Allstate Unveils Drivewise Mobile App

By Kasey Schefflin-Emrich
TMCnet Contributing Writer

Allstate is continuing its commitment to safe driving practices with the release of its Drivewise smartphone app.

Drivewise is a wireless usage-based insurance device that plugs into the on-board diagnostic port of a car and tracks a variety of factors, such as mileage, braking, speed and the time of day when an individual is driving. These measurements, determined through the use of telematics technology, are then used by Allstate to calculate a discount for the customer's insurance.

While rates will not increase based on performance sources, drivers that exhibit exceptional scores and low mileage can save up to 30 percent on their insurance.

Before the app, customers could only learn about their driving habits and potential savings by going to Allstate's website. Now, customers just have to go online to register for the program and then can access information about their driving behaviors directly from the free downloadable app, available through iTunes or Google (News - Alert) Play.

"This provides our customers a method to quickly identify ways to improve their driving and, at the same time, be rewarded for safe driving habits," said Ed Biemer, senior product vice president of Allstate.

As an incentive for individuals to participate in Drivewise program, Allstate provides new customers with a 10-percent discount upon enrollment. This discount is then replaced with a performance-based one after six months of using the device.

Since its launch back in 2010, Drivewise has helped customers save an average insurance discount of 14 percent. Drivewise most recently become available in Missouri, Indiana, Minnesota, Maryland, Utah and Washington State, making it accessible now in a total of 16 states.

"We know Drivewise can create a safer, more self-aware driver and, it remains our goal to offer usage-based insurance to as many of our customers as possible so we can encourage safer driving and pass along a significant discount for it," Biemer said in a statement.