Consumers Are Embracing Connected Cars and Usage-Based Auto Insurance, According to Willis Towers Watson Survey
Over the next two years, more than half of all drivers (55 percent) who participated in leading global advisory, broking and solutions company
"Steady innovation from auto manufacturers means newer vehicles increasingly roll off the production line already equipped with the technology and connectivity for a whole host of applications, including UBI," said
The survey found that a large majority (81 percent) of the roughly 10 percent of drivers who have or have had a UBI policy to date are very positive about its benefits. In addition, about the same amount said they're willing or open to sharing their recent driving data, such as the past month's data from navigational apps or an in-car system, for personalized insurance quotes. A similarly high number (84 percent) would be interested in or open to having short trial to determine the discount they could get before buying a policy.
"Drivers of all ages are embracing new driving technology, and many are willing to share their driving data in exchange for personalized insurance," said
Although willingness to share driving data is a prerequisite, consumers also have to agree to the principle that their auto insurance cost is determined by how they drive. According to the survey, resistance to that idea is very low, with only 7 percent disagreeing with the premise that UBI is a better way to calculate premiums than traditional methods. The driving-related activities most survey respondents consider deserving of discounts are careful driving, low mileage, reduced speed and avoiding distractions.
"The survey results promote the ideas that technology can be used to understand driving habits, make auto insurance premiums fairer and give individuals greater control over insurance costs. These concepts have definitely gained significant traction from drivers since our last survey, underscored by an appreciation of the potential broader benefits to society," said Werner.
Of the additional features commonly available with UBI policies, the three most valued by all drivers in the survey are automated emergency callout (45 percent), theft tracking (38 percent) and breakdown notification (35 percent). The opportunity to earn rewards, such as gift cards and vouchers, also appealed to over a third of respondents.
However, respondents did voice some important decision-making considerations, such as the possibility premiums might increase (50 percent); concerns premiums could fluctuate, thus making budgeting more difficult (38 percent); and how insurers might share their data (38 percent). "The more consumers buy connected cars and related in-car technologies, the greater the UBI adoption will be," said DeGraaf. "Many, particularly among the younger generations, are leaning in this direction, with exciting prospects for carriers that can find the right balance between cost, premium stability, rewards and range of benefits."
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