The Co-op launches smartphone app to rate saftey of young drivers
The Co-operative Insurance has launched a free Smartphone app to allow young drivers to find out how safe they are behind the wheel.
The app, available for iPhone and Android, uses telematics technology to rate drivers on their speed, cornering, braking, and acceleration, and the time of day they drive. A good overall score indicates that they are likely to save money with The Co-operative's Young Driver insurance.
The app rates each individual journey completed by a driver, and scores it between one and five once completed. An accurate score will be given for a journey of any length.
Amy Kilmartin, Young Driver Insurance Manager at The Co-operative, explains: "This is a ‘try before you buy' app aimed at 17 to 25 years olds who may have heard of ‘Smart box' or ‘telematics' insurance but aren't sure if it's right for them.
"Once downloaded it will score any journey you go on between one and five, and if you get a good score - four or five - you could see big savings if you opt for our Young Driver insurance."
The average Young Driver Insurance premium for 17 to 22 year olds is £1,345 - more than £300 cheaper than the average ‘shoparound' premium of £1,651. Customers will earn 20% of their initial premium back in discounts if they achieve a top score of five for their overall driving performance.
Although aimed at young drivers, the app is available for people of any age to download. More than half of The Co-operative's Young Driver Insurance policies are shared between young drivers and their parents so the app will also provide a ‘try before you buy' solution for parents of 17 to 25 year olds.
New research from The Co-operative Insurance shows that the average British motorist rates their own driving as 20% better than that of other road users. When asked to score their driving out of 10 the average person awards themselves a score of seven but gives other road users a score of five.
It also shows that only 16% of motorists rate their driving as a five or below, whilst more than half (53%) give themselves an eight, nine or 10 out of 10. However, nearly half (49%) rated the driving of other motorists as five or below, whilst just one in 10 (10%) gave other drivers a score of eight, nine or 10.
Amy Kilmartin said: "Most people tend to believe that poor driving is not something they're guilty of but is something other drivers do. Our Young Driver app means you can put that theory to the test as it scores your driving performance based on how well you drive.
"Getting an objective assessment of your driving style is the first step towards improving - and unlocking the door to insurance savings if you drive safely."
The app has been designed by telematics provider, Wunelli.