Progressive Changes Telematics Program Name, Offers in S.D.

Mayfield Village, Ohio-based auto insurance provider Progressive has launched Progressive Snapshot Discount, a telematics program, in South Dakota.

The company first tested the program in Alabama in July 2008 under the My Rate name. This July, the name was changed to Snapshot and has been rolled out in other states including Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska since. In total, Snapshot or My Rate (which it is still called in some markets) is available in 23 states, Progressive spokesperson Susan Rouser told Insurance & Technology.

The telematics device used in Snapshot Discount is the same as under My Rate. About the size of a garage door opener, the device plugs into the on-board diagnostic port of a policyholder's car, sending driving data wirelessly to Progressive.

"The most recent update we have made to our telematics program has been wireless data transfer," Rouser explains. The company's previous telematics initiative, TripSense, required users to remove the device and plug it in at home to send Progressive trip information, she notes.

Data sent include how the car is driven, how far and how often. It doesn't include GPS and is unable to track location. Customers can log in to their policy on progressive.com during the six-month period the device is plugged in to see how their driving habits affect their rate, and, if they choose, make changes that could lead to greater savings. Customers will also see whether they are on track for a discount after 30 days. Potential premium savings are 30%, up from the 25% potential under My Rate.

Nathan Golia is senior editor of Insurance & Technology. He joined the publication in 2010 as associate editor and covers all aspects of the nexus between insurance and information technology, including mobility, distribution, core systems, customer interaction, and risk ... View Full Bio