Sprint is expanding its Integrated Insurance Solutions portfolio with two new products: text disablement and premium connected services.
Working with Modus, Sprint launched an innovative text disablement product that goes beyond the technology of many app-based solutions because it is hard wired into a device that plugs into the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic port (OBDII). The driver’s cell phone is blocked from sending and receiving text messages and surfing the Web. Blocking engages almost instantly when the vehicle begins to move while it does not affect passengers or nearby vehicles. The new text disablement system also includes geo-fencing, a safety feature that alerts parents when teen drivers stray too far. Sprint plans to unveil additional text disablement options for insurance carriers in 2014.
Integrated Insurance Solutions from Sprint is a usage-based insurance platform that gives insurance carriers and self-insured organizations cutting-edge tools to help them manage risk, reduce costs and improve profitability. Policy holders can opt to have their vehicles fitted with a small device that plugs into the diagnostic port that captures data about their vehicles’ operation and performance. That data is transmitted over the Sprint wireless network to a cloud-based system that analyzes the information with driver-scoring software.
Sprint also announced that it is adding IMS to its Integrated Insurance Solutions ecosystem. Later this year, insurance carriers will have access to IMS’ scalable usage-based insurance programme, giving them more ways to connect with policy holders by offering premium connected services. This affordable aftermarket solution turns any car with an on-board diagnostic port into a connected vehicle with in-dash information and entertainment in an environment that encourages drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
Premium connected services include:
Safety and convenience
Vehicle health
Trip reports
Green report
Driver behavior
Geofencing
Accident detection
Roadside assistance
Voice-powered infotainment
Text messaging
Email
Phone calls
Local music
Internet radio
Facebook and Twitter updates
Traffic routing
Data is transmitted between the vehicle and a cloud-based system, over the Sprint network, where it can then be aggregated and scored by IMS, Towers Watson, Agnik or the insurance carrier’s existing scoring partner. The system functions with or without GPS, in accordance with state law.
Sprint recognizes the risk customers and others face when they drive distracted. The company has taken a proactive position to provide awareness and education about the dangers of distracted driving, as well as technology solutions to promote better driving behaviors.
