Telematics in 2026: What Insurers Really See

Almost every major carrier now offers a telematics program. If you drive well, the discounts are real. If you do not, the surcharges can be brutal. Here is what is under the hood.

What They Actually Track

• Hard braking: Anything harder than −0.4 g
• Hard acceleration: Above +0.4 g
• Speed: Both absolute and relative to speed limit
• Phone handling: Detected via phone motion (not carrier network)
• Time of day: Late-night driving weighted higher
• Distance / miles: Rewards lower mileage

What They Do Not Track (Usually)

• Your specific location or destinations (aggregated only)
• Passenger conversations
• Music, apps, or other phone activity

The Discount Range

• Initial "sign-up" discount: 5–15% during monitoring period
• Final discount: 0–40% based on score
• Possible surcharge: Up to 10% for consistently risky driving (Progressive Snapshot only)

Should You Enroll?

Yes, if: You drive under 12,000 mi/yr, rarely drive after midnight, and do not handle your phone while driving.

Reconsider, if: You commute at rush hour on urban highways (lots of hard braking), work night shifts, or use your phone hands-free but frequently while driving.

Never: Enroll with a carrier that can raise your rate for bad scores if you are not confident. Read the fine print — Progressive can, most others cannot.