Black Box (Telematics)
We have all heard of Black Box and the use of Telematics for newly qualified drivers.
The whole purpose is to reward those who drive in an acceptable manner whilst penalising those that don’t.
Some drivers who have signed up to use a black box can be issued with a £100 fine by the insurance company if they speed. Whilst some companies send out warnings for minor breaches of the speed limit, however if you fail to amend your driving style you could end up with a penalty from your insurers.
Many of the insurance companies that use telematics impose a curfew on new drivers. Failure to abide by the curfew could also lead to a financial penalty. One insurance company’s penalty is £100 per night for every night the curfew is breached.
One insurance analyst has said that “Black Box insurance carries many fees and other charges; it needs to be much clearer. It is easy for drivers to be taken in by the technology” Many do not qualify for a drop in premiums, and many can end up paying a lot more than they thought.
The whole idea behind telematics is it should be possible to cut the cost of motor insurance by driving in an acceptable manner, but in many cases the cost remains very similar to not having the technology fitted.
The Black Box is very similar to what is fitted to commercial airplanes. (Flight recorder) Most black boxes are about the size of a modern mobile phone; this is fitted behind the dashboard and connects to the engine management computer. The black box communicates via satellite to the monitors. The data sent includes accelerate, speed, distance covered, time of the day/night even the position of the vehicle on the carriageway can be checked.
A figure of 290,000 has been given as to the amount of black boxes fitted.
If you arranged to have a black box fitted, and fail to attend the appointment they charge between £30 and £100
You need certain documentation to have a black box fitted; Driving licence, MOT and proof of ownership, fail to provide these and a penalty of between £30 -£45 is imposed.