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From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.<\/p>\n
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.<\/p>\n
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.<\/p>\n
Your support makes all the difference.<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead more<\/span><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA new wave of technology is poised to make it simpler for young drivers to access gadgets that could significantly reduce their car insurance premiums, according to recent analysis. <\/p>\n
Financial ratings firm Defaqto reports a significant shift among car insurance providers, moving from traditional hard-wired black boxes towards low-cost gadgets and apps drivers can install in seconds.<\/p>\n
These app-based “stick-to-the-screen” or plug-in-socket devices cut out engineer call-outs, allowing insurers to instantly track drivers\u2019 habits. <\/p>\n
Defaqto, which maintains a database of financial products, noted that several solutions include an “online dashboard” for policyholders to review their driving habits and styles, offering suggestions for better driving.<\/p>\n
Some telematics devices also feature automatic crash alerts or theft tracking, which Defaqto says “give parents priceless peace of mind.” <\/p>\n
These findings stem from Defaqto’s analysis of its database on 24 July, 2025.<\/p>\n
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open image in gallery<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>Motor insurance is a legal requirement in the UK (PA Wire)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nMike Powell, motor insurance expert at Defaqto, said: \u201cSnap-on sensors mean young drivers no longer have to hand over their keys for a black box fitting, and that convenience often means insurers are also receiving data quicker about their driving style.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, not all of the new devices include the facility for automatic crash alerts or theft tracking, so young drivers may want to check with the insurance provider to see if these are available.<\/p>\n
\u201cTechnology is still the best way to bring down insurance costs for young drivers. Soaring premiums tempt some parents to insure a child\u2019s car in their own name and list the real driver as an additional driver.<\/p>\n
\u201cInsurers call this \u2018fronting\u2019. It is classed as fraud and can void cover, land parents and teens with higher future premiums and even result in a criminal record. Building a young driver\u2019s own no-claims discount is nearly always cheaper in the long run.\u201d<\/p>\n
Defaqto said windscreen-mounted sensors are now on around a third (35 per cent) of telematics products, while \u201cplug-and-drive\u201d gadgets account for 29 per cent of products.<\/p>\n
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open image in gallery<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>Financial ratings company Defaqto said that car insurance providers are moving away from traditional hard-wired black boxes towards low-cost gadgets and apps that drivers can install in seconds (PA Wire)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThe proportion of products with engineer-fitted black boxes has more than halved over the past five years, from 50 per cent to 21 per cent, Defaqto said, as insurers switch to \u201cDIY\u201d devices.<\/p>\n
Most (83 per cent) products still give drivers an online dashboard to track braking, speed and night-time trips.<\/p>\n
But the proportion of telematics products with crash alert and theft tracking functions has fallen compared with five years ago, now accounting for 40% of policies, down from 57% and 52% respectively.<\/p>\n
Market choice has also shrunk, Defaqto said. It counted 22 providers, down from 39 five years ago.<\/p>\n
Here are some suggestions from Mr Powell for ways that young drivers can potentially reduce their costs and stay safe:<\/p>\n
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\nCars with smaller engines, strong safety ratings and modest repair costs can mean lower premiums in the first place.<\/li>\n If your car has an alarm or immobiliser fitted, include this information when you get a quote as this could potentially reduce a premium.<\/li>\n Consider taking an advanced driving course. Some insurers may reward this with a discount.<\/li>\n Choose the right telematics insurance product \u2013 those that come with a gadget to track your driving style and reward safe driving behaviours.<\/li>\n Consider whether you can add (but do not fake) a parent driver. Listing mum or dad as an additional driver shows shared use and often cuts the price. But never claim that a parent is the main driver if this is not the case.<\/li>\n Consider a higher voluntary excess. but know what you could afford if you claim. The excess is an amount that the customer agrees they will pay towards an insurance claim.<\/li>\n Consider paying annually if possible. Instalment plans may carry interest charges.<\/li>\n Try shopping around and speaking directly to insurers. Extra questions could potentially unlock better deals.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more A new wave of technology is poised to make it simpler for young drivers to access gadgets that could significantly reduce their car insurance premiums, according to recent analysis. Financial ratings firm Defaqto reports a significant shift among car insurance providers, moving from traditional hard-wired black boxes towards low-cost gadgets and apps drivers can install in seconds. These app-based “stick-to-the-screen” or plug-in-socket devices cut out engineer call-outs, allowing insurers to instantly track drivers\u2019 habits. Defaqto, which maintains a database of financial products, noted that several solutions include an “online dashboard” for policyholders to review their driving habits and styles, offering suggestions for better driving. Some telematics devices also feature automatic crash alerts or theft tracking, which Defaqto says “give parents priceless peace of mind.” These findings stem from Defaqto’s analysis of its database on 24 July, 2025. open image in gallery M…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4394,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4393"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4393"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4393\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4394"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4393"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4393"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.seekyourlove.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4393"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}