It’s common knowledge that new, inexperienced drivers tend to pay more for car insurance coverage in Canada. This is due to the fact that new drivers haven’t had the time to showcase their driving abilities and habits to their insurance providers. However, many new drivers do have safe driving habits, which should translate to lower insurance rates. Unfortunately, this process can take some time.

At Surex, our main goal is to help drivers of all experience levels save on car insurance.

That’s why we’d like to introduce the IntelliDrive app from Travelers. Have you never heard of IntelliDrive before? That’s ok! Today’s article will go over everything that you need to know about this fantastic car insurance tool!

What is IntelliDrive and how does it help drivers save on car insurance?

The Travelers IntelliDrive app is a unique usage-based smartphone application that helps drivers save on their car insurance based on their on-road performance, habits and distractions.

Drivers that showcase responsible driving habits can potentially save up to 30% on their car insurance premium (when they renew their policy with Travelers). You’re able to take advantage of this discount for as long as you hold a policy with Travelers.

However, if you don’t drive safely and get distracted numerous times throughout the process, you may see an increase in your future car insurance premiums.

With this in mind, it’s easy to see how the IntelliDrive app is a fantastic tool for responsible drivers of all experience levels, but particularly new drivers that want to showcase their skills.

What aspects of your driving habits does the Travelers Insurance IntelliDrive application monitor?

IntelliDrive monitors the following aspects of your driving habits for a total of 90 days after you’ve obtained a policy through Travelers:

• The time/times of day that you drive the most — driving late at night can negatively impact your score.
• Average speed while driving — Driving above the speed limit is against the rules of the road and gives you less time to react to risks and hazards ahead of you.
• Acceleration rates — Accelerating appropriately can positively impact your score.
• The hardness of braking — Braking too aggressively can strain your vehicle and increases your risk of getting into avoidable accidents, like fender benders. In turn, braking too aggressively can negatively impact your score.
• Distractions — Distracted driving can negatively impact your score (more on this shortly).

Drivers that cancel their enrollment within 45 days can leave the IntelliDrive program without it influencing their rates. Drivers are allowed to opt out of the program after 45 days, but the data obtained through the app can impact their future rates.

How do you use the IntelliDrive app?

Using the IntelliDrive app is simple and straightforward: the application begins monitoring your driving habits as soon as you hit the road!

After you’ve finished your trip, you can look at a map and get a better idea of how you performed on the road. Doing this gives you a solid understanding of where you’re succeeding and what aspects of your driving you need to work on.

Please note that you need to download the IntelliDrive app and activate it before starting your trip. You will also need to ensure that you have your location data and Wifi enabled.

Don’t worry about your smartphone’s battery life — the IntelliDrive app is designed with drivers’ needs in mind, so the application takes up a minute amount of battery power. This means that you can monitor your driving for hours without worrying about draining your phone’s battery.

What does the IntelliDrive app categorize as a distraction?

The primary action that the IntelliDrive app categorizes as a “distraction” is active handheld phone use. Some examples of active handheld phone usage include:

• Texting and typing
• Actively using apps
• Using your smartphone’s screen (tapping, scrolling, swiping, etc.)

The IntelliDrive app will take note each time a driver gets distracted on the road. Drivers that participate in the actions listed above on numerous occasions may not get access to future discounts or could even see a spike in their car insurance rates.

Please note that the IntelliDrive app does not categorize the usage of passive smartphone applications as on-road distractions (as long as the driver is not actively using them). Some examples of passive smartphone applications include:

• Navigation apps
• Music programs or platforms
• Podcast programs or platforms

Does the IntelliDrive app track your trips when you’re a passenger?

The IntelliDrive app can differentiate between driving and riding in a vehicle; however, it does make oversights from time to time. If this happens, drivers have ten days to change the route from “driver” to “passenger” on the app.

Does the IntelliDrive app only track your driving habits or everyone on the policy?

If there are multiple drivers on your car insurance policy (like a secondary driver), their actions and driving habits can influence your IntelliDrive score. You should keep this aspect of the program in mind if you share your vehicle with a partner or child.

Where can you get car insurance quotes from Travelers?

You’re already here!

At Surex, our team of experienced insurance advisors (our term for insurance brokers) works with a number of Canada’s top car insurance companies, including Travelers.

Feel free to reach out to one of our advisors online or over the phone to receive quality car insurance quotes from Travelers (and other reputable car insurance companies) in ten minutes or less! If you’d like to save even more, don’t forget to speak with your personal Surex insurance advisor about how you can save up to 25% when you bundle your insurance policies.

Surex can provide drivers with Travelers car insurance quotes in the following provinces and territories:

• Alberta
• Ontario
• New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island
• Northwest Territories
• Yukon
• Nova Scotia
• Nunavut

*Travelers does not offer personal car insurance policies to drivers in Quebec, Manitoba or Saskatchewan.*

Do you want to learn more about how you can save with the IntelliDrive Travelers app?

Do you have unanswered questions about the benefits of using the IntelliDrive app?

If so, you can reach out to one of our experienced Surex insurance advisors online or over the phone. Our team is always happy to answer your questions and shine some light on an unclear topic.

*Drivers that aren't with Travelers can ask their Surex insurance advisor about similar programs, like Pembridge's My Bridge and Intact's my Drive.*