A black box, or telematics device, can record information about how, when and where a car is driven. Depending on the insurer and policy, this can include speed, braking, acceleration, cornering, mileage, time of travel, journey frequency and vehicle location.
Brief answer
Black boxes are designed to collect driving information that an insurer can use to assess driving behaviour.
The exact data collected varies between insurers and telematics providers, so there is no single list that applies to every black box.
Common examples include:
- Speed
- Braking
- Acceleration
- Cornering
- Mileage
- Time and date of journeys
- Location
- Types of roads used
- Frequency of journeys
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says telematics policies can collect data about how, when and where a vehicle is driven.
The detail
Does a black box record your speed?
It can.
For example, RAC’s current black box insurance information says its telematics system records speed, braking, acceleration and cornering, alongside information such as the time of day, frequency and distance of journeys.
The precise way speed data is used depends on the policy. Some insurers may use it as part of a driving score or risk assessment.
Does it record braking and acceleration?
Yes, many telematics systems record braking and acceleration.
The purpose is generally to build a picture of driving behaviour rather than simply record individual incidents.
For example, an insurer may consider patterns of harsh braking or rapid acceleration when assessing a driver’s overall driving style.
Does a black box track your location?
Some do.
Location data can be part of telematics insurance because it allows the insurer to understand when and where the vehicle is being driven.
For example, RAC’s privacy information says its black box can generate information about speed, braking, acceleration, types of roads, time and date of travel and vehicle location.
However, drivers should check the privacy notice and policy wording for the specific product they are considering because data collection varies.
Does a black box know who is driving?
Not necessarily.
A telematics device is generally recording what happens to the vehicle rather than identifying the person behind the wheel.
For example, RAC states that its black box builds a picture of how the car is driven, rather than who drives it. It also explains that if another insured person drives the vehicle, their driving can affect the policy’s driving score.
This is particularly important if a young driver shares their car with another person.
Can a black box record where you drive?
Some policies can.
Telematics data may include the vehicle’s location and the types of roads used. This can help an insurer understand vehicle usage as part of its risk assessment.
The ABI says telematics data can be used to provide customers with feedback about driving performance and, depending on the policy, may allow a policyholder to see information about where and when a vehicle has been driven.
Is every black box the same?
No.
Different insurers use different devices, apps and scoring systems. Some policies use a physical device fitted to the vehicle, while others can use smartphone technology or other forms of telematics.
The ABI recommends that insurers explain what data their particular telematics product collects and how that information is used.
Before buying a policy, check:
- What information is collected
- How frequently it is collected
- Who can access it
- How long it is retained
- Whether it affects your premium
- Whether other people named on the policy can see it
- What happens to the data when the policy ends
MyFirst says this tip
MyFirst recommends checking the specific terms of a black box policy before buying it because telematics products do not all collect or use data in exactly the same way.
Rather than assuming every black box monitors the same things, young drivers should look at the insurer’s policy documents and privacy information to understand what is recorded and how it could affect their insurance.
Related questions
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