your premium in the coming years too!

Myth 4: “Telematics boxes constantly track your location”

In the current world where protection of privacy is often at the forefront of our minds before agreeing to any sort of location tracking, having a black box installed on your car might seem the most severe invasion of it.

However, whilst black boxes can collect location data, insurers will typically only use it to understand the types of roads you’re driving on or the length of your journeys. They’re not constantly tracking your every movement and won’t ever use this information beyond what is required to assess the safety of your driving.

Myth 5: “You need to wait for a physical box to be installed”

If you’ve just secured a new ride, there’s no chance you’re going to want to wait a week or two before you can use it. Fortunately this is another common myth and most telematics policies do allow you to begin driving as soon as the policy is taken out so long as the box is installed shortly after.

Some providers like Veygo have taken things one step further. If an insurance policy is taken out with Veygo, you’ll just need to download a clever app for your smartphone which can monitor how you drive in the same way as a traditional black box.

In short, telematics insurance could benefit the budgets of all safe drivers – younger, newer, older, and experienced alike. By understanding how these policies work and separating the myths from the facts, you might find that black box insurance is a good option for reducing your premiums and remaining mindful of your driving habits.

Happy driving!

This information is intended for editorial purposes only and not intended as a recommendation or financial advice