Yes, your parents may be able to see some of your driving data if they are the policyholder or a named driver on a telematics insurance policy, but exactly what they can see depends on the insurer and the policy.
Brief answer
Black box insurance can provide driving information through an app or online portal.
If a parent is the policyholder for a young driver’s insurance, they may be able to access information about the vehicle’s driving performance.
The ABI specifically says that, under some telematics policies, a parent who is the policyholder may be able to monitor information about a young driver’s driving performance and where and when the vehicle is driven.
However, this is not identical across every insurer.
Some policies may show a driving score or summary rather than giving access to every piece of raw telematics data.
The detail
What might parents be able to see?
Depending on the policy, the information available through an app or online portal could include:
- Driving score
- Speed-related information
- Braking
- Acceleration
- Journey information
- Mileage
- Time of journeys
- Location information
- Driving feedback
The exact information available depends on the insurer.
For example, RAC says its policyholders can access their driving score and feedback through its app. It also states that named drivers on the policy can see the score through the app.
Can parents see where you have driven?
Potentially, yes.
Some telematics policies collect location information.
The ABI’s consumer guide explains that where a parent is the policyholder, they may be able to monitor their child’s driving performance and information about where and when they drive through the insurer’s web portal.
However, this does not mean that every black box policy gives parents the same level of access.
The policy’s privacy information should explain who can access the data and what information is available.
Can parents see your exact speed?
This depends on the insurer and the information made available through its app or portal.
A black box can collect speed information, but an app might present that information as part of an overall driving score rather than showing parents a detailed record of every speed measurement.
For example, RAC says its black box records speed throughout a journey, while its customer-facing system provides access to a driving score and feedback.
What if your parent is only a named driver?
The answer can be different depending on the policy.
Some insurers allow named drivers to access certain telematics information, while others may restrict access.
RAC, for example, states that named drivers on its black box policy must register with its app and can see the driving score.
This demonstrates why young drivers should check the individual policy rather than assuming that all telematics products work in the same way.
Is your driving data private?
Telematics data is personal data when it relates to an identifiable individual.
The ABI says insurers should explain the lawful basis and reasons for sharing telematics data with third parties and comply with UK data protection requirements.
You also have rights relating to personal data held about you. The ABI explains that, under UK data protection law, individuals can request access to personal data held about them through a subject access request.
Do parents automatically get everything the black box records?
No.
A black box may collect more information than is displayed to a customer through an app.
The insurer determines what information is presented to policyholders and named drivers, subject to its policy and privacy arrangements.
This is why it is worth checking the insurer’s privacy notice before taking out telematics insurance if access to driving data is an important consideration.
MyFirst says this tip
MyFirst recommends checking who can access telematics information before taking out a black box policy, particularly when a parent is arranging insurance for a young driver.
Ask the insurer:
- Who can access my driving data?
- Can the policyholder see my journeys?
- Can they see my location?
- Can they see my driving score?
- Can named drivers access the app?
- What information is stored?
- How long is the information retained?
Understanding these points before buying the policy can prevent surprises later.
Related questions
- Can my parents see my black box data?
- Can my parents see where I drive?
- Can a black box track your location?
- Can a black box see your speed?
- Who can access black box data?
- Is black box data private?
- Does a black box record every journey?
- Can a black box tell who is driving?
- Can my parents see my driving score?
- What information does a black box record?
- Do black boxes penalise harsh braking?