Insurance Telematics

How Big is the Pay As You Drive Insurance Telematics market worldwide?

We have written extensively in recent months on Insurance Telematics. Last week we shared a story titled "Telematics Expert to address European Conference on Reinventing Telematics and Vehicle Insurance"

But why do we do this and why do we believe that insurance telematics is such an important topic?

The best answer is perhaps to be found in research done and a comprehensive report compiled by PTOLEMUS Consulting Group. We would like to share content from an article on these findings:

BRUSSELS, May 8, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ --

Pay As You Drive will shake up motor insurers worldwide

International strategy consulting firm PTOLEMUS Consulting Group has published the most comprehensive report ever written on Insurance Telematics.

The 400-page strategic report is set to become the industry's reference document, covering the global car insurance landscape, new telematic technologies, how they are turning the economics of the market upside down, response strategies for insurers and much more.

A free 60-page abstract of the study is available at http://www.ptolemus.com/insurance

With over 2 million customers, the Pay As You Drive (PAYD) market has reached its tipping point. We expect it to be multiplied by 50 by the end of the decade. Telematic-enabled policies will then generate €50 billion in premiums to insurers who have seized the opportunity.

This is good news for consumers worldwide. Low mileage- and safe drivers will stop subsidising fraudsters, road warriors and dangerous drivers. And save up to 50% on their car insurance premiums.

Frederic Bruneteau, Managing Director, describes the impact for insurers:

"Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face, famously said Mike Tyson. Well, this is what could happen to numerous motor insurers if they do not reshape their strategy swiftly.  The Internet is revolutionising all sectors and this is now the turn of the auto insurance industry. By enabling insurers to build their pricing based on the actual, real-time behaviour of drivers, PAYD redefines entirely the way to charge for motor risks. Underwriters must adapt to the new connected way of doing business.

After Italy, the wave is now reaching the UK and the US, where Moody's recommended underwriters to "adopt it sooner than later". We expect all developed countries to embrace the new model, with local technology- and business variants."

The study is notably based on 2 years of research and over 80 interviews with key industry players in 18 countries including ALD Automotive, Allianz, Arval, Aviva, Axa, Continental, Covea, Daimler, Denso, the Co-operative Insurance, the European Commission, Generali, Groupama, Hughes Telematics, ING, Navteq, Octo Telematics, Orange, MACIF, Magneti Marelli, MAIF, Mapfre, Michelin, NXP, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Qualcomm, SAP, Standard & Poor's, Telit, TomTom, Toyota, Trimble, Vodafone and Zurich.

Along with 220 tables and graphs, the report provides:

  • Insights on the impact of the gender ruling, eCall, ERA Glonass, CONTRAN 245, the new Italian law, the emergence of the smartphone as a data probe, etc.
  • Learnings from in-depth case studies of ALD Automotive, Amaguiz, Coverbox, Discovery Insure, GM OnStar, Hollard Insurance, Insurethebox, Liberty Mutual, MAIF-MACIF, Norwich Union, Octo Telematics, Progressive, Solly Azar, State Farm, Unipol, Uniqa and Zurich;
  • The evaluation and ranking of 60 telematic suppliers and detailed analysis of 13 solutions;
  • Clear recommendations on how to professionally address privacy issues;
  • A list of 40 patents applicable to PAYD;
  • A strategic review of the telematic insurance value chain and how it will change;
  • The results of insurer business case studies in 4 countries;
  • 10-year market forecasts for motor insurers, Telematic Service Providers, Telematic Technology Providers and mobile operators;
  • Strategic recommendations to key stakeholders including governments, insurers, automotive OEMs, mobile operators and telematic suppliers.

The Full Study and its free Abstract can be downloaded at http://www.ptolemus.com/insurance

About PTOLEMUS

PTOLEMUS Consulting Group is the first strategy consulting firm entirely focused on the domain of location-based services and telematics. Run by Partners in Brussels, Paris, Milan, Munich and Boston, PTOLEMUS assists leading companies in defining and executing their strategy.

Telematics Expert to address European Conference on Reinventing Telematics and Vehicle Insurance

One of the biggest innovations in the Car Insurance Industry is the use of vehicle telematics to ensure accurate pricing of car insurance products. Through effective monitoring of driver behaviour car insurance companies are able to provide car insurance cover based on scientific data. Not only does this have an impact of car insurance premiums but can also make a significant impact on road safety and changing driver behaviour.

Ctrack is one of the leaders internationally in providing the hardware and software used for insurance telematics. We reported previously on how the expertise of Formula 1 and Ferrari designer Rory Byrne was instrumental in the design of the DQ Track system used in the Discovery Insurance offering through Discovery Insure.

Deon du Rand, Executive Director Strategic Projects, Ctrack

Attendees of a European Conference on Insurance Telematics will now be able to gain more insights as to how this technology can be used in the battle to ensure effective, fair and affordable car insurance premiums.

Deon du Rand, Executive Director Strategic Projects of Ctrack is presenting at the international Insurance Telematics Europe 2012 conference in Londen. With Ctrack being a pioneer and leader in latest Insurance Telematics technology, including full Driver Behaviour Analysis, a number of potential clients and partners have already scheduled individual meetings with Deon and the Ctrack UK team to learn more of what Ctrack can offer the Insurance industry.

In his presentation titled “ Reinventing Telematics and Vehicle Insurance”, Deon highlights the disruptive technology and market forces developing between the Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) market and the new vehicle insurance models. He predicts the slow demise of the traditional SVR market and highlights the benefits of leading Telematics- and Insurance companies forming partnerships to address the new market dynamics and innovation required for successful Insurance Telematics business models. Deon will also the show results from their successful partnership with Discover Insurance, based on the unique concept combining proven behavioural change models with lifestyle benefits to improve Driver- and Motoring behaviours.

Case Study on Vehicle and Insurance Telematics

During his presentation Deon du Rand will use actual driving data from South Africa in a case study that promises to be most insightful

A holistic value proposition for the telematics provider, insurers and the insured, featuring an exclusive Case Study – showcasing +15,000 vehicles fitted with the Ctrack insurance telematics solution for Discovery Insurance:

• Learn how a Telematics – Insurer partnership approach is delivering real bottom line benefits to the partners and their insured clients utilising Ctrack’s interactive telematics technology, while improving safety and motoring habits.
• Hear how Human Behaviour Change models have been used to develop and implement driver incentives and lifestyle programs with value added telematics features and feedback mechanisms which put the driver in direct control of his monthly benefits and savings
• Explore how Ctrack’s high resolution technology and on-board data processing allow for improved risk ratings, reducing the volume of data required for the back-office rating engines while allowing the necessary real time, non-distracting, in-vehicle feedback on drive style that encourages permanent behavioural change.

For more on vehicle and insurance telematics also view:

What is Insurance Telematics and how will it impact on car insurance?

Vehicle Insurance Telematics

Driver Intelligence to be measured by Discovery with Discovery Insure

Outsurance activates technology to reward safe driving behaviour

Pay As You Drive and Car Insurance

Vehicle Telematics, Accident Investigation and Fleet Management

South Africans forced by increasing costs of transportation to look at car insurance premiums

South Africans are at present challenged by the sharp increases in cost of transportation. With a new increase in petrol prices announced we are forced to think twice before going on our roads. On the one hand we have very expensive price increases for fuel, and on the other those travelling in Gauteng are challenged by the costs of e-Tolling.

Social media portals such as Facebook and Twitter has featured posts, updates and tweets from many South Africans expressing and sharing their shock at how much more they will have to pay per month for transportation!

A number or organizations are at present challenging SANRAL and the Government in our courts about the Gauteng e-Toll system. Even though we may challenge the e-Toll system in the courts, there is little we can do about the cost of fuel.

Costs of Transportation

Transportation costs have many components. These include the costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, toll tariffs etc.

For our own safety we should never neglect vehicle maintenance and the safety of our passengers. We cannot delay replacing worn tyres and shocks to save a few rand in transportation costs.

Transportation costs also include the costs of insuring our vehicles – and this is something we can change! Too many of us are taking short cuts with vehicle maintenance or merely driving less without considering whether we have the right insurance in place!

Some even neglect paying their expensive car insurance premiums and go on the roads praying that they may be spared an accidents or damage to their vehicles. This is a risk we cannot take!

For the importance of Car Insurance in enhancing Road Safety also view: Car Insurance and Road Safety

Perhaps it is time for more of us to consider the different car insurance packages. We can save by focusing on insurance calculated on the basis of how we drive and how far we drive!

We might be paying the same amount on car insurance for a vehicle we rarely drive than the vehicle we use regularly to save on the costs of fuel.

The money saved on expensive car insurance could fill the empty gap in our tanks whilst still giving us the peace of mind that we are insured against the other perils on our roads - and while still driving a well-maintained and roadworthy vehicle!

We should always compare insurance products and premiums. The lesson is simple – we cannot complain about the expensive costs of transportation if we do not also consider what we are paying to insure our cars!

Insurance Telematics and Cheaper Car Insurance

We could also consider insurance products allowing safer driver to pay less for their car insurance.

For more on insurance telematics and how technology can assist us to pay a fair car insurance premium also view:

Hollard and Pay As You Drive  - see “Pay As You Drive”

Outsurance and Safe_Driver@Out  – see “Outsurance activates technology to reward safe driving behaviour”

Discovery and Vitality Drive – see “Drivers have an IQ, EQ and now with car insurance also a DQ”

MiWay and MiDrivestyle http://www.miway.co.za/midrivestyle

Motorists warned of increase in car theft through immobilizer jamming in Johannesburg

Insurance claims resulting from car jamming incidents in Johannesburg have risen in the past few months, an insurance broker said on Wednesday.

"The number of car jamming incidents in the Johannesburg area has gone up in the past 18 months, and not much can be done to stop the jamming as car remotes are electronic transmitters," Aon South Africa spokesperson Kate Lellyett said in a statement.

She said exact numbers were not available, but quoted from a newspaper report that 40 cases a week had recently been reported in the Sandton area.

"It's a challenge to give you a scientific figure as there are a number of insurance products that don't cover this type of loss, so we would not have total reported claims to check against.

"However, on the policies that do cover it we have seen a marked increase, but because of the number of unreported cases it's a challenge to quantify total losses as result," she said.

Car jamming involves blocking car remotes using a household remote because both remotes operate on a 400Mhz frequency. Criminals prevent the locking action of the car from being activated.

Lellyett said the real defence was to mitigate risk by being aware of the practice and personally checking that car doors were locked.

"Make sure you hear the beep of your alarm system and the audible sound of the locking mechanism.

"Physically check your doors and boot... Your valuables should be kept in your boot and out of sight," she said.

"Jamming is being executed by professional gangs and motorists will need to remain vigilant to prevent falling victim to this scam."

On Wednesday morning, The Star newspaper reported that of the 40 cases of theft from vehicles reported in Sandton each week, at least 85% were thefts in which jamming took place.

Aon SA said that with the average cost of a laptop at R10 000 and a lady's handbag at R5 000, the costs were substantial, with losses of around R510 000 a week and more than R2m a month.

Car jamming had significant implications, Lellyett said.

"The reality is that unless there are signs of forcible or violent entry, most insurance policies won't pay out for claims of theft of valuables from your vehicle."

- SAPA

Also view:

Caution is required to protect from “immobilizer” and “signal jamming” thieves

Vehicle Theft and Car Insurance

Vehicle telematics specialist Ctrack unveils energy efficiency solution for vehicles


Ctrack, the technologically advanced vehicle monitoring and fleet management company has launched cDrive, a driver behaviour solution that uses information sent from a vehicle to improve its energy efficiency.

“On the hardware side, we fit a telematics device with a built-in accelerometer that measures G-forces in three axes to a vehicle. This is paired with a software component that analyses the information for the most accurate results possible,” says James Verster, Chief Technology Officer at parent company DigiCore.

CDrive measures seven variables per second which includes the speed of the vehicle, its location, how fast the vehicle is accelerating and decelerating, the speed at which it goes around corners, and how fast brakes are applied.

These measurements are done relative to the exact position of the vehicle on a map so fleet managers can monitor all their vehicles on a real-time basis.

“The software compares behaviour of drivers on similar routes. This enables managers, and the drivers themselves who can log in to the system at any time, to see how their performance compares to each other,” says Verster.

There is a leaderboard that rates and ranks the drivers according to specific metrics such as speeding, harsh braking, and so on. Companies can then use this to identify drivers that require specific training.

In addition, cDrive includes a driver behaviour indicator on the dashboard of a vehicle that has green, yellow, and red LED lights that changes according to how well (or poorly) the person drives. This lets the person improves his/her driving in real-time without first having to log in to the system. It features an audible alert when an event is triggered so the driver knows when he/she commits any infractions.

“CDrive is the coming together of industrial and consumer markets to reduce risk and optimise the use of vehicles as it monitors the impact driver behaviour has on the condition of the vehicle,” says Verster.

He says that on the consumer side, insurance companies like Discovery are using the system to calculate a risk index score of their clients and rewarding them for good driving behaviour.

“We have already seen consumers saving up to 20 percent on their fuel bills by using the system and driving conservatively. You are ultimately driving ‘more green’ by maximising the energy in your vehicle,” says Verster.

Ctrack is currently rolling out the solution in the Australia, South Africa, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, and has already begun discussions with countries in Asia.

For Verster, one of the key elements of the system is that it measures the total cost of ownership of a vehicle, from fuel efficiency and tyre wear, to the impact of toll gates and other maintenance costs.

“Another key market for us is the young driver society – parents who buy cars for their school-leaving children and would like to see how safely they are driving. As this is a universal concern for parents, we see the market for this as being huge throughout the world,” he says.

Early next year, Ctrack will expand the solution with the release of a smartphone application that will provide users with a diagram which they can view at a glance to see how they can improve their driving even further.

About DigiCore and Ctrack:

Founded in the 1990s, DigiCore Holdings Ltd listed in the JSE - Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 1998. The company specialises in the research, development, manufacturing, sales and support of technologically advanced GPS fleet management, vehicle tracking and personal tracking solutions sold globally.

The design and development of these products are done in Centurion, South Africa and the products are manufactured at DigiCore's ISO certified facility in Durban, South Africa. DigiCore's technology is patented worldwide and all IP used in Ctrack belongs to DigiCore.

DigiCore, under the Ctrack brand, offers a wide range of personal tracking, vehicle location, fleet management, satellite navigation, workflow, mobile job planning and security tools - with cost effective and scalable solutions that offer a unique combination of flexibility, reliability and functionality.

DigiCore currently exports approximately 50% of its production. The Group has sold over 600,000 units since listing and has major international clients such as Royal Mail (UK), Thames Water, BHP Billiton, SAPS and Network Rail.

Those who complain about traffic congestion should perhaps avoid driving in Paris!

Would you prefer to drive in Paris or in London? For both locals and foreign visitors this is quite a challenge and they would rather prefer to use the well developed underground train systems in both these cities.

We have previously shared a blog post titled London traffic congestion and accident risk in congested traffic illustrated with real time traffic clip!. This gave a rather fascinating look at the challenges of traffic congestion experienced by millions in London.

TomTom, a leader in vehicle navigation has also provided a similar clip of the traffic in Paris. As market leader in live traffic navigation TomTom is focused on reducing traffic congestion and providing the best live traffic information to road users.

This is important for the driver - not only with a view to saving time and reducing frustrations on the road, but also to avoid potential vehicle conflict and the typical car insurance claims from accidents in congested traffic.

This technology is referred to as vehicle telematics.

What is vehicle telematics and how is this used by the insurance industry?

Under the broader meaning of telematics we could include the following:

  • The technology of sending, receiving and storing information via telecommunication devices in conjunction with effecting control on remote objects.
  • The integrated use of telecommunications and informatics, for application in vehicles and with control of vehicles on the move.
  • Telematics includes, but is not limited to Global Positioning System technology integrated with computers and mobile communications technology in automotive navigation systems.

What is insurance telematics?

There is a clear and direct relationship between vehicle telematics and the benefits they are able to provide to the insurance industry in measuring and reporting on driving behaviour. Insurance is all about measuring and calculating risk. Insurance companies evaluate the level of risk and then set premium rates and coverage per the measurement in question. Vehicle telematics is the best , most effective and scientific way to limit risk.

For more on how data from traffic flow is used in insurance products also view:

Hollard and Pay As You Drive  - see “Pay As You Drive”

Outsurance and Safe_Driver@Out  – see “Outsurance activates technology to reward safe driving behaviour”

Discovery and Vitality Drive – see “Drivers have an IQ, EQ and now with car insurance also a DQ”

MiWay and MiDrivestyle http://www.miway.co.za/midrivestyle

London traffic congestion and accident risk in congested traffic illustrated with real time traffic clip!

We all experience traffic congestion at some time when driving in our own cities and are under constant threat of insurance claims directly related to accidents in congested traffic. We always hear the complaints of traffic congestion in other cities but mostly have to go on hearsay as to how bad it might be... But what would it be like to drive in a city such as London in the UK?

We can now have a fascinating look at what congested traffic look likes by way of a movie clip based on a full day of real time traffic provided by TomTom. This is a very powerful illustration at what is meant with "peak traffic."

Traffic Congestion in Johannesburg

It clearly shows the travel patterns when people go to work and return to their homes, and might also give a good indication as to why employees are trying to change their travel patterns by perhaps going to work earlier & leaving earlier - or going to work later and returning to their homes later.

The TomTom manifesto is aimed at reducing traffic on our roads through the innovative use of GPS Navigation.

TomTom CEO Harold Goddijn revealed that if 10 per cent of the TomTom userbase were to use HD traffic, it “would reduce journey times for everyone – five per cent in Europe. And that’s where we want to go. We are on a mission…we are committed to make this work and do our bit for society and our customers."

This data is also becoming ever more important to insurers. Vehicle telematics now allows for usage based car insurance where technology is an important component in calculating insurance premiums. With vehicle telematics car insurance premiums are determined by actual performance on the road.

Telematic devices transmit real-time driving data to insurers, who can then gain a more accurate picture of driving behavior and use this to set fairer rates for law-abiding, fuel-conscious drivers who are driving at "safer times"and in "safer areas."

For more on these products view:

Hollard and Pay As You Drive  - see “Pay As You Drive”

Outsurance and Safe_Driver@Out  – see “Outsurance activates technology to reward safe driving behaviour”

Discovery and Vitality Drive – see “Drivers have an IQ, EQ and now with car insurance also a DQ”

MiWay and MiDrivestyle http://www.miway.co.za/midrivestyle

How can traffic analysis increase safety for road users and reduce crashes?

On the Arrive Alive website we have shared information on technology and how data can assist not only fleet managers but also everyday road users to reach their destinations safely and timeously.

Car insurance companies are also recognizing the importance of effective traffic flow in reducing car insurance claims. The OUTsurance Pointsmen are providing a very important service to drivers who are confronted daily with congested traffic brought about by road crashes and traffic lights not working.

With increased traffic congestion and higher levels of frustration we need to assist drivers to avoid the highly congested roads and to route them around these hazards where possible. But how do we do it – and who is the best at collecting data and making this available to road users?

The Arrive Alive road safety partner TomTom has emphasized their focus on the main objectives:

  • Being the best at Live Traffic!
  • Providing the Best Maps covering the most Areas!

We would like to share a very informative clip on how Tomtom Traffic Solutions is aimed at making life easier and safer for all road users!!

We would like to share the above video with information and also invite visitors to view the following sections:

GPS and Road Safety Blog

GPS and Road Safety

Emergency Response Time and Road Safety

Vehicle tracking plays an important role in reduction of vehicle related crimes

Do you know your car's every move? This phrase has become one of the catch phrases from the vehicle tracking industry. We have shared on the Arrive Alive website the Crime Report 2010/2011 and are pleased, from a road safety perspective, to reveal that big strides have been made in the fight against vehicle related crimes!

We would like to share a few highlights from the Crime Report and more specific - information related to the reduction on vehicle related crimes such as carjacking, truckjacking and vehicle theft.

It appears that effective vehicle tracking and technology such as mircodot technology are major contributors to the successes in reducing these crimes.

We would also like to share an actual example from our road safety partner Ctrack in apprehending vehicle thieves.

Example

On the 31st August at 19h55, Ctrack relayed a Hi-jack recovery request to Capital Air Control Centre. A Toyota Hino had been hi-jacked in Delmas. According to information, the tracking unit stopped transmitting at 19h42 after receiving a battery tamper and a GPS unlock on the N12.

The ground team searched the area where the last transmission was received from, but could not locate the vehicle. At approximately 23h00 the ground team found the driver of the vehicle on Modder Road next to Mandela Park. He was tied up, beaten and traumatised. An ambulance was summoned. At approximately 23h30 the ground team managed to arrest two suspects on the N12 outside of Daveyton.

After questioning the suspects the ground team got hold of the cell phone numbers of two further suspects that were with the hi-jacked vehicle. The two suspects were then handed over to the SAPS and taken to Delmas police station while the ground team continued to search for the hi-jacked vehicle. At 02h00 the ground team recovered the vehicle between the R50 and R25 in Delmas Road West, Kungweni. The vehicle was unlocked, had no keys and was partly stripped on the inside.

The SAPS received a tip off that the two suspects were driving a white Toyota Corolla and it was also determined that they drew the amount of R3000 from the driver's bank account.

The vehicle was handed over to the owner and the SAPS at 03h25.

Also view:

Vehicle Tracking and Road Safety

How much can a tracking device reduce my car insurance premium?

Fleet Management and Road Safety

What is this Mobile Workforce and how will it impact on my Insurance Profile?

The working environment has changed significantly and can be expected to change much more! Increased accessibility to the internet and the ease with which we can communicate from everywhere and at every time has changed the way we do business. It is no longer needed to have a series of long boring meetings, having to sit around a table and only communicate eye to eye!

It appears that the vision and promise of having a “paperless” office is gaining momentum. The affordability and technological advances in smartphones, iPads and other tablets are allowing is to perform most of our duties from remote locations and even while commuting between destinations.

This is also known as telecommuting and the process of working and communicating on trains and buses. In South Africa the Gautrain is now allowing commuters to spend quality time working which they would have spent getting agitated in congested road traffic.

Many businesses are now online businesses and consultants work from home, hotels, coffee shops etc. Many restaurants are catering for this new mobile workforce and enabling the businessmen and women to perform at the highest levels of efficiency while having their cup of coffee!

The changing work environment also has an impact on our insurance portfolios. Why would this affect our insurance profile?

  • Car Insurance - Less time is spent travelling inside our own vehicles as we are commuting on buses and trains. This provides an opportunity for insurance based on Pay AS You Drive.
  • Home and Household Insurance. We will need to look at the insurance and specification of an increased number of technological devices such as smartphones, iPads, tablets, laptops and whether these are adequately insured during travel.
  • Business Insurance. The office environment is changing and so too the number of  appliances that we need to ensure. The office chair and desk are no longer the most important pieces of furniture – we need to carefully consider the insurance of our communication devices and the devices that connect us with the internet.

What is the Mobile Worforce?

I have come across a very insightful post on Mashable titled “Rise of the Mobile Workforce”. The best way to explain how the working environment has changed is to share a infographic on this new business trend from social contact manager Gist. This tells us where the mobile workforce prefers to work and the devices they use: