Is SmartRide a Smart Choice for You?

One of the ways you can save major money on car insurance is by opting for a plug-in diagnostic kit.

Known as SmartRide, Snapshot or In-Drive (depending on your insurance company), this device attaches to the inside of your car (like an external hard drive connects to a USB port) and gives you personalized feedback to help you make safer driving decisions. All of your actions while behind the wheel -- miles driven, speed, acceleration, deceleration, what time of day you drive and how quickly you brake -- are registered electronically.

These devices personalize your insurance rate based on your actual driving (known as "usage-based" insurance). Simply put, the better you drive, the more you can save. Discounts are updated weekly, then averaged and calculated for your next policy renewal. Generally, you’ll earn an instant discount when you sign up. Afterwards, he safer you drive, the higher the discounts you could get.

For example, safe drivers have less "hard braking" instances (because they are driving the speed limit and leaving ample room between themselves and other vehicles). The app will show this -- and your premium will reflect your safe driving!

This tool is a great motivator to practice safer driving habits. It would be helpful for a newer driver

We recommend everyone give it a try! You'll save money -- and lives.

Call your insurance agent today to discuss testing out a diagnostic kit.

Photo credit: State Farm.

Source: Progressive.