Many insurance companies offer discounts on auto insurance when customers allow the insurance company to monitor their driving. Often, this involves plugging in a chip of some kind that provides the data the insurance company is looking for as the insured party drives.

Some appreciate the savings and don’t mind that the insurance company is figuratively looking over their shoulder every mile they drive. Others would rather not have the insurance company monitoring their driving. Either way, it is possible to keep your insurance rates lower based on how you drive.

The insurance companies monitor the way you start from a stop and how you come to a stop. They monitor the speeds you drive and may know if you tend to speed often.

Pulling away from a stop sign or signal light at a steady rate is a good way to reduce your fuel usage, as is slowing further in advance when coming to a stop. But it really all comes down to something else in terms of safety.

Paying attention while you drive is the biggest factor that will help you to avoid accidents. And auto accidents are the quickest way to kick your insurance rates into high gear.

It’s easy to get distracted when driving. We’ve all heard about the risks involved when driving and texting, not to mention that it’s the law that you can only use a hands-free cell phone while driving.

It’s often easy to tell when someone is using their phone while driving. Sometimes, they drift along below the speed limit. They may not notice stop signs, stop lights or stopped vehicles in front of them. They may meander in the lane. But it isn’t just a cell phone that can distract a driver.

Some drivers are distracted by the conversation they’re having with someone in the car. Some are distracted by the children they have in their car. Eating while driving can prove a distraction.

What happens when a driver is distracted is that driving becomes less of a priority than whatever other activity is distracting them.

A good driver is attentive at all times while driving. They’re anticipating what might happen. For instance, they may notice children playing in a front yard and realize that a child could unexpectedly run out into the street.

An attentive driver notices the erratic behavior of another driver and compensates accordingly. For instance, if it appears that another driver has had a bit too much alcohol, the cautious driver will give that driver a wide berth. 

The unseen difference between an attentive driver and a distracted driver is seen in the cost of auto insurance. And the insurance company doesn’t have to look over your shoulder to monitor that.