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Over the past few years, a number of major auto insurance companies have released systems that allow consumers to track their own driving habits, and have that data reported back to the policy provider as a means of potentially reducing their coverage costs. Now, a service long associated with helping keep drivers safe is poised to offer a similar option to its subscribers. For these reasons, it might be wise for insurance agents to explain to their clients what this kind of option can mean for them going forward, especially if they already have a good driving record.

OnStar recently announced that, as soon as this summer, its service will start tracking driving data for many recent models of GM vehicles, in much the same way insurers' plug-in devices do, according to a report from the Washington Post. It will then give its subscribers access to information about how fast they drive, how hard they accelerate and brake, and so on. The hope is that this, in turn, will lead to drivers amending their habits behind the wheel to be a little bit safer when possible. That could also lead to lower insurance rates if they start to get into fewer accidents.

Another insurance benefit
Subscribers can also volunteer to have this driving data forwarded to their auto insurer in some cases, the report said. This way, it could be used like any other plug-in tracking service as a means of potentially lowering insurance rates for those who drive safely. And given how popular these programs have already proven, this is just another step toward more or less total ubiquity among vehicles that offer such an option.

With so many options for keeping auto insurance costs down now emerging in the marketplace, it might become more important for insurance agents to explain these issues to their clients to either better engage them or potentially keep them from making a switch in providers or coverage. The more that can be done to build a stronger relationship with clients, the better off agents are likely to be, because good customer service is often valued above the financial benefits of occasional small discounts. For this reason, keeping lines of communication open as regularly as possible should be prioritized as a means of keeping customer satisfaction ratings and retention levels high.

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