Allstate Drivewise review
As an independent insurance agent at Blake Insurance Group, I understand that finding the right auto insurance can be daunting. If you’re like most drivers, you’re always looking for ways to save on your auto insurance without sacrificing coverage. One innovative solution you might not have heard about yet is Allstate Drivewise. This telematics-based program rewards safe driving habits with potential discounts on your insurance premiums. But how does it work, and is it right for you?
In this review, we’ll explore Allstate Drivewise’s benefits, how it functions, and why it could be a smart choice for drivers in Arizona, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or just starting, Drivewise offers valuable insights and potential savings worth considering. Let’s take a closer look!
How Allstate Drivewise Works
Allstate Drivewise is a telematics-based insurance program that rewards safe driving habits with potential discounts on auto insurance premiums. The program leverages mobile technology to monitor driving behavior, providing real-time feedback and insights to help drivers improve their safety on the road. As of November 13, 2023, Drivewise has fully transitioned to using a mobile app, eliminating the need for plug-in devices.
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To participate in the Drivewise program, drivers must download the Allstate mobile app and enroll. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how Drivewise works:
**Download and Enroll**:
– Download the Allstate mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
– Create an account or log in using your existing Allstate MyAccount credentials.
– Follow the prompts to activate the Drivewise feature within the app.
**Enable Necessary Permissions**:
– Ensure that location services are always turned on. This allows the app to detect when a trip starts and ends automatically.
– For iOS users, enable “Motion and Fitness” access and set location access to ‘Always’ with ‘Precise Location’ enabled.
– For Android users, allow “Physical Activity,” set location access to “Always,” and ensure that ‘Power Saving Mode’ is turned off. For devices running Android OS 12, confirm that ‘Precise Location’ is set to “On.”
**Data Collection**:
– The app collects various data points during each trip, including timestamps, start and end locations, speed, duration, distance, and idle time.
– It also monitors driving behaviors such as hard braking, acceleration events, high-speed events (exceeding 80 mph), and the time of day the trip occurs.
**Real-Time Feedback and Insights**:
– The app provides real-time feedback on driving habits, helping drivers understand and improve their behavior on the road.
– Users can view detailed trip reports and driving insights, including maps of their routes and highlights of any unsafe behaviors.
**Earning Discounts**:
– Drivers receive an immediate participation discount just for signing up and activating Drivewise.
– Safe driving behaviors can lead to additional discounts of up to 40% on insurance premiums. These discounts are calculated based on the data collected over at least 50 trips and are applied at policy renewal.
**Crash Detection**:
– Drivewise includes a crash detection feature that uses smartphone sensors to detect major collisions. If a crash is detected, the app prompts the driver to call 911 or start a claim, providing quick access to emergency assistance.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Allstate Drivewise
Benefits of Allstate Drivewise
**Immediate Discounts**:
– **Enrollment Discount**: Drivers receive an immediate 10% discount just for signing up for the Drivewise program. This discount is applied to your policy at renewal, providing instant savings.
– **Performance Rewards**: After completing 50 trips, Allstate calculates a performance reward based on your driving data. Safe driving can lead to discounts of up to 40% on your premiums.
**Potential Savings**:
– **Safe Driving Discounts**: The safer you drive, the more you can save. Drivewise tracks your driving habits, such as speed, braking, and time of day, and rewards safe driving with significant discounts. These savings can be substantial, potentially reducing your premiums by up to 40%.
– **Ongoing Savings**: As you drive safely, the app will keep collecting data and recalculating your discount at each policy renewal, allowing for continuous savings.
**Crash Detection**:
– **Safety Feature**: Drivewise includes a crash detection feature that uses smartphone sensors to detect major collisions. The app will prompt you to call 911, request roadside assistance, or start a claim if a crash is detected. This feature adds an extra layer of safety and peace of mind for drivers.
**Driving Insights**:
– **Real-Time Feedback**: The Drivewise app provides real-time feedback on your driving habits, helping you understand and improve your driving behavior. You can view detailed trip reports, including maps highlighting unsafe behaviors, such as hard braking or speeding.
– **Personalized Insights**: The app offers personalized insights and tips to help you optimize your driving habits and maximize your savings. This can be particularly useful for new drivers or those looking to improve their driving skills.
**Allstate Rewards**:
– **Earning Points**: Drivewise participants can earn points for safe driving besides premium discounts. These points can be redeemed for various rewards, including gift cards, merchandise, and other items through the Allstate Rewards program.
– **Challenges and Incentives**: The app includes safe-driving challenges that allow you to earn additional points and rewards, further incentivizing safe driving habits.
Drawbacks of Allstate Drivewise
**Privacy Concerns**:
– **Data Collection**: Drivewise requires extensive data collection, including GPS location, speed, braking events, and time of day. Some drivers may be uncomfortable with the level of personal data being collected and shared with Allstate.
– **Data Security**: While Allstate claims to store data securely, the potential for data breaches or misuse remains a concern for some users.
**Battery and Data Usage**:
– **Continuous Operation**: The Drivewise app runs continuously in the background, which can drain your phone’s battery and use significant data. This may be inconvenient for drivers who rely heavily on their smartphones for other purposes.
– **Device Compatibility**: The app may not perform optimally on older devices, leading to data accuracy and battery life issues.
**Late-Night Driving**:
– **Negative Impact on Scores**: Driving late at night is considered high-risk and can negatively impact your Drivewise score. This may be a drawback for drivers who work night shifts or have other commitments that require late-night driving.
– **Limited Flexibility**: The program’s emphasis on avoiding late-night driving may not be practical for all drivers, particularly those with irregular schedules.
**Accuracy Issues**:
– **Trip Recording**: Some users have reported issues with the app not accurately recording trips or driving behavior. This can lead to discrepancies in the data collected and potentially affect the discounts earned.
– **Passenger Detection**: The app may sometimes incorrectly record trips when you are a passenger rather than the driver. While you can manually update this information, it can be an inconvenience.
| Aspect | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Discounts | 10% discount for signing up. | N/A |
| Potential Savings | Up to 40% discount for safe driving. | N/A |
| Crash Detection | Alerts emergency services in case of a crash. | N/A |
| Driving Insights | Real-time feedback on driving habits. Personalized tips to improve driving. |
N/A |
| Allstate Rewards | Earn points for safe driving. Redeem points for gift cards and merchandise. |
N/A |
| Privacy Concerns | N/A | Extensive data collection. Potential data security issues. |
| Battery and Data Usage | N/A | Continuous app operation drains battery and uses data. May not perform well on older devices. |
| Late-Night Driving | N/A | Negative impact on scores for late-night driving. Limited flexibility for drivers with irregular schedules. |
| Accuracy Issues | N/A | Inaccurate trip recording. Incorrectly recording trips when you are a passenger. |
Customer Experiences and Testimonials
Positive Experiences
**High Ratings on App Stores**:
– On Apple’s App Store, the Allstate Mobile app, which includes the Drivewise feature, has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Many users report positive experiences, noting that the app works well and provides valuable feedback on driving habits.
– The app has a slightly lower average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars on Google Play. While most users find the app beneficial, some have reported issues with bugs and performance on older Android devices.
**Savings and Discounts**:
– Many users appreciate the immediate 10% discount for enrolling in Drivewise and the potential to save up to 40% based on safe driving habits. For example, one Reddit user mentioned saving 10% on their car and 12% on their spouse’s car, amounting to about $22 monthly in savings.
– The program’s ability to provide real-time feedback and insights into driving behavior is also highly valued. This feature helps drivers improve their habits and potentially earn more significant discounts.
**Crash Detection and Safety Features**:
– The crash detection feature is praised for its ability to alert emergency services during a major collision. This adds an extra layer of safety and peace of mind for users.
**Allstate Rewards**:
– Users enjoy earning points for safe driving, which can be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, and other rewards. This gamification aspect of the program encourages continued safe driving.
Negative Experiences
**Technical Issues**:
– Some users have reported that the app occasionally fails to log trips correctly or accurately record driving behavior. This can be frustrating for those trying to maximize their discounts.
– There are also complaints about the app draining phone batteries and using significant amounts of data, which can be inconvenient for users who rely heavily on their smartphones.
**Privacy Concerns**:
– A common concern among users is the level of data collection required by the Drivewise program. Some drivers are uncomfortable with their driving habits being continuously monitored and recorded.
**Impact of Late-Night Driving**:
– Drivers who frequently drive late at night, such as those with night shifts, may find it challenging to achieve high scores and earn discounts. The program penalizes late-night driving, which can negatively impact the overall discount.
**Inconsistent Performance Across Devices**:
The app seems to perform better on newer devices than on older ones. Users with older smartphones have reported more issues with the app freezing or slowing down their phones.
Mixed Reviews
**Varied Savings**:
– While some users report significant savings, others find the discounts minimal. The amount saved can vary widely depending on individual driving habits and the specific criteria used by the app to calculate discounts.
– For example, one user on Reddit mentioned that the savings were modest, amounting to about $22 per month, which may not be substantial for everyone.
**Feedback and Improvement**:
Some users appreciate the app’s real-time feedback and insights, which help them improve their driving habits. However, others feel the feedback can sometimes be too critical or inaccurate, leading to frustration.
Comparing Drivewise with Other Telematics Programs
Comparison with Similar Programs from Other Insurers
When comparing Allstate Drivewise with other telematics programs, several key factors include the data collection type, potential discounts, and unique features. Here’s a detailed comparison with some of the major telematics programs offered by other insurers:
**Progressive Snapshot**:
– **Data Collected**: Progressive Snapshot tracks driving behaviors such as sudden changes in speed (hard braking and rapid acceleration), mileage, and mobile phone use (varies by state).
– **Discounts**: Progressive offers an automatic $25 sign-up bonus and average savings of $130 per six-month policy for participation. However, rates can increase if risky driving behaviors are detected.
– **Unique Features**: Snapshot uses a mobile app or a plug-in device to monitor driving habits. It provides personalized feedback and adjusts rates based on driving behavior.
**State Farm Drive Safe & Save**:
– **Data Collected**: This program monitors driving behaviors such as speed, braking, and time of day. It also tracks phone usage to reduce distracted driving.
– **Discounts**: State Farm offers up to 30% off for safe driving. The program does not increase rates based on the data collected.
– **Unique Features**: Drive Safe & Save uses a mobile app and a Bluetooth beacon to track driving habits. It emphasizes reducing distracted driving and offers significant discounts for safe driving.
– **Data Collected**: Geico’s program tracks driving behaviors such as speed, braking, and phone usage while driving.
– **Discounts**: Geico offers up to 20% off when you sign up, with no additional rewards for safe driving. Rates can increase if risky behaviors are detected.
– **Unique Features**: DriveEasy uses a mobile app to monitor driving habits and provides real-time feedback to encourage safer driving.
**Nationwide SmartRide**:
– **Data Collected**: SmartRide tracks driving behaviors such as speed, braking, and time of day. It does not monitor phone usage.
– **Discounts**: Nationwide offers a 10% discount upon initial sign-up and up to 40% based on driving habits. Rates do not increase based on the data collected.
– **Unique Features**: SmartRide uses a mobile app to track driving habits and provides personalized feedback to help drivers improve their safety on the road.
Unique Features of Drivewise
Allstate Drivewise stands out from other telematics programs due to several unique features:
**Cash Back and Rewards**:
– Drivewise offers cash back for safe driving, with up to 10% off for signing up and up to 25% back every six months for maintaining safe driving habits.
– The Allstate Rewards program allows users to earn points for safe driving, which can be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, and other rewards.
**Crash Detection**:
– Drivewise includes a crash detection feature that uses smartphone sensors to detect major collisions. The app prompts the driver to call 911, request roadside assistance, or start a claim if a crash is detected.
**Real-Time Feedback and Insights**:
– The Drivewise app provides real-time feedback on driving habits, helping drivers understand and improve their behavior. Users can view detailed trip reports and driving insights, including maps highlighting unsafe behaviors.
**No Extra Devices Required**:
– Unlike other telematics programs requiring a plug-in device, Drivewise operates entirely through the Allstate mobile app. This makes it more convenient and less intrusive for users.
**Availability**:
– Drivewise is available in almost all states, excluding California and Alaska. This broad availability makes it accessible to a wide range of drivers nationwide.
**Less Intrusive Data Collection**:
– Unlike other telematics programs, Drivewise collects data on fewer behaviors, focusing on driving speed, braking events, and time of day. It does not track phone usage for discount calculations, although it provides feedback on phone activity to encourage safer driving.
| Aspect | Allstate Drivewise | Progressive Snapshot | State Farm Drive Safe & Save | Geico DriveEasy | Nationwide SmartRide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Collected | Speed, braking, time of day | Speed, braking, mileage, phone use (varies by state) | Speed, braking, time of day, phone usage | Speed, braking, phone usage | Speed, braking, time of day |
| Discounts | 10% for signing up, up to 40% for safe driving | $25 sign-up bonus, average savings of $130 per six-month policy, rates can increase for risky driving | Up to 30% off for safe driving, rates do not increase based on data | Up to 20% off for signing up, rates can increase for risky driving | 10% for signing up, up to 40% based on driving habits, rates do not increase based on data |
| Crash Detection | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Real-Time Feedback | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unique Features | Cash back rewards, Allstate Rewards program, no extra devices required | Personalized feedback, uses mobile app or plug-in device, rates can increase for risky driving | Uses mobile app and Bluetooth beacon, emphasizes reducing distracted driving, rates do not increase based on data | Uses mobile app, real-time feedback, rates can increase for risky driving | Personalized feedback, uses mobile app, rates do not increase based on data |
| Availability | Available in most states, excluding California and Alaska | Available in most states | Available in most states | Available in most states | Available in most states |
| Less Intrusive Data Collection | Focuses on speed, braking, and time of day, does not track phone usage for discounts | Tracks phone usage (varies by state) | Tracks phone usage | Tracks phone usage | Does not track phone usage |
FAQs Related to Allstate Drivewise
Q: What is Allstate Drivewise?
A: Allstate Drivewise is a telematics-based insurance program that uses mobile technology to monitor your driving habits and potentially reduce your insurance costs through safer driving. The program provides real-time feedback and insights to help you improve your driving behavior and earn discounts on your premiums.
Q: How do I enroll in Allstate Drivewise?
A: To enroll in Drivewise, download the Allstate mobile app from the App Store or Google Play, create an account, and follow the prompts to activate the Drivewise feature. Make sure to enable all necessary permissions, including location services, to ensure the app can accurately track your driving.
Q: What data does Drivewise collect?
A: Drivewise collects data on various driving behaviors, including speed, braking, acceleration, and the time of day you drive. It also tracks your trip duration, distance, and idle time. This data is used to calculate potential discounts on your insurance premiums.
Q: What are the technical requirements for using Drivewise?
A: To use Drivewise, you need to:
- Enable location services on your smartphone.
- Ensure your phone has at least 5% battery power during trips.
- Allow "Motion and Fitness" access on iOS or "Physical Activity" on Android.
- Set location access to "Always" with "Precise Location" enabled.
Q: Can I use Drivewise on a tablet?
A: No, Drivewise cannot be activated on a tablet. However, you can download the Allstate mobile app on your tablet to view your activity and trip history.
Q: How much can I save with Drivewise?
A: The amount you can save with Drivewise depends on your driving habits. Allstate offers a participation discount for signing up, and safe driving can lead to additional discounts of up to 40% on your premiums. The exact savings will vary based on your driving behavior and the number of trips recorded.
Q: What happens if I don't take enough trips?
A: To maximize savings, all drivers on your policy need to take at least 50 trips within six months. If everyone on your policy meets this requirement, you will earn the maximum savings. If only some drivers meet the requirement, your savings will be reduced. If no one meets the requirements, you will not receive any savings.
Q: How does Drivewise handle my data privacy?
A: Allstate takes data privacy seriously. The data collected by Drivewise is used to evaluate driving performance and calculate discounts. Only you, your Allstate agent, and customer service representatives can view this data. The trip route map in the app is only visible to you, the app user.
Q: Can I update my trip status if Drivewise records me as the driver when I was a passenger?
A: Yes, if Drivewise incorrectly records you as the driver during a trip where you were actually a passenger, you can update this information in the Allstate mobile app. Log in to the app, go to the Drivewise dashboard, view all trips under "My Trips," select the trip in question, and update your status to reflect that you were not the driver.
Q: What is the Crash Detection feature in Drivewise?
A: The Crash Detection feature uses smartphone sensors to detect major collisions when the vehicle moves at least 25 mph. If a crash is detected, the app will notify to offer help, such as calling 911, requesting roadside assistance, or starting a claim. This feature enhances safety and provides immediate assistance during a significant collision.
Q: What should I do if Drivewise is not recording my trips correctly?
A: Ensure that your phone's location services are enabled, your battery is sufficiently charged, and all necessary app permissions are granted. You can contact Allstate's support team for assistance if the issue persists.
Q: Can I delete trips from my trip history?
A: Yes, you can delete trips from your trip history if they were incorrectly recorded. However, there may be a limit to the number of trips you can delete within a certain time frame, so be mindful of this when managing your trip history.
Blake Insurance Group
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Email: [email protected]
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Blake Nwosu
Owner & Principal Agent