Cheaper insurance and improved safety are helping to encourage some drivers to make the shift to telematics-based insurance policies but more work is needed to persuade others of the benefits.

30% of those surveyed could see no incentive to switch to using telematics

So says global fleet/insurance telematics solutions provider Redtail Telematics as its research among UK drivers finds nearly 30% say they could think of no reasons to change from traditional motor insurance policies.

Carried out among 1,500 drivers, the Redtail Telematics/YouGov research identified the top five reasons that UK drivers would choose telematics-based motor insurance policies. Potential reductions in the cost of car insurance came out top with 47%, followed by tracking in the event of the car being stolen (36%). Claims management support with car accidents came in third (31%), followed by a financial incentive to drive safely (29%) and lastly, to help with self-awareness of their own driving style (27%).

Redtail Telematics CEO, Dr Colin Smithers said: “Developments in the car insurance market have the potential to revolutionise the way we drive and how we guard against the risks of poor driver behaviour, but as the research highlights, there is still a process of education that needs to take place to convince the 30% of those surveyed who see no incentive to switch to using telematics.

“The increased use of telematics has important implications for anyone who might consider taking up a telematics-based insurance policy, policymakers and for society as a whole. Widespread use of telematics is also likely to lead to better driving and fewer fatalities.”