What Is a Telematics Device?

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

A telematics device is an instrument that records information about your driving behavior, including how fast you drive, how hard you brake, and the distance you drive. It's installed in your car. 

Insurers use telematics devices in special safe driver programs, including Snapshot from ProgressiveDrive Safe & Save from State Farm, and SmartRide from Nationwide. Commercial fleet operators also use telematics devices to track vehicles and monitor safe driving behavior. 

But you don't have to be a professional truck driver or interested in saving money to benefit from a telematics device. Some offer also information about your vehicle's health and suggest routine maintenance.

Stay Safe and become a SafeWise Insider!

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the best safety news, product info, and deals.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Where are telematics devices installed?

Safety expert Katie McEntire installing the MOTOsafety vehicle GPS tracker into a car's OBD port.

The OBD II Port is located under the steering wheel. Image: SafeWise

Telematics devices plug into a vehicle’s on-board diagnostics port (OBD II Port), which all vehicles that are newer than 1996 have. This port is typically located beneath the steering wheel of the car, making the device easy to install. As soon as the telematics monitor is installed, it will start recording information about your driving habits and passing them on to a connected app or to your insurer.

What are the advantages of telematics devices?

  1. Insurance savings: Provided you are a good driver, you can get a hefty discount on your insurance when the device reports your travel history.
  2. Safe driving reminders: If you aren’t a great driver, an insurance-provided telematics device can help you remember to avoid hard braking, heed the speed limit, and drive safer overall.
  3. Monitoring teen drivers: Some parents use the GPS feature in telematics devices to make sure their teen drivers aren't going anywhere off-limits or going over the speed limit.
  4. Commercial fleet logistics: Telematics devices play a crucial role in commercial fleet logistics by tracking the vehicle's location and speed.

How do I get a telematics device?

Best for long-term tracking
Vyncs Vehicle GPS Tracker
Vyncs GPS Tracker
pro Driving score
pro Maintenance reminders
pro Free roadside assistance

There are several options for getting a telematics device in your car. Your insurer may also offer a specific model through a program like Drive Safe & Save or SmartRide. In that case, contact an agent to get a telematics device for your car.

The second option is to buy a car that has one built into the vehicle. Newer cars may have this technology built right in.

If you don’t have a car that already includes this technology, then you can simply purchase a device from a tech store or online and install it yourself.

Check our guide to the best vehicle GPS trackers to compare models. Our top choices also give driving scores and maintenance reminders. 

Read more: 

Are smartphone apps replacing telematics devices?

In some cases, yes. We've seen car insurance companies shift away from telematics devices and toward smartphone apps for their safe driver programs. The apps tap into the phone's GPS system and accelerometer to measure speed, hard braking, and rough acceleration. 

Some of these apps can also tell you how often you use your phone when you're behind the wheel, helping you become aware of distracted driving habits. On the downside, though, the apps can't give you vehicle maintenance reports. 

Staying safe on the road

Telematics devices are just one element of a safe driving plan. You can also make your car more secure by adding aftermarket safety devices, like dash cams or car theft prevention products.

Related articles on SafeWise


Compare the top car safety products

Product
Best for
Price
Specs
Stand-out feature
Learn more
Read review
Best vehicle trackerOBD port plug-inMaintenance reminders
Best car alarm3,000 ft rangeRemote start
Diesel engine safe
Best dash cam4K Full HD

170° front and rear

Tolerates -20°F to 176°F
Best navigation system6.95 in. touchscreenVoice control
Steering wheel lockHardened steel

3 different sizes

Tamperproof lock
Best portable car jackLifts up to 15 in. and 3,000 lbs.Lightweight

Affordable

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.

Cathy Habas
Written by
Cathy Habas
With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.

Recent Articles

woman adjusting thermostat in bright home
The Best Home Security Systems of 2024
After thousands of hours of tests and research, we picked Vivint and SimpliSafe as the...
Man and woman couple wife husband set up surveillance security camera
Best Apartment Security Systems
These renter-friendly apartment security systems help keep you safe and require less commitment than your...
diy-security-system-on-ipad
Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2024
SimpliSafe is the best DIY home security system because it's cost-efficient, effective, and easy to...
happy older women sitting together
Best Medical Alert Necklaces
If you find yourself in an emergency, a medical alert necklace can contact trained professionals...