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Over the last several years, many drivers have likely taken on usage-based coverage that could serve to reduce their auto insurance costs overall. But now it seems that the way in which that kind of tracking of driving habits is going to take place is poised to evolve, and it may be incumbent upon insurers and agents to evolve. Agents who can explain to consumers the benefits of such coverage, and what it can do for their insurance costs overall, will likely be the ones that have more satisfied clients going forward as this technology becomes more prevalent.

While usage-based coverage has typically relied upon devices specifically made for that purpose in the past few years, it seems that many experts now believe the next step for this kind of coverage is with a more universal device: smartphones, according to a report from the Chicago Tribune. Recent data shows that today, 58 percent of all Americans own a smartphone, including 83 percent of those 18 to 29, and 74 percent of people between 30 and 49.

""Because of what Google and Apple can do, they are in the position to gather so much data, and that data may be more insightful than traditional variables,"" such as credit scoring and motor vehicle records, Sandeep Puri, a Deloitte consulting director and co-founder of the company's auto insurance data wing D-rive, told the newspaper

A surge in adoption coming?
In addition, 80 percent of those polled, regardless of age, say that they'd be comfortable with the idea of having their driving habits tracked by an app, the report said. Further, given that 8.5 percent of drivers now use usage-based coverage - up from 4.5 percent early last year - that number is only likely to grow.

Agents that can explain more aspects of coverage and the associated costs to consumers, and help them make the best possible decisions for their personal financial situations might end up having the best luck when it comes to retaining clients and keeping their satisfaction levels as high as possible. That's because good customer service is often valued just as highly - if not more so - than the ability to help consumers cut their ongoing coverage costs. As such, those that can strike a strong balance between these two ideals will probably have the best relationships with clients overall.

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