The Evolution Of Telematics Programs

Thirteen years after Progressive launched Snapshot, its usage-based insurance (UBI) rewards program, telematics-based policies represent a modest part of personal and commercial lines insurance. Bullish estimates of double-digit adoption by 2020 haven’t materialized, but it’s clear that telematics-based products appeal to a need within the market.

Adoption will likely continue to grow. Insurers should consider telematics strategically, whether they expect to enter the space or not.

Insurer telematics activity in recent years has split into rough thirds: About a third of property/casualty insurers are actively engaged, a third are monitoring the space but not yet acting and a third feel telematics don’t apply to them.

Overall, Novarica estimates the penetration of telematics programs at around 6% to 8% of insurers’ overall books, based on industry research and conversations with insurers. These numbers vary substantially from carrier to carrier.