Aviva launches private car smartphone app

Aviva has announced it is using smartphone technology to create individual driver profiles which will be used to calculate tailored pay-how-you-drive premiums.

Motorists are being invited to develop the new driving behavioural app, called Aviva RateMyDrive, which could earn them 20% on their motor insurance.

The app will monitor motorists taking part in a 200-mile test including acceleration, braking and cornering. The data is then turned into an individual score which determines the motorist’s premium.

Drivers with premiums between £200 and £400 could earn discounts up to 10% and those with premiums above £400 could save 20%.

Motorists with premiums below £200 would not get a discount as their claims history, type of car and driving experience suggest they are already amongst the safest drivers.

Aviva retail director Steve Treloar said: “We believe this innovative use of smartphone technology will benefit all safe drivers, regardless of age or gender.

“Unlike traditional ‘black box’ telematics solutions, Aviva RateMyDrive app only needs a small amount of data – typically 200 miles – to create an individual driver profile. And because the app is free to download and uses the customer’s own smartphone, there is no need for motorists to have a black box installed in their car.

So far the app has been trialled with some Aviva staff and now the insurer is looking for 5,000 drivers who have android phones to help further develop the new app-based insurance.

The app will be available to those with other types of smartphone at a later date.

Treloar said: “For those who complete the RateMyDrive app trial, we will provide feedback on their driving and a quote - including any discount earned from safer driving - should they wish to take out Aviva insurance.

“And while safer drivers could receive a discount up to 20%, we won’t penalise other drivers if their driving doesn’t come up to the standard set by the app. They’ll just receive the standard premium but won’t get a discount.”

“We believe that by using smartphone technology in this innovative way, Aviva will be able to tailor premiums further to individual drivers - basically the premium will be for you, not people like you.”

Anyone interested in taking part should go to www.aviva.co.uk/ratemydrive