Now drivers of all ages use black boxes to cut premiums

A DESPERATE search for afford- able car insurance has resulted in more than two million motorists allowing a telematics ‘black box’ to be installed in their car to spy on them – double the number of two years ago.

Initially, only young motorists who had just passed their driving test were persuaded into having these £100 devices put into their vehicle as it was the only way they could obtain affordable insurance. But all age groups including the elderly are now agreeing to the spy equipment as they strive to keep down insurance premiums.

The Big Brother technology provides insurers with precise data on how and when motorists are driving and is then used to determine future premiums. Research by comparison website MoneySuperMarket shows that the average 19year-old knocks £850 off the price of cover if they accept a black box, but they still pay £1,200 a year.

Those aged 65 or over who agree to be spied on can cut premiums by £230 a year to about £300. The average cost of motor insurance stands at £790 and bills this year have risen on average by about £ 50.

Experts predict half of all motorists will be forced to accept telematics technology in the next decade to fight off escalating motor insurance bills.

Rodney Kumar, of IAM RoadSmart, an organisation dedicated to raising driving standards, says black boxes could become standard for most drivers and automatically installed in new cars. He adds: ‘Understandably, many people do not want to have someone spying on their driving. But if it cuts premiums, it will become more prevalent in the future.’

There are now more than 55 telematics policies being offered to all ages, twice the number of three years ago.

Major insurers include Insure The Box, Direct Line, Hastings Direct and Admiral.