Auto insurers in the United States and Britain are experimenting with programs that put monitoring devices in customers’ vehicles to track how they are driving, giving the drivers a chance to obtain lower insurance rates.

In US, TripSense project uses a device to monitor speed, how many miles are driven and at what time of day. Every few months the driver can take it out and download the data into a computer, and if he or she wants to share it with the insurer, send it to Progressive online.

Those drivers who go over Minnesota’s 75 mph speed limit less than 0.1 percent of the time will get a 5 percent discount. Those who avoid driving at the most dangerous time — between midnight and 4 a.m. on weekends, also get a discount.

In Britain, the Pay As You Drive test will use a GPS to track the location of the car and constantly send information to the insurer. Cars that spend more time in safer areas will qualify for larger discounts.

From GIS Monitor CNN Money.