What does a car insurance telematics app track?
Usage-based insurance can use a phone app, connected-car system or device to measure driving behavior. Before you enroll, understand which data is collected and how the program can affect the premium.
What telematics may measure
The NAIC says telematics programs can use data such as miles driven, time of day, GPS location, rapid acceleration, hard braking, hard cornering and crash-related information such as air-bag deployment.
Does telematics always lower the price?
No universal result applies to every insurer or driver. Usage-based insurance is intended to align pricing more closely with measured driving behavior, but program rules, discounts and possible pricing effects vary.
Before enrolling, ask whether participation can only earn a discount or whether collected driving behavior can also increase what you pay at renewal.
Questions to ask before you enroll
- Which exact data points are collected?
- Does the program use GPS location?
- How long is the data retained?
- Can the information affect the premium upward as well as downward?
- Can you leave the program later, and what happens to the discount?
- Is another household driver using the same vehicle included in the scoring?
Compare the quote, not just the telematics discount
A telematics discount can make one line of a quote look attractive while the deductible, limits or other coverage differs. Compare the entire quote before deciding.
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Source
National Association of Insurance Commissioners — Telematics, updated September 1, 2026.
Educational information only. Program terms and permitted rating practices vary by insurer and state.