Insurer to reward good, honest drivers

Drivers can cut the cost of insurance premiums by having their driving style constantly evalauted by a black box-style tracking device fitted to their car.

Tom Tom and Motaquote have teamed up to offer an insurance policy that's aimed at rewarding motorists who claim to be good drivers.

Policyholders will have to install a Link tracking unit and a TomTom PRO 3100 sat-nav, which will give immediate feedback on driving style, sounding a warning in the case of particularly bad behaviour.

The policy is called Fair Pay Insurance, and according to Fair Pays managing director, Nigel Lombard: If you believe you're a good driver, we'll believe you and we'll even give you the benefit up front.

Drivers will get a number of mileage units that can be used up by different types of driver behaviour. Harsh braking and cornering, and time spent on motorways or driving at night will all use up the units more quickly and then have an adverse effect on your insurance premium when you come to renew.

This is unlike some other telematics-based schemes where you may have to prove your ability over a number of months, said Lombard. Good drivers get more for their money and in that sense they will pay ultimately less.

The sat-nav is available to keep at the end of the policy, but holders will have to pay 299 for the two pieces of hardware to be fitted in the first place.

Tom Webster