by Guest » Wed Sep 18, 2013 06:51 am
I’ve heard that nowadays more and more people are allowing their carriers to spy on them. They say it helps reduce the premiums and to do that I just need to plug-in a snapshot device into my car. Should I do that? Could they breach my privacy with that? I’m a bit skeptical and scary after all the things regarding NSA got revealed. Would it really save me some bucks?
Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2013 08:56 am Post Subject:
Could they breach my privacy with that?
Absolutely! Those devices are directly connected to the NSA spy satellites in orbit over the US. They'll hear everything you say over your cell phone that you aren't supposed to be holding in your hand while driving. Or capture all the text messages you send. It's amazing how the insurance companies are in cahoots with the government these days -- they get a big break on their taxes for doing it.LOL. :roll:
Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2013 05:03 am Post Subject:
Hi Steve!
Please overlook the above response by Max...
Should I do that?
You might! These days, auto insurers are just interested in knowing how you drive, how much you drive and when you drive.
To do so they just send you a device that you need to plug into your car’s onboard diagnostic port. Usually, it is situated below the steering column. The device simply records data on your mileage and driving habits and sends them to your insurance company.
There are many such programs like Progressive’s Snapshot, State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save, and Allstate’s Drivewise that use your auto’s OnStar, In-Drive or Sync communication system to collect your driving information.
Could they breach my privacy with that?
Most of the carriers assure that your driving data is safe from prying eyes. However, law enforcement department could certainly have your data, and the information could be sought as part of a civil lawsuit.
Would it really save me some bucks?
See, discounts vary from person to person and state to state. While State Farm promises a discount of up to 50%, with Allstate’s Drivewise program, you’ll get a 10% discount when you begin, but the full discount won’t start until your policy renews.
Now, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) too asks for speed alert devices, which gives you visual or audible alerts while driving...
Despite the privacy concerns, according to some industry experts 20% of consumers will have usage-based insurance within the next five years, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. See here: http://www.naic.org/cipr_topics/topic_usage_based_insurance.htm
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