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What Is a Telematics Device?

Managing Editor

Published on October 05, 2021

A telematics device is an instrument, usually provided by your insurance company, that you install into your car. It records information about your driving behavior, including how fast you drive, how fast you brake, and the distance you drive.

Insurers use telematics devices in special safe driver programs, including Snapshot from Progressive, Drive Safe & Save from State Farm, and SmartRide from Nationwide. These driver safety programs will help you save money on your insurance premiums by monitoring just how safe you drive.

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Where are telematics devices installed?

You generally install telematics devices in your car’s on-board diagnostics port (OBD II Port), which all vehicles that are newer than 1996 have. This port is typically located beneath the steering wheel of the car, making the device easy to install. As soon as the telematics monitor is installed, it will start recording information about your driving habits and passing them on to a connected app or to your insurer.

What are the advantages of telematics devices?

The main advantage of the telematics device is the potential for car insurance savings. Provided you are a good driver, you can get a hefty discount on your insurance when the device reports your travel history. If you aren’t a great driver, the telematics device can help remind you to avoid hard braking, heed the speed limit, and drive safer overall. When you know you are being recorded, you’re encouraged to have better driving behaviors.

How do I get a telematics device?

There are several options for getting a telematics device in your car. The first is to buy a car that has one built into the vehicle. Newer cars may have this technology built right in.

If you don’t have a car that already includes this technology, then you can simply purchase a device from a tech store or online and install it yourself. Your insurer may also offer a specific model through a program like Drive Safe & Save or SmartRide. In that case, contact an agent to get a telematics device for your car.

Telematics devices are just one element of a safe driving plan. You can also make your car more secure by adding aftermarket safety devices, like dash cams or anti-theft devices. Check out our Dash Cam Buyers Guide to learn more.

Compare the top car safety products

	Product	Price	Specs	Stand-out feature	Learn more
Best car alarm	DroneMobile X-1	$129.98	Unlimited range	Impact sensor Remote start	View on Amazon	Read review
Best dash cam	Rexing V1P	$159.99	4K Full HD 170° front and rear	Tolerates -20°F to 176°F	View on Amazon	Read review
Best vehicle tracker	Vyncs	$89.99	OBD port plug-in	Maintenance reminders	View on Amazon	Read review
Best portable car jack	Torin Big Red	$24.97	Lifts up to 15 in. and 3,000 lbs.	Lightweight Affordable	View on Amazon	Read review
Best navigation system	Garmin DriveSmart 61	$249.99	6.95 in. touchscreen	Voice control	View on Amazon	Read review
Best steering wheel lock	Disklok	$189.98	Hardened steel 3 different sizes	Tamperproof lock	View on Amazon	Read review

*Amazon.com price as of 10/05/2021 at 12:30 p.m. (MT).

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Written by

Celeste Tholen

Celeste has dedicated her decade-long career to reporting and reviews that help people make well-informed decisions. She oversees editorial strategy and production for SafeWise, with a goal to help people find the information they need to make their homes and lives safer. Prior to SafeWise, she worked as an editor and reporter for KSL and Deseret News. She continues to report on local news as a volunteer with the community paper. For the last six years, she’s led a Girl Scout troop, teaching girls about safety and preparing for whatever life throws their way.