AXA HAS INTRODUCED a new pilot scheme that monitors drivers’ movements – while saving them money on insurance.

Its Drivesave programme is the first of its kind in Ireland and was designed to improve road safety and reduce motor insurance premiums for drivers.

How it works

AXA says that Drivesave uses a combination of telematics: GPS satellite technology and mobile phone technology to record a car’s location and speed.

This is linked to a mapping database by Nav Tech that covers all roads and speed limits in the Ireland, which is run in conjunction with MyDrive Solutions.

Who is it aimed at?

The pilot will be aimed initially at young drivers aged between 17 and 24 years, who are looking for a policy in their own name or as a named driver on a parent’s policy.

Drivers who take part in the pilot will be rewarded with an extra 20 per cent discount off AXA’s insurance rates instantly.

If their driving is better than a performance target in the Drivesave scoring system, they will be refunded a further cash back of up to 10 per cent of premium during the year.

Equipment

The drivers taking part will have special equipment fitted free of charge to their cars. The equipment will monitor and report their overall driving style, anticipation, driving speeds, distance, cornering and stopping force.

The drivers will also have access to their own individual password protected portal on the web so they can monitor exactly how they are doing, what scores they are achieving – and how they can improve their driving.

Paul Moloney, Head of Corporate Affairs at AXA, described the initiative as a road safety one.

Realistically, the only way to reduce insurance premiums is to reduce the number of accidents and the consequent cost of claims. It’s a proven fact that speed is a major factor in road accidents and if young drivers are prepared to show a commitment to careful driving within the speed limits, then we at AXA are prepared to offer those drivers lower premiums.

Moloney said that “the only cure is prevention” and the initiative enables AXA “to recognise and support young drivers who drive safely”.