How do you explain this to the cops?
The truth behind smart driving programs and what they track
r/GEICO via Reddit.com, © Justlight | Dreamstime.com, © Alexskopje | Dreamstime.com
I’ll bet your insurance company has sent this one your way: “Drive safely, get rewarded. Sign up for our smart driving program today!” You’ve got a squeaky clean driving record, so what’s the harm?
Smart driving programs track your driving habits and give you discounts for being a good driver. But there’s more to it than just saving a few bucks. Buckle up — I’ll break it down for you.
Know what’s being tracked
These programs monitor your driving habits using an app on your phone or a small gadget installed in your car. That data is combined with other factors, like your age, ZIP code and driving history, to calculate a score.
If the score is good enough, you might get a discount — think anywhere from 10% to 30% off your premium. Pretty sweet, right? But the discount comes with hidden costs.
They watch your every move
State Farm dings you if you go 8 miles per hour over the speed limit. So what happens if you floor it to avoid an accident?
GEICO and Allstate both tell you to avoid late-night driving since it’s the riskiest time for fatal crashes. But what if you work late or your kid has soccer practice that finishes after dark?
Ask your insurance company exactly what data they collect and how it’s used. Look for details on:
- Speed, braking and acceleration habits
- Late-night driving penalties
- Phone usage tracking
Maybe more importantly, what happens to your driving data after it’s collected? Does your insurance company share it with third parties or use it for marketing? Can it be sold or handed over in legal situations? Review those details before you agree to anything.
Your data could work against you
Robotaxis for sale
Waymo’s self-driving cars will soon be up for grabs. But don’t count on turning a profit.
🚗 Want to own your own Waymo? Not me, thank you. This is a sneaky way to offload old inventory. Why? Tesla’s rolling out its own self-driving taxis in June, and they’re supposed to cost just 20% to 25% of Waymo’s.
186 mph
That’s how fast a 22-year-old YouTuber was clocked on a highway. The helmet-cam footage of him speeding on a Connecticut highway at nearly 3x the speed limit went viral but also got him arrested for reckless driving. He’s since been released on a $5K bond, and grounded by the internet.
🎶 Auto-tune up: Driving an older car without Android Auto or Apple CarPlay? Load your favorite songs onto a USB flash drive, plug it into your ride’s USB port and rock on. Just stick to common formats like MP3 or AAC. It’s like turning your car into a Spotify time capsule.
Waymo wants to sell you a $25K self-driving car
Owning your own robotaxi could soon be a reality. Plus, when did you made your first investment? Thanks to AI, people are doing it younger than ever. Also: Selfies with the pope, and why Apple wants you to delete Chrome right now.
🚐 Uber and Volkswagen are teaming up: They’re launching a robotaxi service in the U.S. with self-driving electric microbuses. First stop? Los Angeles, starting in late 2026. But don’t get too excited just yet. You’ll still see a human behind the wheel until at least 2027. Why? They’ve gotta wait for those permits to clear.
🚨 Cybertruck recall: Tesla is recalling nearly all Cybertrucks to fix an exterior panel that could just fly off while driving. Own one? Head to a Tesla service center for a free fix before your truck starts shedding parts on the highway.
👔 From hoodies to high-end: Remember when tech CEOs’ unofficial uniforms were T-shirts and dorky sneakers? Now, Mark Zuckerberg rocks a $895,000 watch and Jeff Bezos is at fashion shows in leather and sunglasses. It’s not just that they grew up; tech drives our economy, and the billionaires in charge aren’t hiding their wealth anymore. In 1999, when Bezos was already a billionaire, he was driving a 1997 Honda Accord. Those days are long gone!
44%
Percentage of young Americans who don’t want to own a car. Adults ages 18 to 34 would rather call an Uber or Lyft or rent a ride on Turo. But we’re not heading to a robo-taxi future just yet; a solid 52% of all folks don’t trust self-driving cars. I won’t get in one.
$1,500 in fines
If you don’t clear snow and ice from your car. That includes the roof! Most states have laws against driving with snow on your car. As an Arizona gal, I had no idea. You’d probably end up paying a lot more than $1,500 if a giant slab of snow hit the person behind you.
Put it down: A new survey reveals the average American checks their phone 205 times daily, or once every five minutes. That’s a 42.3% increase from 2023. The biggest culprits? Checking phones right after waking up, while on the toilet and, yes, while driving.
Why I never use Waymo
Wonder what it’s really like to ride in a self-driving car? There’s one recent story that might make you hold off.
Car companies are tracking your driving
Are you a speed racer? You’re being watched. Major car companies are watching how you drive and selling your data to third-party brokers. Plus, discover secret codes to protect your family from scams and why the FCC is cracking down on illegal jammers.
Will AI revolutionize your next doctor's visit? Rep. David Schweikert thinks so
Can artificial intelligence make healthcare faster, cheaper, and more convenient? Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., believes it can transform the medical landscape. From AI-powered diagnostics to driving down drug prices and providing free wearable tech for everyone, AI has the potential to overhaul the way we experience healthcare.
Big Brother controls your driving
Should the government keep an eye on your driving habits? It’s starting in Europe, and it might be headed our way soon.
Self-driving cars do not drive themselves
Can you really trust your car’s self-driving mode? Turns out, study after study shows it’s not as safe as you might think.
Your car is watching
Automakers and insurance companies are teaming up to share data on your driving habits. Also, EV sales are struggling, and there are issues with Airbnb. I speak with a guy whose identity was stolen, and now the scammer is using his info to con others.