Best black box car insurance

For our “best for” categories, our team evaluated a range of features from providers on our website to help determine the best black box insurance. Keep in mind that our top picks may not always be the best for you, and it’s wise to compare for yourself to find the policy that works for you. Read our full methodology here to find out more.

Insurance providers consider young and inexperienced drivers to be the most at risk on the road, meaning they pay more for their premiums. But what if you’re genuinely a good driver despite having little experience? Read our guide to see how telematics or “black box” car insurance policies work and if it can reduce the price of your insurance.

What is black box car insurance?

Black box or telematics car insurance is a specialised type of cover designed to give good drivers cheaper car insurance. A black box device is attached to your car to record your driving performance, which is then used to determine the size of your premiums. The safer your driving, the less you’ll pay for cover.

Some studies show that, on average, black box car insurance saves young drivers around £150 each year on their insurance premium, but other drivers may also be able to save by switching to a telematics policy.

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Five steps for choosing the best black box policy for you

1. Get quotes from different sources for regular car insurance, including comparing different types of cover (third-party only vs comprehensive, for example).
2. If you can’t find an affordable quote, shop around for black box insurance quotes.
3. When looking at options, consider the policy’s restrictions (like curfew and how far away from home you can drive) and check that they fit with your lifestyle.
4. Choose the policy that combines the best conditions and price for your circumstances and take out the cover.
5. Download or print your policy documents and keep them in a safe place (whether stored on your computer or as hard copies in your house) for easy access in case you need to make a query or claim.

Some of the best black box car insurance companies

• Tesco Bank. When you install a black box with Tesco Bank, it will reward you with up to 100 Bonus Miles per month for safe driving. Safety factors include your speed, smooth driving, taking breaks on long journeys and the type of road you drive on. The more Bonus Miles you rack up, the higher your renewal discount will be. This is available for motorists aged between 17 and 35.
• Admiral. Admiral’s LittleBox black box insurance is available, provided your car was manufactured in the last 15 years, is worth at least £250 and you drive at least 1,900 miles per year. You’ll receive a discount based on good driving. Customers can save over £408 with LittleBox, and there’s no maximum age limit to be eligible for this policy.
• RAC. Your “Driver Score” will be recalculated every 7 days, as long as you’ve driven 200 miles in that time. Your score will be based on your speed, acceleration, braking, when you drive and where you drive and will be shown on the RAC Breakdown Cover app. You’ll get free RAC breakdown cover with this policy.
• Direct Line. You can get a Direct Line DrivePlus telematics profile if you’re under 25. It only requires a small plug-in that you can install yourself, and you’ll get feedback on your driving regularly. The maximum age limit for this policy is 95.
• Churchill. You don’t even need a device in your car with Churchill DriveSure car insurance, just the app on your phone. You’ll get an upfront discount if you take out this policy, plus a discount on renewal if you’re judged to be a safe driver.
• Hastings Direct. You’ll be eligible for Hastings Direct SmartMiles policy if you’re aged 17 or over, drive less than 15,000 miles per year and mainly drive between 5am and 10pm.
• Marmalade. If you’re aged between 17 and 30, you’re eligible for Marmalade’s black box car insurance. It comes with a self-fit telematics box that measures speed, acceleration, braking, cornering and where you drive.
• Ingenie. With Ingenie black box car insurance, you save money in 3 ways – you’ll get an upfront discount on signing up, it’ll give you a discount for safe driving as early as 3 months into your policy and you’ll get a discount on renewal.

How does black box car insurance work?

Black box car insurance customers must first have a black box device fitted to their car, which continually measures their general driving performance using GPS technology. This includes how the driver handles braking and turning, as well as the car’s speed, distance travelled and location.

This data is assessed by the insurer and given a score, which is then used to calculate the driver’s next insurance premium. The scoring system typically ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 representing the safest drivers.

Which age group is most likely to purchase black box insurance?

A key reason younger drivers face astronomical quotes for car insurance is that insurers have no proof they’re safe drivers. Telematics devices were invented to allow new motorists to prove they are safe on the road. That’s why black box car insurance is mostly aimed at younger drivers.

You can see how much more drivers under the age of 30 pay for car insurance in our guide to car insurance costs.

However, that doesn’t mean older drivers can’t benefit too. If you’ve seen your premiums increase due to your age, a black box policy could help prove to your insurance company you’re still a good driver. Ultimately, by driving safely and proving your driving skills, you could see a significant reduction to your premiums.

Drivers between the ages of 17 and 25 will have a much bigger choice of black box car insurance companies to choose from, but those outside of that age bracket could get a good deal, too, so make sure to shop around.

Cost of black box car insurance

According to Finder’s research, motorists can typically save between 8% and 26% on their premiums with a black box. As car insurance is such a personal thing, you’ll need to get a quote to see whether it could save you money.

That said, for most drivers, taking out a black box car insurance policy is a good way to get a discount on premiums in the long run, provided you’re a safe driver.

Compare quotes with Confused.

Is a black box worth it?

Finder’s insurance expert Ronny Lavie answers

That depends on your priorities and how good of a driver you are (in practical terms).

If you’re a safe driver and strictly keep to the rules of the road, then a black box can save you quite a bit of money. You’ll have to keep to speed limits and be super careful, though. Otherwise, you might incur fines, so the black box ends up costing you more money than it saves.

You’ll also have to take your lifestyle into consideration. Do you work late shifts or regularly have to drive far away from your registered address (say, to attend school or visit relatives)? If so, a black box insurance policy might not be for you, as it often comes with a curfew and restrictions on how far away from home you can drive.

So, basically, you have to consider what you value more – saving money or having no restrictions on your driving. If you recently passed your driving test and have little experience, or if you’re an older driver who wants to prove you’ve still got it, you could avoid being automatically lumped into a high-risk category by allowing your insurance provider to monitor your driving. If you continue to drive well, your insurance costs will reduce compared to regular car insurance. You’ll have to make some sacrifices for it though, so it’s up to you to decide if they’re worth it for the saving.

Best cars to insure on black box insurance

Generally speaking, driving a cheaper car leads to cheaper car insurance premiums. This is because it costs less to repair or replace these cars when they get into an accident.

Cars with smaller engines also cost less to insure, as they can’t reach the speeds of bigger engine cars, and so are considered to be lower risk by insurers.

Regardless of whether you opt for black box car insurance, you should be aware of the 50 car insurance groups, created by Thatcham Research.

The cars in group 1 are the cheapest to insure, while group 50 vehicles are the most expensive to cover.

Pros and cons of black box car insurance

Frequently asked questions

• Can you trick a black box?

  Even if this was possible, doing so would constitute “insurance fraud” – and would invalidate your policy. You could also face a fine and even legal action.

• Can black box policies save older drivers money?

  A handful of black box car insurance policies are available to all ages. Most have a maximum age limit, though. Companies with no maximum age limit include Admiral, Insure The Box and Wise Driving. Older drivers should expect smaller discounts than younger motorists.

• Can I drive at night with a black box?

  Some black box car insurance policies will place a curfew on motorists. Others will lower your “driving score” if you drive late at night. It varies depending on the insurer.

• What happens if your black box score is bad?

  Your premiums may increase if a black box reveals you’re a bad driver. It depends on the insurer. Most policies come with smartphone apps that let you know how well you’re driving and give you tips on how to drive better.

• What happens if you go over your mileage on a black box insurance policy?

  You should notify your insurer before you do. In many cases, they will notify you. At this point, you’ll have to negotiate an increased mileage with your insurer for an increased premium.

  If you don’t do this, your insurance will be invalidated.

• Does a black box track where you park?

  Yes. Your car insurance premium could increase or decrease depending on where your car is parked at night. That’s because it’s less likely to be damaged by a third party if it’s stored on a driveway or in a garage, compared to on the street.

  So, you better be honest with your insurer about where you park overnight.

• How long do you have to keep a black box in your car for?

  Some insurers will let you start (or continue) driving your car before your black box is installed. Once it is installed, it will remain in your vehicle for the length of your insurance policy.

• Can a black box be wrong?

  Yes, it is possible. So, you could check the mobile app for obvious inaccuracies. If you think your black box has provided incorrect data, report it to your insurer.

• Can I sell my car with a black box?

  Unless it’s factory-fitted, you’ll need to have your black box removed and returned before you sell your vehicle.

• What happens when you speed with a black box?

  You won’t be reported to the police, but it could affect your premium. Speeding is judged as unsafe driving, so you could face a reduced discount or even an increased premium as a result of it.

• What does urban mean on a black box?

  A black box will track what type of roads you drive on. Roads with speed limits of less than 50 miles per hour are classed as “urban”. Roads with a speed limit of over 50 miles per hour are classed as “rural”. Cars are at a higher risk of an accident on “urban” roads, so you could pay more for your insurance if a high percentage of your driving is done here.

• Can I cancel black box insurance?

  Yes – although, just like with any car insurance policy, you’ll nearly always have to pay a cancellation fee. In most cases, it’s more cost-effective to wait until your policy ends. You’ll have to return the black box to your insurer once your policy has ended.

• How long does a black box last?

  You can keep a black box in your car for as long as you like, provided you remain under your insurer’s maximum age for a black box policy. After one year, your insurer will offer you a renewal quote. If you accept it, you can keep the black box in your vehicle. If you switch insurers, your black box will need to be removed and returned.

• How do you increase your acceleration score with a black box?

  Heavy acceleration is regarded as unsafe. To increase your acceleration score, make sure to accelerate smoothly. The key to this is allowing yourself enough time to make a move safely, taking your time switching gears and making sure not to over-rev your engine.

• Can I drive before a black box is fitted?

  Yes, most insurers will allow this. After all, you’ll usually need to wait for your black box to be delivered, and it may require a technician to install it. However, you’ll usually be given a deadline to install your box. Miss this deadline and your policy could be cancelled.

• What happens to my black box when my insurance ends?

  In most cases, you’ll need to have your black box uninstalled and returned to your insurer. Most insurers will cover the cost of you doing this.

• What do black boxes record?

  Here are some of the factors that black boxes can potentially record:

  • Maximum speed
  • Average speed
  • Acceleration levels
  • Braking strength
  • Cornering speed
  • Distance travelled
  • Number of journeys
  • Location
  • Road type (urban/rural)
  • Elevation
  • Journey time
  • Impact detection

  Not all insurers use all of this data to judge your driving score – they will each tell you what factors are considered. This data isn’t reported to the insurers in real time, so there’s no need to worry about being spied on.

• What is a black box curfew?

  Car accidents are more likely to happen late at night, so some black box car insurance policies will add a curfew to keep your premium low.

  The punishment for driving during your curfew hours differs depending on the insurer. Some will fine you or cancel your policy. Others will simply reduce your “driving score”.

• How long does it take for a black box to activate?

  Most black boxes are activated as soon as installed.

• How is my driving score calculated?

  The information collected by the insurance company is assessed, and a score is given. The insurance premiums for the following month are then calculated.

  An insurance provider’s scoring system typically ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 being the safest drivers paying the lowest premiums. The higher the score, the less of a risk the driver is considered to be on the road, and their premiums are lowered. If the driver’s safety score falls to a lower number over time, premiums are likely to increase.

• Where is the black box fitted?

  Most commonly, it is fitted behind the vehicle’s dashboard or on the battery. You don’t need to worry about being distracted by the box, and your passengers won’t spot it either.

  However, this can change depending on the type of black box car insurance offered by the insurer. The following black boxes are available:

  • Standard black box. A black box device hard fitted to your car (as detailed above).
  • Mobile app. Driving is monitored through the driver’s mobile phone and the GPS technology it uses.
  • Removable black box. A black box, usually the size of a smartphone, connected to the 12-volt lighter socket.
  • Onboard device. A black box connected to the car’s onboard device port, which is typically located under the steering wheel. This can be easily removed.
  • Factory-fitted onboard device. This is a device usually fitted by the car manufacturer when the car is built.

• Can a black box be fitted to all cars?

  Generally, black boxes can be fitted to most cars. However, there may be some cars that can’t support having a black box fitted, especially if the car is very old, so check that your car is suitable for black box insurance before taking out a policy.

• What happens when I want to change my car?

  It’s best to check your policy details for the exact process, but you’ll usually need to contact your insurer so it can arrange to have the black box device removed and installed in the new car (if necessary).

• How can I remove a black box device from my car?

  It depends on which type of black box device is fitted to your car. Some devices are hard-fitted to your car and require an engineer to remove while others are simply plugged in and removed easily. But remember, removing or unplugging a device could affect your score and your premiums.

• Can a black box device be turned off?

  No. You’re unlikely to be able to interfere or tamper with a black box device as they are usually sealed shut. Some devices can be removed or unplugged from your car, but doing so will mean that your insurance company won’t capture 100% of your driving performance, which could ultimately affect your premiums.

• Is there an age restriction for black box policies?

  Age restrictions will generally depend on the insurance company offering the black box policy.

  Many insurers only offer black box insurance to drivers under a certain age (with the limit normally being around 30). However, as long as you hold a valid UK driver’s licence, you should be able to find a black box policy that suits you. Just remember to check the policy’s age restrictions during the quote process when you shop around.

Written by

Danny Butler

Publisher

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Danny was a publisher at Finder specialising in insurance and investing. He previously worked at the global insurer Aon and has appeared in national media giving advice on insurance. Danny holds a BA in International Business from the University of Plymouth and has undying loyalty to his average-poor football team, Portsmouth FC. See full bio

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