Allstate Drivewise is a usage-based insurance program that utilizes an OBD2 device to monitor driving habits and potentially offer discounts based on safe driving behavior. This program involves collecting data directly from your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system via an OBD2 device. Understanding what data is collected is crucial for anyone considering enrolling in Drivewise. This article delves into the specifics of the data collected by the Allstate Drivewise OBD2 device, offering a comprehensive overview for informed decision-making.
What Data Does the Allstate Drivewise OBD2 Device Collect?
The Drivewise device, once plugged into your vehicle’s OBD2 port, begins to gather a wide range of data points related to your driving habits and vehicle performance. This information is transmitted wirelessly and securely to Allstate. While some of this data is used to calculate potential savings and is shared with the user, the device collects an even broader spectrum of information. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the data categories:
Trip Report Details
Each time you drive, the Drivewise device generates a trip report encompassing a variety of metrics. These include:
- Timestamp (GMT): Precise start and end times of each trip, recorded in Greenwich Mean Time.
- Timezone: Timezone at the trip’s starting point to ensure accurate local time conversion.
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): Unique identifier of your vehicle.
- Odometer Reading: Mileage of the vehicle.
- Hyper-miling Indicator: Indicates instances of fuel-efficient driving techniques.
- Average Speed: Calculated average speed while the vehicle is in motion (excluding 0 mph).
- Speed Band Duration: Time spent driving within 10 mph speed bands, up to 120 mph.
- Miles Driven in Time Ranges*: Miles driven within 24 hourly ranges throughout the day. This data is used for savings calculations.
- Constant Speed Miles in Speed Bands: Miles driven at a constant speed within 10 mph bands.
- Varying Speed Miles in Speed Bands: Miles driven with speed variations within 10 mph bands.
- Deceleration Duration: Seconds spent decelerating, categorized in 1 mph/s bands up to 10 mph/s.
- Acceleration Duration: Seconds spent accelerating, categorized in 1 mph/s bands up to 10 mph/s.
- Hard Braking Count: Number of times braking exceeds 6 mph/s for more than 10 seconds, in 6 bands.
- Hard Acceleration Count: Number of times accelerating exceeds 6 mph/s for more than 10 seconds, in 6 bands.
- Accelerometer Orientation Flag: Indicates correct device orientation within the vehicle.
- Miles with Small Speed Variation: Miles driven with minor speed changes, within 13 individual 5 mph bands.
- Miles with Large Speed Variation: Miles driven with significant speed changes, within 13 individual 5 mph bands.
- Successive Acceleration/Deceleration Count: Number of instances of repeated acceleration and deceleration.
- Excessive Speed Change Count: Number of occurrences of rapid speed changes.
This detailed trip report is transmitted after each completed trip, defined as the period between engine ignition and shutdown.
Connection and Device Status Data
Beyond trip-specific data, the Drivewise OBD2 device also reports on its connectivity and operational status:
- Connect Timestamp: Records the time when the device is initially installed, sent upon enrollment or re-installation.
- Disconnect Timestamp: Records when the device is removed from the vehicle, typically sent once per enrollment but also upon each removal and re-installation.
- Heart Beat: Regular reports confirming the device is installed, functioning, and communicating. Sent daily for the first week and then weekly if trips are being recorded.
Driving Event Data
Drivewise also captures specific driving events that are considered indicators of driving behavior:
- Braking Event*: Hard braking is defined as slowing down between 8 mph and 10 mph within one second. Extreme braking is defined as deceleration of 10 mph or more in one second. Each braking event is reported individually and is used for savings calculations.
- High Speed Event*: Instances where the vehicle speed reaches or exceeds 80 mph. Total miles driven at or above 80 mph are aggregated. Each time the 80 mph threshold is crossed, it’s logged as an event and used for savings calculations.
- Acceleration Event: Significant increases in speed, defined as exceeding 8 mph per second. Data includes 10 seconds before and up to 30 seconds after the event. Each acceleration event is reported.
- Accelerometer Event: Triggered when the vehicle’s acceleration exceeds a pre-set threshold across x, y, and z vectors. Reported as a separate event.
Vehicle Health Data
Interestingly, the Drivewise OBD2 device also monitors certain aspects of vehicle health:
- Battery Level: Voltage of the vehicle battery reported when it drops to a level indicating potential low battery condition. Reported as a separate event.
- Device Data Trouble Codes: Codes indicating issues with the Drivewise device itself or its communication with the vehicle. Reported as a separate event.
- Vehicle Data Trouble Codes: If the vehicle’s malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light) illuminates, the associated error code is captured and reported. This is also sent as a separate event.
Concerns Regarding Data Collection
While Drivewise aims to reward safe driving, the extent of data collection raises some concerns. The detailed nature of the trip reports and the sensitivity to driving events like braking and acceleration can be perceived as intrusive. Some drivers might worry about being penalized for normal driving situations or defensive maneuvers necessary for safety. As highlighted in the original feedback, concerns arise that focusing too much on avoiding hard braking or rapid acceleration might inadvertently encourage less safe driving decisions in certain situations.
Balancing Benefits and Privacy
The Allstate Drivewise program offers potential benefits in the form of insurance discounts for demonstrating safe driving habits. However, it’s essential for users to be fully aware of the breadth of data collected by the OBD2 device and understand how this data is used. Reviewing the user agreement and Allstate’s privacy policy is crucial before enrolling in Drivewise to make an informed decision about participating in this telematics program.
