The research reveals that currently around 90,400 van drivers (less than 3%) are using telematics in their vehicles. This means a majority of the 3.35 million van drivers are missing out on the benefits of potentially lower insurance premiums and beneficial feedback from the technology on how to improve their driving behaviours.
Telematics can be used by motorists to improve their habits behind the wheel, related to factors such as smooth cornering, acceleration and braking. As well as reduced insurance premiums, this can result in lower repair bills and reduced fuel costs for van drivers.
More than half (55%) of van drivers surveyed said that one of the reasons they are not using telematics is because their insurer has not offered it to them.
Once made aware of telematics, van drivers were generally positive about the benefits. Almost half (49%) stated that telematics is a good example of the insurance industry using technology to benefit customers, and 42% said they’re interested in telematics because their insurance premiums would be based on actual driving data.
Jazz Gakhal, head of Direct Line for Business, said: ‘Telematics provides a great opportunity for van drivers to save money on insurance and maintenance costs through promoting responsible driving.
‘More than half of van drivers in our research stated that they would be more likely to try telematics if they could make a saving on their insurance. We’re listening to them and for a limited time we are offering an immediate 20% discount to all new customers who download the DrivePlus Van app and register their details.’
Direct Line for Business' DrivePlus Van App is available to download via iOS or Android.