At the Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston car accident attorneys know that it is nearly impossible to turn on the television, radio, or another electronic device without hearing an advertisement for an insurance company’s safe driving program.
Whether it is Progressive, State Farm, All State, or another corporate insurance giant, these programs are advertised as nothing more than a way to save policyholders money. Unfortunately, that may not be the insurance company’s only motive.
First, drivers must connect their phone with the insurance company’s app engaged, or the insurance company-provided device to their vehicle, so it can track their movements.
This includes recording any sudden stops, turns, or lane changing, and the driver’s ongoing speed, all for a lower premium rate.
What most drivers do not consider is the tracking device could negatively impact the driver’s privacy and their ability to file a successful insurance claim if they are involved in a collision during its use.
Here is what our Harris County personal injury lawyers want all Texas motorists to know about these devices.
How Are Vehicle Tracking Devices Used by Insurance Companies?
Insurance companies and their safe driver programs offer devices or apps that their policyholders can connect to their vehicles to track their driving habits. However, what most fail to realize is these devices collect information about their every move.
Most insurance company tracking devices record:
- Daytime or nighttime driving.
- Accelerating and braking habits.
- How frequently they are operating the vehicle, and for how long.
- Speed of the vehicle.
- Turning habits.
- Whether the driver is using their phone while driving, hands-free or otherwise.
One of the largest problems with insurance company safe driving program devices is that they cannot see what the driver sees. They can only record how the vehicle is behaving. This means when you slam on your brakes to avoid a reckless driver, animal, road hazard, or ball that comes bouncing into the street, which could potentially be followed by a small child, the insurance company only sees the sudden reaction — not the crash that was averted.
In addition, the driver’s privacy can be at risk simply by using the app. While drivers may think none of this is relevant to the insurance company, the information can be used subjectively as they see fit if you need to file a claim.
While the commercials say nothing about whether the tracked data can be used to deny or award you less compensation for your claim, it certainly can.
Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Houston, Texas Today
If you or someone you love has been injured or lost their life to negligence in Texas, contact our dedicated Houston personal injury lawyers at the Hollingsworth Law Firm today by calling 713-637-4560 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
Our skilled bilingual personal injury lawyers and support staff represent clients throughout the state of Texas on a contingency basis, so you never pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
If you are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, so are we. Let us take the lead.
