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State Farm claims industry first for Drive Safe & Save programme

State Farm and Hughes Telematics are announcing a major joint effort to bring connected vehicle services and telematics savings programmes to drivers across North America. The new effort is called In-Drive and has been tailored specifically for State Farm policyholders by Hughes. The service debuts in Illinois in September with more states to be added in 2012.
April 18, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
RSS2192 State Farm and 2149 Hughes Telematics are announcing a major joint effort to bring connected vehicle services and telematics savings programmes to drivers across North America. The new effort is called In-Drive and has been tailored specifically for State Farm policyholders by Hughes. The service debuts in Illinois in September with more states to be added in 2012.

In-Drive offers a variety of safety and diagnostics features including one-touch emergency response, roadside assistance, stolen vehicle location assistance, vehicle diagnostic alerts and maintenance reminders, and family-friendly features like location services and speed alerts. The service also includes a special website and smartphone app for remote and mobile access.

"This combined offering represents a first in our industry," claims Mike Wey, senior VP, State Farm. "It will provide drivers with a wide range of new options that will make for a smarter vehicle and even smarter driver."

In addition to offering new connected services, In-Drive also will enable more State Farm policyholders to take part in the Drive Safe & Save programme. It will provide driving performance data and the customer's savings will be based on mileage, turns, acceleration, braking, speed and time of day vehicle is operated.

Initially, those opting to participate in this voluntary programme will save approximately 10 per cent on liability, medical payments, collision and comprehensive coverages. The amount of premium savings can change at each renewal date (every six months) as odometer readings and other driving information become available. State Farm says the discount may increase up to 50 per cent, based on how safely a person drives, when they drive, and how much they drive. The website will showcase where a customer's discount stands and what factors have contributed to the discount. Drivers also can receive personalised tips on what they can do to maximise their savings.

State Farm claims that those who drive the national average of 12,000 miles per year can typically save from about three to 20 per cent depending on the way they drive. These discounts are on top of other discounts State Farm provides.

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