insurethebox data backs up recent THINK! ‘Road Whisperer’ campaign
New data from insurethebox, a pioneer of telematics-based insurance, shows that new drivers are three times more likely to crash in the first three months of their policy, compared to the final three[i]. And significantly, young male drivers are the most at risk. Following the recent THINK! campaign from the Department for Transport (DfT) which specifically targeted new young, male drivers, insurethebox analysis of over 4.5 billion miles of driving data shows that young (17-25) male drivers speed a significant 56% more than young female drivers of the same age[ii].
The THINK! ‘Road Whisperer’ campaign aimed to raise awareness of a range of different scenarios that can be challenging for new drivers, including driving at night and driving on country roads. Driving at night can be a challenge due to various factors like lack of visibility, particularly for inexperienced drivers. Despite only 4% of road use being between midnight and 5am, this is the time that almost a quarter (23%) of Accident Alerts happen[iii]. And insurethebox data shows that young men spend 28% more time driving at night than young women[iv].
Due to higher speed limits, tighter bends and narrower lanes, country roads are also a challenge for the youngest and least experienced motorists. Data from insurethebox shows that the youngest drivers, with the least experience, are the most vulnerable, especially if they speed. Young drivers are 30% more likely to have an accident if they speed on country roads[v] and this is where a quarter of all serious or fatal accidents[vi] occur. 17-25-year-olds are the most vulnerable road users, not just due to their lack of experience but because they spend a higher percentage of their time on country roads[vii].
Simon Rewell, Road Safety Manager, insurethebox commented: “The recent campaign from THINK! was a great reminder for new motorists of the risks of speeding, driving at night and driving on country roads. A driver’s first year after passing is the ideal time to create safe driving habits.
“Our goal is to empower young motorists to take control of their driving behaviour by working with them to understand the risks they’re taking. We proactively communicate with our drivers who speed and this award-winning communications programme has resulted in a 28% reduction in speeding instances among the highest risk drivers. For young drivers accident frequency has reduced by 9%[viii].”
insurethebox uses individual driver data to determine the risk profile of each policyholder through a black box installed in the vehicle. It shares each customer’s personal driving data through an online portal, empowering them to manage their driving habits in order to earn monthly Bonus Miles[ix]. insurethebox policies offer an initial 6,000, 8,000 or 10,000 miles of cover and Bonus Miles can be earned for good driving behaviour.
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Notes to Editors
insurethebox
Insure The Box Limited launched in June 2010 with its first product, insurethebox, and now holds over 4.5 billion miles of driving data and associated claims. As well as insurethebox and drive like a girl (another Insure The Box brand) it also administers other telematics offerings. Insurethebox is owned by Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe Limited, part of the major Japanese insurance group MS&AD Holdings, Inc. The group is taking a leading role in the development of technologies that will change the face of motor insurance and the way we view the car.
[i] Analysis of insurethebox driving data for policies starting June 2016 – May 2017.
[ii] Analysis of insurethebox driving data (speeding) from Jan 2017 – Dec 2018.
[iii]Analysis of insurethebox Accident Alerts from Sep 2017 – February 2018. If a significant G-Force impact is registered, insurethebox receives an alert and examines the time of day, whether the vehicle is still moving, and the type of road the vehicle is on. If it seems there has been an accident, the team will attempt to contact the customer to check they are alright. If insurethebox is unable to reach the policyholder, its team will review and make a decision on whether to call the emergency services with the location of the vehicle.
[iv] Analysis of insurethebox driving data (time of day) for young drivers (17-25 years) from Jan – Dec 2018.
[v] Analysis of insurethebox driving data; speeders are defined as drivers who break the speed limit on country roads at least 2.5% of the time.
[vi] Analysis of insurethebox driving data; a serious accident is defined as one resulting in a claim of £100,000 or more.
[vii] Analysis of insurethebox driving data for 17-25 year-olds driving on country roads compared to all other roads.
[viii] Analysis of insurethebox comparing drivers in the Speeding Reduction Programme to other drivers.
[ix] Drivers can earn up to 100 Bonus Miles per month.