Survey: Which Technologies Are Insureds Most Willing to Adopt for Lower Premium?

Most Americans are pretty sure that they won't be driving drunk, and want their insurers to know it, if a survey by CarInsurance.com is to be believed.

The sample of 500 drivers was asked how willing they would be to accept certain restrictions from their insurance company in return for lower premium. Of the seven examples, the only one with that elicited acceptance from a majority of respondents was an in-car breathalyzer, according to a CBS News report. Sixty-four percent affirmed that they would be willing to blow before starting their car if a premium discount was the reward.

The survey, however, did offer some hope for insurers who are increasing their investment in telematics-powered usage-based insurance: 39% of respondents said they would allow insurers "to install a data-monitoring device," the second-most-accepted technology.

The rest of the restrictions ranked as follows, per CBS:

• 37% would allow the insurer to disable their cell phone while in the car.

• 28 percent would let the insurer restrict their speed.

• 27 percent would let the insurer severely limit how far they could drive.

• 24 percent would allow the insurer to decide what hours they could drive.

• 20 percent would allow the insurer to install a camera to observe them while they drove.

[Progressive's usage-based insurance licensing explained]

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