In 2012 alone, there were approximately 295,000 motor vehicle accidents in the state of New York. These crashes have prompted lawmakers and safety advocates in the state to begin to look for new and innovative ways to improve highway safety. One unique way that is being considered as a means to achieve this goal is the use of telematics devices as a means to create “usage-based” New York car insurance coverage programs. Telematics devices collect a plethora of data about a vehicle’s travel and use as it is driven down the road, including speed, seat belt usage, brake usage, time of day the vehicle was driven, acceleration rates, and mileage. Insurance companies use this information to examine a motorist’s driving history to analyze their risk of being involved in an accident. Drivers who are found to be safe behind the wheel can then be offered a discount on their insurance coverage rates. Reports from the Insurance Journal point out these programs have been found successful in cutting overall costs and reducing accident rates, which is why the New York Department of Financial Services is encouraging all insurance companies in the state to adopt such technology and incentives for drivers. At William Mattar Law Offices, our team of Buffalo car accident attorneys know that even the safest drivers can be involved in a crash and even when an insurer is offering safe driver discounts, they may not be so giving when you need assistance after a collision. That’s why we are here to help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve been hurt in a crash. Call us anytime—day or night—to discuss your questions and concerns regarding your car accident injuries or damages.
New York Auto Insurance Companies Encouraged to Shift Toward “Usage-Based” Platforms