In the digital era, your driving habits can have a direct effect on your finances, thanks to programs like USAA’s SafePilot. This telematics-based program tracks driving behaviors such as braking intensity and driving time through a smart app, rewarding safe and responsible drivers. Participants have the opportunity to receive discounts of up to 30 percent, including an immediate 10 percent off just for signing up.

What is the USAA SafePilot program?

Your driving record significantly affects your car insurance premium, but insurers are now offering rewards for safe driving through real-time monitoring. The USAA SafePilot program is a usage-based telematics initiative designed to promote safer driving by tracking your driving habits. By installing the SafePilot app, available on both the App Store and Google Play, USAA auto insurance policyholders can earn discounts on their premiums. Enrolling in the program gives you an immediate discount of up to 10 percent, with potential for additional savings based on the safe driving data collected by the app. These discounts are usually applied at your next policy renewal.

Using the SafePilot app is simple: it automatically records all your trips, whether you’re driving or just a passenger, and logs any phone calls made or received during your drives. Users appreciate its ease of use and the increased awareness it brings to their driving habits.

SafePilot is available exclusively to USAA members, including active-duty military, veterans, and their qualifying family members. However, the program is not available in every state—currently, residents of California, Delaware, New Jersey, and U.S. territories cannot participate. Keep these limitations in mind when considering whether SafePilot is a good fit for you.

Factors that impact your SafePilot score

SafePilot is a usage-based telematics app that monitors various aspects of your driving to determine potential discounts. It collects data on speed, acceleration, braking, swerving, cornering, time of day, and distance traveled. Additionally, the app tracks the duration of phone calls and the total hours you spend driving. SafePilot’s technology can differentiate between when you are driving and when you are a passenger, ensuring accurate tracking and logging of your driving behaviors.

What does SafePilot track?

The USAA SafePilot app evaluates several factors to determine your driving score, which influences the discount you might receive on your insurance premiums. Here are the main elements the app tracks:

  • Location and Time of Day: The app records where and when you drive. Driving during less busy times and in safer conditions generally reduces risk and can enhance your score.
  • Role in the Vehicle: The app distinguishes between when you are driving or just a passenger, adjusting data collection to reflect the driving behaviors of each person on the policy who is using the program.
  • Phone Handling: The app monitors how you interact with your phone while driving, whether hand-held or hands-free, to identify and discourage distracted driving.
  • Harsh Braking: The app tracks the frequency and intensity of your braking. Frequent or severe braking can suggest aggressive driving, which might negatively impact your score.
  • Annual Driving Hours: The app logs the total number of hours you drive each year, as more driving time increases exposure to risk.
  • Hand-held Calling: The app pays close attention to calls made while holding your phone, a key indicator of distracted driving.
  • Hands-free Calling: It also monitors the frequency and context of hands-free calls to evaluate how distractions affect your driving.
  • Potential Accidents: The app detects incidents that resemble potential accidents, which is crucial for assessing driving safety and can influence your overall score.

Is USAA SafePilot worth it?

If you’re looking for an easy way to earn additional discounts for safe driving, the SafePilot app could be a good choice. However, it’s important to weigh the potential pros and cons before you sign up. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:

Pros:

  • Discount Opportunities: Enjoy savings, including an automatic 10 percent discount just for enrolling.
  • No Rate Increase for Unsafe Driving: Your rate won’t go up if the app detects unsafe driving.
  • Free App: Download the app for free from the App Store or Google Play Store.
  • Potential for Larger Discounts: If all drivers in your household join the program, you might receive a bigger discount.

Cons:

  • Limited Availability: The app is not available in California, Delaware, New Jersey, or U.S. territories.
  • Data Privacy Concerns: There may be issues related to data privacy.
  • Penalties for Hands-Free Calls: There could be penalties for hands-free calls while driving.
  • USAA Membership Required: The program is only accessible to USAA members.

Who is the USAA SafePilot app a good option for?

The USAA SafePilot app can be a great tool for various types of drivers, especially those focused on enhancing or maintaining safe driving habits. Here’s who might find the SafePilot app particularly useful:

Defensive Drivers: If you take pride in your safe driving practices, SafePilot could reward you with discounts that reflect your cautious approach. This is especially beneficial for drivers who consistently follow speed limits and practice safe driving techniques.

New Drivers: For those who are new to driving, like teenagers or adults who have recently obtained their licenses, SafePilot offers valuable feedback. It provides real-time data and insights that can help new drivers become more aware of their driving behaviors and identify areas for improvement.

Budget-Conscious Families: Families aiming to save on car insurance may find SafePilot advantageous. The app offers potential discounts based on the driving habits of all insured family members, which could lead to significant savings.

Tech-Savvy Users: Drivers who are comfortable with technology and apps may appreciate SafePilot’s features. The app runs in the background, automatically collecting data, making it a convenient choice for those who enjoy digital tools.

USAA Members Seeking Extra Savings: Active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families who already use USAA for their insurance needs might view SafePilot as an opportunity to further maximize their membership benefits through potential discounts.

Overall, SafePilot is a suitable option for USAA members looking to lower their insurance costs while promoting safer driving practices.