Bajaj Allianz General Insurance on Monday launched a telematics-based offering — ‘Drive Smart’ — to reward customers who drive safely and well.

This will be done through a device fitted in the car and through the company’s mobile app which provides real-time feedback on driver behaviour — including on overspeeding, changing gears in the wrong fashion, too much idling or driving rashly. It will provide a whole range of statistics, including the time spent driving, the distance travelled, the likely fuel consumption as well as the amount saved by right driving practices. There is also a one-touch call feature that allows for 24/7 roadside assistance in the event of an emergency or breakdown. Customers can opt for this while buying motor insurance policy from the company.

Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, explaining the thought process behind launching this service, said that currently good drivers end up subsidising the bad ones. Also, while everyone wants to be a good driver, no coaching or mentoring is imparted subsequent to the driving licence test.

There is also the absence of speed controls and breach notifications that would enable drivers correct their own driving behaviour. The telematic device will address these shortcomings and provide feedback which will help correct driver behaviour, make roads safer and eventually help reduce costs — both fuel as well as premium costs for the customer.