An increasing number of insurance companies are providing telematics programs that offer discounts for safe driving, and State Farm is among them. Their Drive Safe and Save program is a popular option for drivers to monitor their driving habits and reduce their premiums. Notably, State Farm won’t penalize you for a less-than-perfect driving record. For more information, check out Bankrate’s comprehensive guide to the Drive Safe and Save program. Our insurance editorial team breaks down the details to help you decide if this telematics program is a good fit for you.
What is State Farm Drive Safe and Save?
For State Farm car insurance customers, the Drive Safe and Save program offers a valuable opportunity to save on premiums. By simply signing up, drivers can receive an initial discount and potentially save up to 30 percent by participating. To get started, drivers can download the mobile app or use the Connected Car feature available for 2020 or newer Ford or Lincoln vehicles.
The Drive Safe and Save app is well-received, boasting a 4.6 out of 5.0 rating on the App Store and a 4.0 out of 5.0 rating on Google Play. Reviews highlight the app’s ease of use and its effectiveness in helping drivers monitor their habits. However, some users report that the app occasionally misjudges driving behaviors, especially when evasive actions are necessary to avoid accidents.
State Farm monitors driving habits through either the app or the Connected Car option to determine potential savings. Additionally, drivers can link Amazon Alexa to the program to check the status and amount of their discount. Participation in the program is optional, and drivers who don’t earn a discount due to their driving habits will not face surcharges on their insurance policy after the program period.
How does State Farm Drive Safe and Save work?
If you’re looking to save money while driving, State Farm makes it easy with their car insurance telematics program. This program tracks specific driving behaviors and rewards you with discounts based on your safe driving habits. You can download the free Drive Safe and Save app from Google Play or the App Store by following these steps:
- Text “SAVE” to 42407 to receive a download link.
- Log in to the app using your statefarm.com user ID and password.
- Start driving and monitor your score—it’s that simple!
So, how does Drive Safe and Save work? Your phone tracks your driving patterns and reports them to the app. To ensure accurate tracking, keep your Bluetooth and location settings enabled while driving.
Connected Car
If you drive a 2020 or newer Ford or Lincoln, you can bypass the app and use State Farm’s Drive Safe and Save Connected Car option to join the program:
- Add your vehicle to the “Garage” in the FordPass or Lincoln Way app, depending on your car’s make.
- Inform your State Farm agent that you want to enroll in Drive Safe and Save.
- The next time you start your car, an in-vehicle agreement will appear. Complete the form, and you’ll be enrolled!
What does Drive Safe and Save track?
State Farm’s Drive Safe and Save program integrates both telematics and usage-based components to monitor various aspects of your driving behavior and the distance you travel. This data is collected either through a dedicated app or the Connected Car system. Here’s what the program specifically tracks:
- Acceleration: The program assesses the frequency and severity of rapid acceleration, which can reduce vehicle control and increase accident risk.
- Annual mileage: The total distance you drive annually is monitored, with less driving typically associated with lower risk and potentially larger discounts. Note that some states exclude mileage and odometer readings from the program.
- Braking: Harsh braking is monitored as it may indicate risky driving. The program prefers gradual and controlled braking, achieved by maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Cornering: Instances of quick or sharp turns are evaluated, as they can signify unsafe driving. Smooth and controlled cornering indicates safer driving habits.
- Speed: Adherence to speed limits is crucial for road safety. The program tracks your speed and highlights instances where you exceed the speed limit by 8 mph or more.
- Phone use: Using a mobile phone while driving is a significant hazard. The program detects phone usage during driving, which can negatively impact your discount.
State Farm uses data from these tracking points to evaluate your driving patterns. Demonstrating safe driving behaviors, such as avoiding harsh braking and obeying speed limits, can help you earn substantial discounts on your auto insurance through the Drive Safe and Save program.
How do you save with State Farm Drive Safe and Save?
With State Farm’s Drive Safe and Save program, your savings on auto insurance are calculated at the time of your policy renewal. The program reviews your driving data, focusing on key factors like acceleration and braking habits. Based on how safely you’ve driven according to these metrics, State Farm may apply a discount to your policy, which can be as high as 30 percent.
How long do I have to use State Farm’s Drive Safe and Save?
Participation in the Drive Safe and Save program is flexible, allowing you to decide how long you want to stay enrolled. However, to maintain your discount, you must actively participate in the program. If you choose to disenroll, your discount will be discontinued immediately.
Is the Drive Safe and Save program right for me?
To make an informed decision about whether State Farm’s Drive Safe and Save program suits your driving habits and preferences, it’s crucial to consider how it aligns with your needs. By maintaining safe driving patterns, you can benefit from program discounts that are reflected in your premium.
The Drive Safe and Save program is especially attractive for those looking to improve their driving habits. One key advantage is that participation doesn’t carry the risk of premium increases. The program promotes safer driving practices without penalizing mistakes, as it does not track incidents like tickets or traffic stops. This makes it a supportive tool for drivers seeking to enhance their on-road behaviors without worrying about potential rate hikes.
However, some factors might affect how well the program fits your individual needs:
- State Availability: Drive Safe and Save is not available in every state. It is excluded in states like California, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, as well as under certain circumstances in North Carolina.
- Distance Traveled: The program requires participants to provide odometer readings, and high annual mileage can limit the maximum discount achievable. This is an important consideration for those with long commutes or frequent long-distance travel.
Considering these factors and the State Farm Drive Safe and Save reviews, the program is most beneficial for drivers who consistently exhibit safe driving behaviors, have moderate to low annual mileage, and reside in states where the program is available.