USAA wins with telematics among active-duty military

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USAA is expecting a major expansion of its SafePilot usage-based insurance product this year, with half of new members opting for the telematics-powered program, executives say.

SafePilot is currently available in four states, with a plan to be in “the majority” of states by the end of 2021, according to the company. It’s a mobile app-only program that started out behaviorally driven, taking harsh breaking and distracted driving into account. Coming out of the pandemic and its corresponding dip in driving, however, the company has opted to add frequency of use to its algorithm.

“That’s been our big pivot during COVID: Customers are asking, ‘I’m not using my car, why am I paying the same amount in our premiums?’” says Randy Termeer, USAA SVP and GM for auto insurance. “We’re proud that we were able to give members back premium last year due to decreased frequency, and we are excited about giving members options in their own hands to control their premium.”

While the company estimates that miles driven will rebound from pandemic-driven lows, it also sees customers in particular life situations, especially among its military-focused cohort, enticed by the opportunity to control their monthly outlay for auto insurance spending.

“What our members told us coming out of COVID is that they are cognizant of their insurance products and intently interested in where they can save money.” says Jim Syring, USAA P&C president.“For active duty military who are leaving their car on base in a garage, $50 a month matters a ton to those families. We feel very strongly that we can provide them with competitive products.”

Marketing the program is currently focused on new customers coming to USAA for the first time. However, USAA does see the potential for it to spread among its existing customers and will address that during this year of rollouts.

“We’re very happy with the success of new membership growth,” says Syring. “You’re going to see more specific marketing and promotion for this to make it more known to our existing members that they can sign up as well. We’re really emphasizing that ‘currently serving’ segment” due to their unique financial needs, he adds.

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