Direct Line launches step-change in telematics with plug-in device available to drivers of all ages

• Self-install telematics on-board device and new online portal gives drivers instant access to their driving data 
• Young drivers could save up to 25 per cent on premiums* and experienced drivers could save up to 15 per cent on premiums**
   

Direct Line today launches a new offering in telematics with a new self-install telematics on-board device.  The new DrivePlus Plug-in removes the need for a specialist fitter to visit a customer to install a device in their car.  Instead, DrivePlus Plug-in has been designed so policyholders receive the device in the post and can quickly and easily connect it to their vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostic port (AKA OBD II port) themselves.

Cutting out the cost of installing a fixed telematics device to a customer’s car means Direct Line can pass on these savings to customers, with the introduction of a discount of up to 25 per cent.

Telematics encourages better driving through directly linking driving behaviour, such as accelerating, braking and time of journey to the price of insurance. By choosing DrivePlus, motorists are able to monitor their driving score on an ongoing basis, with consistently high or improving scores leading to reductions in premiums in the future.

Those taking out a policy with the DrivePlus Plug-in will receive an upfront discount on their premium.  Young drivers aged 25 and under will receive a discount of up to 25 per cent*. The DrivePlus Plug-in will also make Direct Line’s telematics policy available to older drivers for the first time, with drivers aged over 25 receiving a discount of up to 15 per cent on their DrivePlus Plug-in policy premium**.

From the summer, we will also be offering a discount of up to 40 per cent to our renewing DrivePlus customers that have achieved the best driving scores***.

Users of the DrivePlus Plug-in will be able to review their driving feedback on the new DrivePlus online portal within minutes of completing their car journeys.

Here, drivers can view feedback on their driving score and learn how to improve, with data and feedback on the elements which make up their driving score, including smoothness, acceleration, braking, length of journey and time of journey. Drivers will receive a ‘smooth driving’ score for each journey they complete, which will contribute to their overall driving score. Users can review their overall driving score and their score for each individual journey to see how they have improved over time.

Those using the DrivePlus Plug-in will also be able to track their car’s location, review their journeys and even get information on their vehicle’s health, such as its battery life.

Gus Park, motor commercial director at Direct Line, said: “We believe that this is a huge step change in the telematics sector.  Until now, drivers have had to rely on an engineer to come and fit a device in their car.  Through a successful pilot we have identified a device that does not need an expert fitter – the customer can simply plug it in themselves at their own convenience.”

“Our customers have already covered more than twenty five million miles using DrivePlus and we believe the new device will encourage more drivers to opt for telematics. We see this is a significant step to ensure people are paying their insurance based on their own driving rather than everyone else’s.”

For more information go to: www.directline.com/car-insurance/driveplus

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The DrivePlus Plug-in is free of charge with a DrivePlus Plug-in policy. The DrivePlus Plug-in is only available for cars manufactured later than 2002.

DrivePlus does not operate any curfew periods for young drivers.

Direct Line DrivePlus Plug-in device is provided by Trakm8, a UK based manufacturing and design company. Direct Line is also working closely with The Floow, a specialist telematics service and analytics provider, to deliver the analysis and develop its customer feedback tools.

*Drivers aged 17-25 will receive a discount of up to 25 per cent. These discounts are subject to change.

** A discount of up to 15 per cent will be applied to customers who have an annual premium of £530 or higher. These discounts are subject to change. Those with lower premiums can opt to pay extra in their first year to receive the box and access to the DrivePlus Portal.

*** This discount will be subject to review and change.
 

For further information, please contact:

Emma Lowde

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Tel: 020 7282 1049

E-mail: emma.lowde@citigatedr.co.uk
 

Vicky Bristow 
PR Manager 
Direct Line Group

Tel: 01239 637377 
Email: vicky.bristow@directlinegroup.co.uk
 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com