State Farm, one of the largest and most reputable car insurance brands in the country, offers a unique program called Drive Safe and Save. By participating in this program, you have the opportunity to receive discounted car insurance premiums by sharing data about your driving habits. In this article, we will explore what Drive Safe and Save is, how it works, and whether it is the right fit for you.
What is State Farm Drive Safe and Save?
State Farm recognizes that individuals with safer driving habits are less likely to be involved in accidents and file insurance claims. To reward these lower-risk drivers, State Farm offers a usage-based insurance (UBI) program called Drive Safe and Save. This program utilizes telematics technology to monitor your driving behavior and offer discounts based on your mileage and “basic driving characteristics.” According to State Farm, these discounts can reach up to 30% and will be factored into your premium during the renewal process.
How Drive Safe and Save Works
Drive Safe and Save monitors your driving habits through two methods: the mobile app and connected car technology.
Mobile App
To participate using the mobile app, simply download the Drive Safe and Save app on your iOS or Android device. The app works in conjunction with a Bluetooth beacon that you will receive in the mail from State Farm. The beacon attaches to your windshield and collects relevant driving data. It also alerts you if you pick up your phone while driving, helping you avoid potential distractions.
Connected Car
If you own a 2020 or newer Ford or Lincoln vehicle, you have the option to participate in Drive Safe and Save without using the app or beacon. These vehicles come equipped with telematics technology that automatically transmits driving data to State Farm. However, please note that this option is not available in all states and excludes certain Ford and Lincoln models.
To maintain your Drive Safe and Save discount, you must remain enrolled in the program and continue sharing your driving data. If you choose to opt out, the discount will be removed from your policy.
What Drive Safe and Save Tracks
State Farm tracks various driving habits to determine your eligibility for discounts. These habits include annual mileage, acceleration, hard braking, cornering, phone use while driving, and speed relative to the speed limit.
How to Maximize Your Drive Safe and Save Discount
To maximize your discount, it’s essential to practice safe driving habits and follow these tips:
- Adhere to posted speed limits and caution signs.
- Maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead to avoid hard braking.
- Limit your overall mileage by combining trips or using alternative transportation methods.
- Avoid sudden acceleration, known as “jackrabbit starts.”
- Refrain from using your phone for calls, texts, or internet access while driving.
By following these guidelines, you can improve your driving score and increase your chances of earning a higher discount.
Drive Safe and Save Mobile Option vs. Ford Connected Car
When participating in Drive Safe and Save, you have the choice between using the mobile app or relying on connected car technology. While the mobile app provides interactive maps and driving scores to help you track your progress, the connected car option does not offer these features. If you want to enjoy the full benefits of the program, choosing the mobile app is recommended.
How to Sign Up for Drive Safe and Save
Signing up for Drive Safe and Save is a straightforward process. Here are the steps:
Mobile App
- Download the Drive Safe and Save app from the iOS App Store or Google Play.
- Follow the prompts in the app to register for the program.
- Receive the Bluetooth beacon in the mail and pair it with the app.
Ford or Lincoln Vehicle
- Add your car to the Garage in the FordPass or LincolnWay app.
- Contact your State Farm agent and inform them of your interest in Drive Safe and Save.
- Complete the sign-up process displayed on your vehicle’s screen.
The Drive Safe and Save app has received positive feedback from users, making the sign-up process even more accessible.
Is Drive Safe and Save Right for You?
Before committing to State Farm’s Drive Safe and Save program, consider whether it aligns with your needs and preferences. To benefit from the program, you should:
- Feel comfortable sharing your driving data with your insurance company.
- Practice safe driving habits, including staying within speed limits, maintaining a safe distance, and avoiding distractions.
- Drive fewer miles than the average individual.
It’s important to note that Drive Safe and Save may not be suitable for everyone. If you decide it’s not the right fit, State Farm offers various other car insurance discounts to cater to your needs.
Is Drive Safe and Save Worth It?
Earning up to a 30% discount on your car insurance premium through Drive Safe and Save is undoubtedly tempting. However, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons before making a decision.
Pros:
- Opportunity to save money on car insurance premiums.
- Safe driving habits will not increase your premium.
- App provides trip maps and alerts to improve your driving habits.
- Teen drivers and those with poor credit can potentially benefit from lower premiums.
Cons:
- Continuous monitoring may raise privacy concerns.
- Continuous monitoring may drain your phone battery.
- Use of the Bluetooth beacon may be inconvenient for some drivers.
- Opting out of the program results in the loss of the discount.
How We Evaluated State Farm Drive Safe and Save
Our evaluation of State Farm Drive Safe and Save took into account various factors:
- Drive Safe and Save discounts: State Farm offers discounts of up to 30% based on driving habits. The program also provides a sign-up discount, although the exact amount is not disclosed.
- Drive Safe and Save flexibility: State Farm allows participation through both the mobile app and connected car technology.
- Drive Safe and Save sign-up process: The sign-up process is relatively straightforward for existing State Farm customers, involving app download and beacon pairing. Ford or Lincoln owners can complete the enrollment on their vehicle’s display screen.
- Drive Safe and Save ease of use: The need for a Bluetooth beacon and app location settings may pose challenges for some users.
- Maintaining the discount: Drive Safe and Save discounts require ongoing participation for the duration of your State Farm policy.
Frequently Asked Questions: Drive Safe and Save
- Can you lose money with Drive Safe and Save? No, Drive Safe and Save will not increase your premium, even if you demonstrate unsafe driving habits.
- What is a good discount percentage with Drive Safe and Save? Even a fraction of the maximum 30% discount can result in significant savings considering the average annual car insurance costs.
- Is Drive Safe and Save available with OnStar? While Drive Safe and Save previously collaborated with OnStar, new enrollees can no longer benefit from this partnership.
- Does Drive Safe and Save track phone use? Yes, Drive Safe and Save monitors phone usage while driving and encourages you to avoid distractions.
- Can you turn off Drive Safe and Save? While you can uninstall the app to opt out, doing so may result in the loss of your discount.
- Is the whole household required to participate in Drive Safe and Save? No, participation is not mandatory for the entire household.
- How does telematics work? Telematics uses technology such as GPS, accelerometers, and wireless transmission to gather and transmit data about driving habits.
In conclusion, State Farm’s Drive Safe and Save program presents an enticing opportunity to earn discounts for safe driving habits. Before making a decision, carefully consider your driving habits, privacy concerns, and convenience preferences. Remember, Drive Safe and Save may not be the right fit for everyone, but State Farm offers numerous alternatives to help you save on car insurance premiums.