Allstate Drivewise review: how it works & how much you could save

If you have an Allstate auto insurance policy, you may benefit from the Drivewise program, which allows you to potentially earn policy discounts. Signing up is free on the Allstate Drivewise app. If you enroll and make at least 50 safe trips before your next car insurance policy renewal, you could earn a discount on your premium. However, Drivewise savings are unavailable to customers in California and Alaska. Read on for a complete breakdown of the Allstate Drivewise program from Bankrate’s insurance editorial team.

What is Allstate Drivewise?

Allstate Drivewise is a telematics program. Those who opt in agree to download the Allstate mobile app on their smartphone and utilize a small telemetric device fitted to their vehicle’s onboard diagnostic port (OBD). This provides access to the vehicle’s onboard computer to record information about each driving trip, including:

• Time of day: Drivewise tracks the time when the trip starts and ends in local time.
• Driving during high-risk times: The app will note how many times you drive between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on weekends, which are high-risk timeframes for accidents.
• Speed: While the app will calculate the vehicle’s average speed, it will also track how often and how long the vehicle exceeds 80 mph.
• Starts and stops: Drivewise tracks the number of times a vehicle accelerates too quickly or experiences sudden or extreme braking.
• Phone activity: Drivewise can detect how much phone activity takes place when you’re driving; the app recommends you avoid use while behind the wheel.

While in use, the app doesn’t have a huge impact on your phone’s battery and runs in the background, so you can continue to make calls, use navigation and access other phone apps while driving. After each trip, Drivewise from Allstate shares personalized feedback about your driving behavior. You’ll also be able to delete trips where you weren’t the driver.

How to enroll in Allstate Drivewise

To get started with Drivewise, download the Allstate mobile app onto your mobile phone and create an account at AllstateRewards.com. Note that the rewards drivers can earn may vary according to state laws. For instance, Drivewise savings are not available in California and Alaska. Contact a local Allstate agent for details about the Drivewise program in your area.

Who should use Allstate Drivewise?

Drivers who have Allstate may want to consider the Drivewise program if they are committed to driving safely, intend to stick with Allstate and want to earn a discounted car insurance premium. However, similar to Progressive Snapshot, which also uses telematics, risky driving behavior could potentially mean more expensive insurance rates.

Drivewise is a great option for drivers who maintain the proper speed limit, drive primarily during daylight hours and avoid extreme or sudden braking. And for teens learning to drive, Drivewise can be a helpful tool for parents to use the trip data to see how well their kids perform behind the wheel.

How much can I save with Allstate Drivewise?

Allstate doesn’t state exactly how much money drivers could save through the Drivewise program. However, the company does say that it will review your Drivewise data before your policy renews as long as you have taken 50 trips. You may be eligible for a participation discount if you meet safe driving standards, as well.

Is Allstate Drivewise worth it?

For good drivers, or those looking to improve their safe driving habits, Allstate Drivewise could be a great option. However, there may be drawbacks for some drivers depending on a number of factors, like where you live and your ZIP code, when you drive and how often you’re on the road.

Pros of Allstate Drivewise

• Mobile app integration: Drivers can access their insurance card, policy information and Drivewise account all in one place
• Insight into driver behaviors: This includes real-time alerts and a summary of driving habits over time.
• App tracks when drivers reach for the phone: This can increase awareness and lead to safer driving habits.
• Crash detection: If the app registers an accident, it can help drivers get claim help, call emergency services or contact roadside assistance.

Cons of Allstate Drivewise

• Braking limitations: Drivers in large cities or areas with heavy traffic may need to brake frequently, which the app discourages.
• Speed limitations: Some highways may allow speeds at or above 80 miles per hour, which is perceived negatively for Drivewise purposes.
• May not benefit infrequent drivers: Those who do limited driving or work from home may see more savings with usage-based car insurance.
• Data privacy may be a concern: Allstate agents and customer service representatives can see driver data gathered by Drivewise.

Even if Drivewise is not the right fit for you, it’s typically smart to do some comparison shopping and obtain multiple car insurance quotes. This will help you get a feel for average insurance rates in your area and what insurance company is right for you.

Frequently asked questions

• • What is Drivewise from Allstate?

    The Allstate Drivewise app is a telematics program that tracks data about your driving to determine if you drive safely, in which case you might earn a discount on your car insurance policy. The app runs in the background of your phone and is able to track behaviors like your speed and braking. Users must record at least 50 rides prior to their policy renewal to potentially qualify for a discount. After that, driving is evaluated every 12 months based on Drivewise data.

  • Is Drivewise from Allstate worth it?

    Allstate Drivewise can be worth it for those who drive the speed limit and don’t drive at night. Drivers in more congested areas who have to brake often may have a harder time earning a good rating, as could infrequent drivers. All drivers can benefit from the app’s crash detection service and parking reminders, though, so it may still be worth checking out.

  • How fast can you drive with Drivewise?

    Drivewise considers any speed over 80 mph to be unsafe. In addition, the app tracks hard braking events and extreme braking events. Hard braking occurs when you slow down between 8 to 10 mph within one second, while extreme braking is noted when you slow down more than 10 mph in one second.