State Farm Drive Safe and Save: 2023 Review

The State Farm Drive Safe & Save program uses telematics technology to track driving habits and rewards drivers with a discount of 30% or more on their State Farm auto policy. Data is collected via a Bluetooth beacon that’s installed in your vehicle and functions alongside the Drive Safe and Save app; or through a connected car; or by using OnStar.

In this Drive Safe and Save State Farm review, we’ll list what driving data is collected, who can benefit the most from enrolling and how the program stacks up against the competition.

On This Page

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  What Is State Farm Drive Safe and Save?

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  What Does Drive Safe and Save Track?

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  State Farm Drive Safe and Save: Pros & Cons

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  Who Is State Farm Drive Safe and Save Best For?

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  State Farm Drive Safe and Save vs. Other Telematics Programs

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  FAQs

What Is State Farm Drive Safe and Save?

The State Farm Drive Safe & Save program uses telematics to track a customer's driving habits and provides an auto insurance discount based on how safely you drive. The program is designed to reward safe drivers with discounts on their State Farm auto insurance premiums. Customers who enroll in the program can potentially save up to 30% on their coverage.

How Does it Work?

Customers can enroll in State Farm Drive Safe and Save at any time and can opt-out at any time, as well. Enrollment in the program is voluntary and customers are not required to participate in order to maintain their State Farm auto insurance policy.

Drivers can choose from three different methods for tracking their driving behaviors: 1) a small device that is installed in the customer's vehicle called a Bluetooth beacon in conjunction with the Drive Safe and Save app or 2) through a connected car or 3) by using OnStar.

1. Bluetooth beacon: A separate device is mailed to the participating driver and installed in their vehicle. The driver will then have to download the Drive Safe and Save mobile app. Once that’s done, the Bluetooth beacon and the app will work in tandem, sending driving data to State Farm.
2. Connected cars: Vehicles that are eligible for this method include 2020 or newer Ford or Lincoln vehicles with the exception of 2020 Ford F-150s, 2020 Lincoln Continentals and Ford GTs of every year. This method uses the FordPass or Lincoln Way app. Once you have the applicable app, let State Farm know you want to enroll in the Drive Safe and Save program.
3. OnStar: State Farm will gather information from OnStar once you’re enrolled in the program. While it may be obvious, you will need a vehicle that has OnStar capabilities along with an active OnStar account.

Each method will track the same information, such as how fast you drive, how abruptly you brake and how sharply you turn a corner. This data is then transmitted wirelessly to State Farm. Drivers who return data that shows good driver behaviors are rewarded with higher discounts. Conversely, drivers with reckless driving behaviors earn lower discounts.

Monitoring is continuous and your discount will be applied every time you renew your auto policy, usually every six months.

Customers who enroll in the program can track their driving habits and progress through the State Farm mobile app or website. Both options provide customers with a detailed breakdown of how they drive and recommendations for improving their driving so they can earn higher discounts.

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What Does Drive Safe and Save Track?

State Farm Drive Safe & Save tracks a variety of data points. The following are some of the things that the program tracks:

1. Speeding: Customers who drive at or below the posted speed limit are more likely to earn higher discounts. Conversely, exceeding the posted speed limit will lower your discount.
2. Braking: Braking hard is a sign of potentially dangerous driving and can decrease your discount. Brake smoothly and gradually to ensure you get the best discount.
3. Corner turning: Quick and sharp turns tend to be indicative of unsafe driving which can contribute to lower discounts.
4. Accelerating: Customers who accelerate smoothly and gradually are more likely to earn higher discounts.
5. Distracted driving: State Farm can see when you’re using your phone while driving and can harm your discount amount, even if you’re making a hands-free phone call.

State Farm Drive Safe & Save program aims to reward safe driving habits and encourage customers to drive more safely, which can help make the roads safer for everyone.

State Farm Drive Safe and Save: Pros & Cons

Earning a discount of 30% or more is easily one of the best advantages of enrolling in State Farm Drive Safe and Save. However, not every state is eligible for this program and the amount you drive can negatively impact the discount amount you receive. Below is a breakdown of the benefits and drawbacks of this program.

Pros

• Participants can potentially save 30% or more. The opportunity to earn over 30% in savings off your auto premium is considerable and is among the highest discounts offered within the industry.
• You can stop the program at any time. There won’t be any surcharges or hidden fees.
• You can conserve mobile data by sharing your data only when there's a Wi-Fi connection. Keep in mind your mobile data will be used in the background while you’re driving so your driving information can be sent to State Farm.

Cons

• New York has a 30% discount cap. That isn’t a bad discount, but drivers in other states can potentially earn higher savings.
• Drive Safe and Save is not available in every state. This includes California, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Exclusions may also apply to North Carolina depending on certain circumstances.
• The number of miles you drive can affect your premium. Those in the program must provide an odometer reading to State Farm at the beginning of each ride period. Unfortunately, those with long commutes are already penalized and will need to excel in other metrics to secure the highest possible discount.

Who Is State Farm Drive Safe and Save Best For?

Drive Safe and Save is advantageous for certain people, such as:

• Safe drivers: If you have a State Farm auto policy and already adopt safe driving habits, then you can easily save a few dollars on your premium by enrolling in the Drive Safe and Save program.
• Households with multiple cars: All insured vehicles have the opportunity to earn discounts, contributing to a lower auto insurance premium.
• Drivers who are interested in understanding how they drive: The telematics device gives drivers insight into their own driving habits, which can be beneficial for those who want to improve their safety on the road.
• Those with poor driving records: Drive Safe and Save doesn’t look at your record when calculating your discount, but how you drive once you’re enrolled in the program. This means drivers who have a less-than-stellar driving history still have the opportunity to lower their car insurance premium if they enroll in the program.

Drive Safe and Save isn’t ideal for everyone, including:

• Drivers who do not want to install a telematics device: The program requires the use of a telematics device that is installed in the customer’s car in conjunction with the Drive Safe and Save app. Drivers who are uncomfortable with this technology or do not want to install the device may not want to participate in the program.
• Drivers looking for a program that offers immediate discounts: State Farm Drive Safe and Save program rewards drivers with discounts over time, based on safe driving habits, so it may not be the best option for drivers looking for immediate discounts on their insurance.
• Drivers who can’t keep their hands off their phone: Distracted driving contributed to the deaths of 3,142 people in 2020 and insurance companies have taken note. Many Telematics programs will be able to see when you’re using your phone for other uses, which will in turn cause your discount to decrease. This goes for hands-free devices as well, so don’t think that using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto will be penalty-free.

State Farm Drive Safe and Save vs. Other Telematics Programs

State Farm Drive Safe and Save is one of many telematics programs drivers can choose from when looking into insurance. We’ve broken down some of the most popular programs from some of the leading auto insurance companies in the country.

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