Telematics explained

Some insurers operate a curfew system, but these tend to be on an opt-in basis. You might choose a curfew policy because you can get cheaper cover. However, you then run the risk of a penalty if you have to drive at a time you’ve agreed not to.

Even when there's no curfew on your policy, your driving score could still go down if you drive late at night or in the early hours of the morning. Your insurance company may view driving between the hours of 11pm and 5am as higher risk, so you could see the impact on your driving score.

When you have a box installed, you usually agree to limit yourself to a set number of annual miles. You should think carefully about the number of miles you expect to do before you take out a policy.

If you use your annual miles and need to add more, most insurers allow you to do this for an added cost. The exact cost depends on the insurer, so have a look at the policy details if this is something you think you might need to do.

If you think you’re going to considerably exceed your limit, it's worth speaking to your insurer as they may be able to amend your policy for a fee.

If you have a policy with a pay-as-you-go system, you may be charged automatically if you exceed your limit, but haven’t topped up in advance.

With some policies, you can use additional miles that you’ve built up. For example, you may be awarded extra miles for good driving throughout the year.

The better you drive, the higher your driving score and the cheaper your insurance. Most telematics setups provide you with personalised tips to improve your driving score.

Typical top tips for improving your driving score are:

• Accelerate smoothly
• Brake in plenty of time
• Keep to the speed limit

Depending on your insurer, it might also help your score if you can avoid driving at certain times of the day. For example, driving between 11pm and 5am might be viewed as higher risk by some insurers.

Don't worry if you have to brake hard every now and again or make the occasional emergency stop, it’s unlikely to have a major impact on your driving score. Driving scores are based on a number of variables across a number of journeys to give a well-balanced view of your driving behaviour.

Occasionally breaking the speed limit by a small amount might not affect your insurance policy much. However, continually breaking speed limits, especially by significant amounts, is likely to seriously impact your driving score. And it could even lead to your insurer cancelling the policy.

Insurers don’t use telematics data to pass on evidence of motoring offences to the police, but there may still be repercussions from speeding. If you wish to lower the cost of your insurance by being considered a good driver, it’s best to stick to the speed limit.

Yes, your insurer should still be able to fit a telematics box in an older car. However, the age of the car could affect the kind of box that can be installed. Some vehicles may need a modification before a box can be added.

Yes, as long as they're a named driver on the telematics policy. If someone else does drive the car, then that person is using your miles and their driving counts count towards (or against) your good driving score.

This is really no different from a standard insurance policy.

You can cancel your policy at any time but you may be subject to cancellation charges and admin fees as outlined in the terms and conditions of your policy. Speak to your insurer for more information.

Check out our guide on making changes to your policy.

If you’re cancelling the policy or not renewing, you shouldn’t need to have the box removed – it just stops gathering data.

Should you still want to have it removed, you may need to pay for a professional to take it out. You need to get the box removed if you’re selling your car mid-policy – again, there may be a charge.

Yes, you can normally drive abroad with telematics box insurance. Many policies include up to 90 days cover to drive in the EU and certain other European countries. If you’re planning on driving abroad, you should check the terms and conditions in your policy.

Telematics box insurance policies last for 12-months, just like a standard car insurance policy. When your policy is due to renew, you can decide if you want to continue with a black box insurance policy for another 12-months or switch to standard car cover.