Distracted driving is becoming a very important contributing factor to road crashes. A regular visitor to the Arrive Alive website shared the above photo with the following story:

Moose

This actually happened with some guys from Maine.
They dressed the truck up with a guy spread-eagled on the roof.

The driver and passenger put on Moose heads.

Then they went down the Maine toll road Interstate, causing 16 accidents.

Yes; they went to jail...

Yes; alcohol was involved...

Also view:

Texting and Distracted Driving

Avoiding Distractions While Driving

Texting while driving hurting the car insurance industry

New Etios

Let’s face it South African consumers have taken a pummelling of late. Economic stress is at an all-time high and the general cost of living is really beginning to take its toll (pun intended).

Against this backdrop the motor industry has seen the meteoric rise of the Sub-B segment of the market as customer demands for affordably priced, practical transportation increases by the day. Toyota has answered that call with the all-new Etios. A vehicle that has it all – space (biggest in class), pace (largest capacity engine in its price segment), kit (everything you need) and cost (from just R115 800). The newcomer also adds that elusive something extra – personality. That’s why the name “Etios” is so appropriate. It’s based on the Greek word “Ethos” meaning spirit, character, and ideals.

As Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice President Toyota SA Sales and Marketing, is at pains to point out: “The Etios was conceived after some of the most extensive market research ever conducted in South Africa by a motor company. We observed every aspect of car ownership from the standpoint of the customer including general functions, performance, QDR (Quality, Durability, Reliability), and equipment. From there, we polished and enhanced the product offering and performance aspects that were truly needed, and eliminated any excessive specifications. As a result, we were able to strike the best balance between initial purchase price, running cost, performance and specification, which are all essential to a quality, affordable, “value for money” vehicle. After all, the Tazz left us with very big shoes to fill.”

A smile never goes out of style

In creating the Etios, the designer was faced with a daunting set of criteria:

• Its looks had to appeal to as wide an audience as possible;
• At the same time it still had to be visually exciting;
• Practicality as a true five-seater family car was a non-negotiable – form had to follow function.

The all-new Toyota Etios fulfills this brief to a tee. Adopting the design philosophy of bold simplicity the newcomer is neatly proportioned and balanced in both hatch and sedan guise, while still managing to be extremely accommodating in the space department – both the sedan and hatch are genuine five-seaters.

Thanks to a long wheelbase which is tailored to suit each body type (2460mm for the hatch and 2550mm for the sedan), the Etios is not handicapped by long overhangs and the sedan in particular avoids the ‘tacked-on-tail’ look that aesthetically sabotages so many of its rivals - this despite the fact that it has far and away the biggest boot (595 L) in its class. The five-door hatch features a truncated rear that has more than a hint of the beloved RunX to it.

To round off the simplistic shape, the Etios has just a few designer touches:

• The Etios grille – shaped like a smile of course, this reflects the new family face of Toyota;
• Twin prominent bonnet creases add a touch of character;
• An upswept character line follows the contours of the doors and infuses the design with dynamism.

Exterior ornamentation is used with classic restraint and is limited to chrome garnishing on the colour-coded grille as well as the hatch or boot lid (as in the case of the sedan) of XS models. Other external XS markers are the colour-coded door handles and mirrors, as well as the front fog lights. XS hatch models also come standard with a rear window wash/wipe system. Both Xi and XS variants feature 14-inch steel wheels shod with wheel caps.

Give us a big smile now!

“… the Etios’ interior certainly will bowl you over, not least because of the sheer space on offer. There is not a shadow of a doubt that the Etios is the most comfortable car in its class.” (Autocar India)

When it comes to people- and luggage-carrying capacity, the Etios plays its strongest trump card. Both the hatch and the sedan are paragons of roominess, capable of transporting five adults in sublime comfort. Generous dimensions play their part, but so does intelligent seat design. Not only are the front, bucket-type seats with integrated headrests ergonomically engineered to combat fatigue during long-distance drives, they’re also specially designed to eke out as much legroom as possible – both the sedan and hatch offer rear leg clearance of 160mm.

Ditto the back seat which is specially engineered with an extra wide squab to easily accommodate three people. (In the case of the hatchback version, the rear seat is foldable to extend the versatility of the cargo area.) Further contributing to this sense of spaciousness is the near flat rear floor with minimal intrusion from the transmission tunnel.

It’s not just people that are well catered for in the Etios, so is their luggage and other knickknaks. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the Etios’s spatial attractions:

• 13-litre glove box – big enough to swallow a handbag or even a laptop;
• Seven 1-litre-sized cup holders;
• Driver and front passenger door pockets;
  • The sedan has a ridiculously cavernous 595-litre boot – by far the biggest of any of the compact saloons currently on sale.

Unleash your inner smile

Move indoors, slip behind the sporty three-spoke steering wheel and you’ll be struck by the cockpit-like feel that is created courtesy of the central instrument cluster which is angled towards the driver. The white back lighting for the semi-circular dials coupled with the three-dimensional LED graphics make a bold style statement and require only minimal eye movement in pursuit of excellent road visibility.

Ditto the twin, vertically-stacked air conditioning vents which also have some very practical applications. They are positioned in such a way to prevent the driver’s arm or the steering wheel from interfering with the air flow. Also, the top vent is aimed directly at the rear. This in combination with the strong throw of the air conditioning means that the back seat area is chilled within seconds. It’s worth mentioning that the enormous glove box has a built-in cooling function that’s more than up to the task of storing cool drinks for everyone on board.

At a glance, here are some of the comfort and convenience features that are sure to put a smile on your dial:

• Electric power steering;
• Remote central locking (XS only);
• Tilt-adjustable steering column;
• Air conditioning with clean air filter;
• Glove box with cooling function;
• Electric front and rear windows (XS only);
• Accessory socket;
• Manual headlamp levelling system;
• Rear window demister (XS only);
• Tachometer (XS only).

Miles of Smiles

A 66kW 1.5-liter in-line 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve (2NR-FE) petrol engine featuring all-aluminium cylinder blocks has been developed from scratch and adapted to meet the specific needs of the South African market. Mated to a five-speed manual transmission, excellent fuel efficiency and drivability are the hallmarks of this drivetrain combination. The combined fuel consumption figures bear this out with the Etios returning just 5,9 L/100km and 6,0 L/100km for the sedan and hatch respectively. Engine output characteristics have been optimised with the emphasis on low speed torque (132Nm at 3000rpm) and this too is reflected in the very respectable 0-100km/h sprint which the Etios dispatches in just 11,3 seconds. Maximum speed is pegged at 165km/h.

Some other technical highlights:

• Standing oil jet technology for piston cooling.
• Forged crankshaft and connecting rod to achieve excellent durability.
• A resin intake manifold is adopted, with the aim of realising a lightweight structure.
• Electronically controlled throttle to achieve optimal engine management at all times and enhance fuel efficiency and drivability.
• A hydraulic compound-type engine mount is used for the right engine mount to achieve both excellent ride comfort and low vibration when idling.
• An engine mount with a dynamic damper is adopted for the left engine mount to reduce gear noise, thus achieving low noise and vibration during driving.
• Suspension system tuned to achieve a supple, mild ride comfort that reliably traces the bumps in the road surface. A Macpherson strut suspension is adopted for the front suspension. Shock absorber anti-dust performance is enhanced, which in turn benefits shock absorber longevity in dusty regions. A torsion beam suspension is adopted for the rear suspension. Luggage compartment width has been expanded by positioning the suspension towards the outside, also in consideration to utility. A reinforcement brace is utilised for the rear suspension to ensure handling stability.
• Fuel consumption is improved by adopting an EPS (Electric Power Steering) system (as compared to models equipped with conventional hydraulic power steering systems).
• 3-way catalyst technology is adopted in consideration for the environment, thus realising low CO₂ emissions - 140 g/km for the hatch and 138 g/km for the sedan.

Good things come to those who smile

With such high stakes in the B-segment Toyota has definitely played it safe with the new Etios. ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) is equipped as standard on all models as are SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags which are adopted for the driver and front passenger.

On the security front, an immobiliser is standard across the range, as are child protection locks on the rear doors and a LED high-mount stop lamp. XS models are equipped with remote central locking.

A smile costs nothing (well almost nothing)

Etios 1.5 HB Xi            -           R115 800;

Etios 1.5 HB Xs           -           R120 900;

Etios 1.5 SD Xi            -           R121 800;

Etios 1.5 SD Xs           -           R126 600.

There is a comprehensive range of accessories available for the new Etios including a body kit, protective mouldings, a selection of seat covers and stereo systems as well as carpet overlay sets and a Bluetooth kit to name just a few of the items. For a full list of approved aftermarket items, please see the Accessories document in the press kit.

All new Etios models come with a two-year/30 000 km Service Plan included in the purchase price (service intervals are every 10 000 km), along with Toyota's comprehensive three-year/100 000 km warranty.

The new Etios is supported by the ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance Programme and entitles customers to 24 hour roadside assistance, ensuring ultimate peace-of-mind motoring.

Photo by Elzette Nel Fourie

As Americans gear up for summer vacation, TomTom today shared survey results that reveal the road trip realities of 5,000 moms from around the world. An independent global study conducted by the research company Ipsos MORI in March 2012 and commissioned by TomTom found that it takes on average just 27 minutes for children to get bored on long car journeys. Of those countries surveyed, children in Australia get bored the quickest at 23 minutes while American children display a bit more patience, with boredom kicking in at 30 minutes. Children from New Zealand appear to be the most patient, and will tolerate up to 34 minutes before their patience wanes.

While 60 percent of moms said that "being together as a family" is the best part of a family trip, they admitted it can be stressful. Forty-one percent reported that being in the car with their children is more stressful than being in the office, and 36 percent said they are likely to argue with their partner during the journey.

"While we can't stop children from getting bored, we can make sure family journeys are the best they can be," say Corinne Vigreux, managing director of TomTom's Consumer Business Unit. "From avoiding endless hours spent in traffic jams, to finding the best places to stop en route, TomTom is an ideal travel companion for a family road trip."

The study suggests that the average road trip lasts approximately five hours. With so much time spent in the car, moms have become resourceful at keeping their children entertained. For instance, 74 percent make up games, 52 percent offer treats and rewards, and 24 percent admitted that they will lie about the estimated time of arrival to make the journey seem shorter.

TomTom aims to make family journeys better by reducing the time spend in traffic and by offering driver-friendly content and services to help families make the most of their time together. TomTom HD Traffic helps drivers reach their destination faster, and TomTom's LIVE services and travel apps, available on the GO LIVE 1535M and GO LIVE 2535M devices, help families find and navigate to recommended places such as restaurants and play areas along the way.

About TomTom

Founded in 1991, TomTom (aex:TOM2) is the world's leading supplier of in-car location and navigation products and services focused on providing all drivers with the world's best navigation experience. Headquartered in Amsterdam, TomTom has 3,500 employees and sells its products in over 40 countries.

[Info from Business Wire]

Also view:

GPS and Road Safety

Avoiding Distractions While Driving

Vodacom (VOD) has received the go-ahead to enter the South African insurance market having been recently awarded a long term insurance licence by the Financial Services Board (FSB).

This licence, along with the short term licence granted earlier this year, allows Vodacom to underwrite and sell insurance products.

Vodacom is able to leverage the direct links it has with its more than 30 million customers and dramatically reduce the costs traditionally associated with acquiring and serving customers. These savings enable Vodacom to extend greater value to its customers. Vodacom is also recognised as one of South Africa's most trusted brands, which is likely to be a major benefit when it comes to attracting customers who are looking for insurance products.

“Our insurance business proposition is simple; we are focused on providing Vodacom customers with unbeatable value. Our customers will benefit from the value and convenience that we are able to offer. The vision is to dissolve the barriers to entry for all South Africans previously unable to access insurance products,” says Mark Taylor, Managing Executive of Vodacom Financial Services.

As part of the strategic decision to enter the insurance market, Vodacom appointed FRANK.NET, South Africa's fastest growing direct life investment company which is owned and capitalized by Liberty Holdings, to provide administrative and claims support for its long term insurance offering.

“FRANK.NET is a good fit for us. The company has a proven track record in the long term insurance industry with the latest technology platforms and innovative ways to provide an excellent customer experience. We are excited about the depth of experience that FRANK.NET will bring and believe that they will provide excellent service that our customers expect,” says Taylor.

FRANK.NET's direct capability is purpose built to support the delivery and administration of insurance programmes and it currently does so for a number of enterprises.

FRANK.NET CEO, Lenerd Louw, said: “We are pleased to work with Vodacom to support their new long term financial products offering. The scale of FRANK.NET's direct capability enables us to easily support the delivery and administration of insurance programmes to help Vodacom leverage from our proven affinity platforms. We look forward to supporting Vodacom as they grow and develop exciting new products to address the financial needs of the South African population.” [Info from I-Net Bridge]

A regular visitor to the Arrive Alive website shared photos of an amazing bus heading to Abu Dhabi

Technical specifications

Power train Electric motors powered by lithium polymer battery pack and regenerative braking
Power output 300 kW, peak at 600 kW for 1 minute
Driving range 210 km
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 0.1g in comfort mode
Braking 250-0 km/h in less than 200m
Cruising speed 250 km/h (155 mph)
Length 15,000 mm (49.21 ft)
Width 2,550 mm (8.20 ft)
Height 1,650 mm (5.41 ft)
Weight 9,500 kg fully loaded
Weight distribution 34/66
Torsional stiffness 30000 Nm/deg
Suspension Air springs and frequency selective dampers system with lifting subframe in aluminum
Ride height range 330 mm (70mm to 400mm)
Chassis frame Carbon fiber
Bodywork IXIS Thermoplastic reinforced fiberglass
Glazing Lexan Polycarbonate
Driving mode Driver assisted controlled on existing roads, autopilot on Supertrack
Equipped with Seat belts, airbags, TV, internet, air-conditioning, heating, etc
Provided with Navigation system, obstacle detection, communication system, fail safe system and control system

Tuesday, May 15, 2012: The DNA Project is a Cape Town- based initiative whose mission it is to raise awareness of the importance of DNA preservation at crime scenes, and in 2011 it combined forces with FoxP2 and created a TVC called ‘The Cigarette that saves lives’ which was flighted on Top TV last year, and DSTV and MNET in 2012.

To support the message of the TVC the creative team at FoxP2 conceptualized an activation to represent the loss and damage that first-on crime scene responders as well as the general public can effect to evidence left at a crime scene.  The activation took place on Tuesday morning, May 15, 2012 at the Cape Town Train Station and will show, using time-lapse videography of the activation, how the lack of proper preservation of a crime scene can destroy valuable evidence and the chance of a conviction.  The video of the activation will be posted on YouTube for public viewing.

The activation consisted of a large (8m x 6m) sand box filled with tiny stones of various colours depicting a mug shot of a convict holding up an ID board.  This box was placed in the busy open hall area of the Cape Town Metrorail station.  Commuters were encouraged to walk over the box, thus blurring the mug shot and making it increasingly difficult to see the convicts’ face.  The idea got the public involved in demonstrating how disturbing a crime scene can prevent criminals from being identified.

Commuters walking over the box and disturbing the image was captured using time-lapse video. This will be edited into a viral that is played at high speed in under one minute and used in a campaign over the social media network to spread awareness.

About The DNA Project:

After her father was brutally murdered in his Johannesburg home in 2004 and all traces of DNA and other forensic evidence were lost, destroyed and neglected due to the inexperience and lack of crime scene preservation awareness of the first on crime scene responders, Vanessa Lynch realised that something needed to be done to address this issue in SA and founded The DNA Project.   (See notes to editor).

Based on Interpol figures South Africa has high but manageable levels of property crime but an extraordinary high level of violent crime. It is South Africa’s high level of violent crime that sets the country apart from other crime-ridden societies; this finding is supported by CIAC data indicating that since 1994 recorded violent crime has been escalating at a faster rate than any other crime category.  It is primarily violent crime that fuels people’s fear of crime. To lose its label as crime capital of the world, violent crime levels have to drop substantially in South Africa, http://www.iss.co.za/pubs/CrimeIndex/01Vol5No1/World.html, as well as have our rate of conviction dramatically increase.

In recent months several visitors to the Arrive Alive website has complained about other road users driving recklessly and with a disregards for the safety of others within gated estates. We would like to use as an example one such an email sent to the Arrive Alive website:

Question:

"I have read your article on rules of the road and road safety in gated estates wherin you state that the"private roads " so often referred to are in fact Public Roads and fall under the Road Traffic Act 96 of 1996. I have an issue at the moment where a 4 year old child on his bike was allowed onto the "private road" in our estate without any adult supervision and coliided with our car because he could not stop. Our vehicle was stationery. We are taking the parents to the small claims court because they claim that children have the right of way in the estate according to the conduct rules of the HOA of the estate and refuse to pay damages.

The child was riding down the road ,which is one way, in the wrong direction. The collision accured because he was not visible to our vehicle as we came round a 90 degree corner. We were able to stop in time but not the child who collided with the front of our vehicle.

Where in the road traffic act does it say that the rules of the road on a public road also apply in estates ? We are attempting to prove negligence on the part of the mother. I would appreciate a comment and or the relevant reference in the act pertaining to road rules in estates."

Answer:

Alta Swanepoel

Rules of the Road and Road Safety within Gated Estates and Communities

• Traffic Calming Speed Calming and Road Safety
• Quad Bike Safety and Injuries
• Golf Carts and Road Safety

Would my vehicle be less attractive to car thieves if I brand the vehicle with bright colours etc? This thought has crossed my mind while thinking of ways to reduce the risk of vehicle loss through theft and hijacking. The Polo that I am driving at the moment has a visible scar on the back bumper where an electric gate closed on it. This was rather annoying when it happened, but as time went on I considered this to be an anti-theft feature.

I have often asked the question – “If I was a thief  - would I take the vehicle where there is still repairs or alterations to be made or would I rather take the vehicle without any distinguishing features?” This also prompted my question – “Can vehicle branding reduce my car insurance premiums?”

We often find the larger companies branding their fleets of vehicles and this serves as effective roaming advertising as well! I do believe that these vehicles are less likely to be taken by thieves than your nice looking non branded vehicle!

Car Insurance and Vehicle Branding

I decided to raise this question with a few of the insurers and would like to share the response received from Discovery Insure:

“Branding probably does have an effect on theft risk in the same way that unique or unusual vehicle brands are lower risk (I doubt many Ferraris ever get stolen!). Much easier to find a branded car quickly than a White BMW for example.

The incidence of branded cars in personal lines insurance is very low and hence this is not a question that a personal lines insurer would ask. Also it at best only affects theft risk and not really accident risk (which is the larger risk an insurer covers)

To the best of our knowledge, ‘vehicle branding’ is not used as a rating factor during initial pricing in personal lines currently, meaning that it is not something that is asked during the initial selling process.

I am unable to assist you with answering your questions with regards to theft risk associated with vehicle branding as I am unaware of any analyses done in this regard. One thing that might be useful to consider is that speed at which branded cars could be re-sprayed following the theft event.

Unfortunately I am also unable to comment on Fleet insurance which is not covered by Discovery Insure.”

Conclusion

Even though branding your own vehicle might not at present provide you with a reduced car insurance premium, there is more at stake than just payment of your monthly premium. It is always better not to have your vehicle stolen than to have peace of mind that the insurance can cover the theft!

If you are a cautious vehicle owner you will do more than just pay your car insurance premium to protect your vehicle and yourself.

If we are able to reduce the chances of being hijacked we might be well advised to consider such options. The branding of vehicles might be advantageous both to advertise our business and to reduce our chances of becoming victims of vehicle crime.

We would advise that you consult with your insurance company on this matter and where you are a business owner with several vehicles on the road, vehicle branding would definitely be an important consideration to bring to the attention of your car insurance company!

Here is a nice example of visible vehicle branding from my photographer friend Anton Geyser from Auto Excellence in Centurion:

Rugby15 branded vehicle at Loftus Versfeld

Rugby15 branded vehicle at Loftus Versfeld

]]> http://www.insurancechat.co.za/2012-05/can-vehicle-branding-reduce-my-car-insurance-premiums/feed/ 0 http://www.insurancechat.co.za/2012-05/focus-on-lifestyle-changes-to-move-towards-health/ http://www.insurancechat.co.za/2012-05/focus-on-lifestyle-changes-to-move-towards-health/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 07:51:09 +0000 jonckie http://www.insurancechat.co.za/?p=3014

Elizma de Jager in photo by Nick van der Leek

The human body is an amazing machine which can achieve some pretty amazing feats. The 2012, London Olympic Games is a few months away now and the excitement will soon be palpable. Yet millions of viewers of this years games will be enjoying it from their most favorite arm chair.

Innovation has brought various technological marvels to be and these marvels can be observed all around us. From offices integrated with local area networks or DNLA to fast availability of delivery services which will bring you pretty much anything you need to your doorstep. All of these have one thing in common, they reduce time spent on unnecessary travel thus saving time and making your life easy, but some of these comforts come at a price. A price you might end up paying with your life.

Today's youth do things a little bit different to what the generations of the past use to. Back in the day we ran to our friends who lived a few blocks away to get the cricket game at the local park going and it would keep going till our parents would come and find us or it got to dark to see the ball. Today a text, email, instant message or social media post will suffice as notification to your friends to log onto their favorite games console's network so that the session can commence.

Fact is today's living is easy and we are paying for it with our bodies. Every movement we make takes energy and converts fat or substance into sugar which fuels the body. It's basically the same as with a car and a fuel tank. You need fuel to move. Problem is when comparing the body to an automobile our tanks and fuel reserves out weigh the usage and the bodies fuel gauge does not have a limit, you can just keep on adding and adding.

How do we curb the problem then? By making small adjustments to our daily activities you can really make a difference. How about going up to the third floor coffee room instead of the one 20 feet away. Instead of waiting for the elevator, take the stairs. Remove the batteries from the remote and get up from the couch to change the channel or adjust the volume. The more you move the better.

A small adjustment and a different view towards the definition of physical effort may change your life. Start today and start moving for health.

Andre Visser, ER24

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.