Telematics Car Insurance Programs Compared: Savings, Privacy, and Which One to Choose (2026)
Telematics (usage-based) insurance programs track your driving behavior through a smartphone app or plug-in device and adjust your premium based on how you actually drive. Over 21 million US policyholders use telematics, with the market growing at 28% annually. The median savings is $324/year ($27/month). Below is a side-by-side comparison of every major program so you can choose the right one.
Updated 16 April 2026
All Major Telematics Programs Side by Side
| Program | Enrollment | Max Discount | Can Rates Increase? | Data Tracked | Method | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive Snapshot Progressive | 10% | 30% | Yes (in some states) | Mileage, braking, speed, time of day | App or plug-in | 6 months |
| Allstate Drivewise Allstate | 10% | 40% | No | Mileage, braking, speed, phone use | App | Ongoing |
| Drive Safe & Save State Farm | 5% | 30% | No | Mileage, braking, acceleration, phone use | App or beacon | Ongoing |
| SmartRide Nationwide | 10% | 40% | No | Mileage, braking, acceleration, time of day | Plug-in device | 4 to 5 months |
| DriveEasy Geico | Up to 15% | 25% | No | Mileage, braking, speed, phone use, time of day | App | 6 months |
| SafePilot USAA | 10% | 30% | No | Mileage, braking, speed, phone use | App | 6 months |
| Signal Farmers | 5% | 25% | No | Mileage, braking, acceleration | App | Ongoing |
| RightTrack Liberty Mutual | 10% | 30% | Yes (up to 10%) | Mileage, braking, acceleration, time of day | App or plug-in | 90 days |
| TrueLane The Hartford | 10% | 25% | No | Mileage, braking, time of day | Plug-in device | 90 days |
How Much Do Telematics Programs Actually Save?
Median savings: $324/year ($27/month) based on industry survey data. Two-thirds of telematics users see a premium decrease. The remaining third sees no change (if the program cannot increase rates) or a small increase (if it can).
Safe, low-mileage drivers benefit most. If you drive under 10,000 miles/year, brake smoothly, avoid hard acceleration, and rarely drive between midnight and 4 AM, you are in the ideal profile for telematics savings.
Privacy Trade-Offs: What Data Is Collected
About 70% of drivers express concern about privacy when it comes to telematics. Here is what you need to know:
Location tracking
Most app-based programs track GPS location. Plug-in devices (SmartRide, TrueLane) typically do not. Allstate Drivewise and Geico DriveEasy track where you drive.
Phone use detection
State Farm Drive Safe & Save, Allstate Drivewise, Geico DriveEasy, and USAA SafePilot detect phone use while driving. This is a factor in your driving score.
Data retention
Most insurers retain telematics data for 3 to 5 years. Some may share aggregated (anonymized) data with third parties. Individual data is not typically sold.
Law enforcement access
Insurers may be compelled to share telematics data with law enforcement via subpoena. This is rare but possible.
Who Should (and Should Not) Use Telematics
Good Fit
- Low mileage drivers (under 10,000 miles/year)
- Smooth, defensive drivers (no hard braking)
- Daytime-only commuters (no late-night driving)
- Remote workers who rarely drive
- Retirees with low annual mileage
Poor Fit
- Frequent highway drivers (hard braking in traffic)
- Late-night commuters (midnight to 4 AM driving penalized)
- High-mileage drivers (20,000+ miles/year)
- Privacy-conscious users who object to GPS tracking
- Drivers in congested urban areas (stop-and-go triggers hard brake events)
Programs That Only Reward (Never Punish)
Most telematics programs cannot increase your rate, making them essentially risk-free. However, two notable exceptions exist:
Progressive Snapshot: Can increase rates in some states if driving data indicates high risk. Check your state rules before enrolling.
Liberty Mutual RightTrack: Can increase rates by up to 10% for poor driving scores.
All others listed above: Cannot increase your rate. You either get a discount or stay at your current rate. No downside risk.
FAQ
Does Progressive Snapshot raise your rate?
In some states, yes. Progressive Snapshot can increase rates if your driving data indicates high-risk behavior (frequent hard braking, late-night driving, high mileage). In states where it cannot raise rates, it functions as a discount-only program. Check with Progressive for your state's rules.
What does telematics track?
Common data points: mileage, hard braking events, rapid acceleration, time of day driving, and phone use while driving. Some app-based programs also track GPS location. Plug-in devices typically do not track location.
Is telematics insurance worth it?
For low-mileage, careful drivers, yes. The median savings is $324/year ($27/month), and most programs cannot increase your rate. If you drive under 10,000 miles/year and avoid hard braking, you are likely to save. If you commute 50 miles in heavy traffic daily, the savings may be minimal.