Telematics technology kept me on the road

LIFELINE Black box helped Graham Gethan to afford his insurance Graham Gethan has held a driving licence for over 50 years. He took out a telematics policy two years ago after traditional insurance quotes of £1,500 to £3,000 almost forced him off the road. Graham, 69, from Oldbury in the West Midlands, explains: “I had a stroke 10 years ago which affected my mobility. I was granted Disability Living Allowance to pay for my car and insurance. However, I was reassessed for my benefits a couple of years ago and that resulted in a huge reduction in the amount I received and meant it would no longer cover my car or insurance costs.” Graham’s mobility hadn’t improved at all, and without a car he would lose all of his independence. He didn’t have a no-claims discount at the time, and with quotes stretching into thousands of pounds it looked as if he wasn’t going to be able to afford to run a car. He adds: “I began looking on comparison websites with my son-in-law and we came across Coverbox’s black box insurance. “Initially I wasn’t keen on having the box in my car but once I saw the price of £587 I knew this was the way to get me driving again.” Graham says it makes him a safer driver because he is aware of having the box in the car. “I choose to sit in the slow lane now when I can and I’ve had family and friends notice a change in my driving style. They say it gives them peace of mind when I’m out and about. “And when it came to renewal time I was quoted £340 as a result of my safe driving.”