The telematics program provides real-time driving habits data to insurers, including behind the wheel time, speeding, and braking. By sharing data, drivers can show safe behavior and earn lower car insurance premiums. Participants in the USAA’s Safepilot program can earn a potential discount of up to 30%, including an immediate 10% reduction just for registration. In this USAA Safepilot Review, Bankrate’s insurance editorial team determines what the USAA Safe Pilot Program is, its driving scores, advantages and disadvantages, and provides insight into what the program is best for.
What is the USAA Safepilot Program?
Your driving record is one of the biggest factors affecting your car insurance premiums. If you already have a clean driving record, you may be able to take advantage of the best rates, but telematics allows insurers to provide additional ways to reward safe drivers that allow real-time monitoring.
The USAA Safepilot program is a usage-based telematics initiative that promotes safer driving by monitoring habits on the road. By installing the SafePilot app, available on both the App Store and Google Play, USAA Auto Insurance Poltionals may be able to earn a premium discount.
Safepilot eligibility is limited to USAA members, including active duty veterans, veterans and qualified families. However, it is important to note that this program is not available in all states. Currently, residents of California, Delaware and New Jersey are not available, and the program is not available in US regions. These limitations are important to keep in mind when evaluating whether Safepilot is the right option for you.
How USAA Safepilot works
Simply sign up for the program and get an instant participation discount of up to 10% during your first policy period. Plus, you can save up to 30% based on securely driven data collected through the app. These data-driven discounts are typically applied with the following policy updates:
The SafePilot app is easy to use. Once installed, it automatically runs in the background, recording all your trips, whether driving or just passengers. It also records calls made or received while driving, providing comprehensive insight into driving behavior. Users often praise the app for its user friendliness and the positive impact it has on driving awareness.
What does Safepilot track?
Because Safepilot is a usage-based telematics app, it relies on tracking multiple aspects of your driving habits to determine discounts. The information collected includes speed, acceleration, braking, rotation, cornering, time of day and distance driving. The app also tracks how much time you spend on your phone, no matter how many hours you drive, if you process your phone. Safepilot technology allows you to know and log when you are a driver and passenger. However, if the app is incorrect, you can go to the trip log and fix the status.
Additionally, there is a 14-day study period before starting counting towards driving scores. This gives you plenty of time to become familiar with the app and understand how different driving behaviors are evaluated.
Factors that influence your Safepilot score
If you’re wondering how USAA Safepilot works, the app takes into account several factors when calculating your driving score. The key elements that your app tracks are:
- Location and time: The app collects data about where and when it drives. Moving between less crowded times and safer conditions usually results in less risk and helps improve your score.
- The role in the vehicle: Whether you’re driving or simply whether passengers are important, the app coordinates data collection to accurately reflect the driving behavior of each individual listed in the policies registered with the program.
- Telephone Handling: The app monitors interactions with your mobile phone while driving. The goal is to identify and block distracted driving behaviors.
- The harsh brakes: The app evaluates how often and how strong the brakes are applied. Frequent or severe braking indicates aggressive or reactive driving that can negatively affect your score.
- Annual operating hours: The app tracks the total amount of time you drive each year, as more time spent driving can increase your accident and risk exposure.
- Calling the handheld: This is an important indicator of distracting driving, so special attention is paid to calls made while holding your smartphone.
- Hands-free call: Even when using hands-free devices, the app will focus on the frequency and context of calls to assess how distractions affect driving.
- A potential accident has been detected: The app’s ability to detect incidents similar to potential accidents can play a key role in assessing driving safety and may have a corresponding impact on your score.
Is USAA Safepilot worth it?
If you’re looking for a relatively easy way to get extra safe driving discounts and are eligible for USAA Auto Insurance, the SafePilot app might be a good option. However, there may be some drawbacks to consider before registering. Below are some of the pros and cons of the potential USAA Safepilot:
Strong Points
- Savings Opportunities Including Automatic 10% Discount for Registration
- If you show unsafe driving habits, your rate will not rise
- A highly rated free mobile app available from the App Store or Google Play Store
- If all drivers in your household are enrolled in the program, you may see a bigger discount
Cons
- Not available in California, Delaware, New Jersey or US territory
- Potential data privacy issues
- Hands-free call penalty while the vehicle is moving
- Programs can only be accessed if you are a USAA member
Who is the USAA Safepilot app?
The USAA Safepilot app can be a valuable tool for many different types of drivers, especially drivers who are committed to maintaining or improving safe driving habits. Let’s take a look at people you may find the Safepilot app particularly useful.
- Defensive Driver: If you take pride in your safe driving practices, the Safepilot app may reward you with discounts that reflect a careful approach on the road. This is especially appealing for drivers who always adhere to speed limits and use safe driving techniques.
- New Driver: For individuals who are just starting out behind the wheel, such as teenagers and adults who have recently acquired a driver license, the SafePilot app can serve as a useful feedback tool. It provides insights and real-time data that will help new drivers become more aware of driving behavior and areas where they can improve.
- Budget-conscious family: Families looking to save money with car insurance may find the Safepilot app useful, especially considering the expensive costs of adding teenagers to their insurance policy. This app offers discounts based on the driving behavior of all families in the insurance policy, which can lead to significant savings.
- Tech-savvy users: A comfortable driver using technology and apps may appreciate the functionality and interface of the Safepilot app. Running in the background and collecting data automatically makes it a convenient option for drivers who appreciate digital convenience by seamlessly integrating into their daily driving routines. That said, your phone must be in your vehicle and be powered on for recording trips.
- USAA members seeking extra savings: Active military personnel, veterans, and their families may view them as an opportunity to maximize membership benefits through potential insurance discounts.
Ultimately, the USAA Safepilot app may be a good option for drivers who are already part of the USAA community and are looking for ways to reduce insurance costs while promoting safer driving habits.
