Frequently Asked Questions
Program Basics
- How much money can we save with the Octo Telematics program?
- How do I sign up for the program?
- Can I opt out of the insurance discount?
- How long does the discount apply?
Eligibility
- Who is eligible to receive the insurance discount?
- What if I'm a bad driver?
- Can more than one eligible driver on a policy enroll in the program?
- Which vehicles are compatible?
Hardware Device
- Do I need to have a hardware device installed in my vehicle?
- Which vehicle should the device be installed in?
- Can I switch the device between different vehicles?
- Is the device easy to install?
- How do I find the OBD-II port in my car?
- What if I can’t find my OBD-II port or can’t get the device to fit?
- Do I own the hardware device and have to purchase it separately?
- How do I receive the hardware device?
- How do I know my device is working?
Data, Technology and Privacy
- What driving data does the device collect?
- How is the data transferred, and where is the data stored?
- How can I view my driving data?
- What if I don’t see any summary data/scoring?
- Does the device still record data if there is no GPS or cellular signal?
- How is the driving data used?
- How is my driving data protected?
- What is ISO 27001?
Device Installation
- How soon do I need to plug in the device?
- Should the device be removed when non-participating drivers use the vehicle?
- What happens if I remove the device?
- How is my auto insurance premium affected if I do not agree to the program Terms & Conditions?
- What happens if the hardware device malfunctions or is broken?
- What happens if the hardware device is lost or not returned?
- What happens if I want to return the device and cancel the program?
How much money can we save with the Octo Telematics program?
Discounts vary by insurer and state. Your insurance company or agent will be able to tell you if you are eligible and how much you will save.
Back to topHow do I sign up for the program?
Ask your insurance company or agent to sign you up for the UBI(USAGE Based Insurance) program discount. You will receive a Promo Code and link from your insurer in order to register for the program and set up account information.
Back to topCan I opt out of the insurance discount?
Yes. If at any time you no longer wish to participate, you may contact your insurer company or agent to opt out and the discount will be removed from your policy.
Back to topHow long does the discount apply?
Your discount will continue for the term of your insurance telematics program or when you decide to opt out or remove the device from the vehicle. At that time the discount will no longer apply to your policy and you will receive a letter with a pre-paid return envelope with instructions for removing the device and returning it.
Back to topWho is eligible to receive the insurance discount?
In most cases any insured and licensed driver is eligible. You will receive the discount immediately after signing up, but participation in the program is required to continue receiving the discount. Talk with your insurance company or agent for information specific to you.
Back to topWhat if I'm a bad driver?
In most cases your insurer does not penalize you based on driving data collected in this program. Your insurance rates should not change and your policy should not be affected. You qualify for the discount as long as you use the device and remain eligible.Talk with your insurance company or agent for information specific to you.
Back to topCan more than one eligible driver on a policy enroll in the program?
Yes, usually any eligible driver with an insurance policy can participate.
Back to topWhich vehicles are compatible?
Most vehicles that are 1996 or newer, other than hybrids, are compatible (the device requires an OBDII port, which is included in vehicles manufactured since 1996). During program registration you will be able to determine if your vehicle is compatible with the device. If your vehicle is not compatible contact your insurance company or agent. There may be alternatives that work on any vehicle.
Back to topDo I need to have a hardware device installed in my vehicle?
Yes, program participation requires a small telematics device to be installed that collects basic driving information.
Back to topWhich vehicle should the device be installed in?
The device is installed in the vehicle that your insurance company or agent selected on the policy. The vehicle will be specified in your enrollment documentation or you can ask your insurance company or agent.
Back to topCan I switch the device between different vehicles?
Each device should only be used in the vehicle selected during the enrollment process. It should not be removed from the vehicle or switched between vehicles.
Back to topIs the device easy to install?
Yes, the device simply plugs into the OBD-II port. This typically takes less than a minute, and no tools are required.
Back to topHow do I find the OBD-II port in my car?
The OBD-II port is usually located under the dashboard on the driver's side and may have a cover.
A list of locations is posted at:
www.octousa.com/port
What if I can't find my OBD-II port or can't get the device to fit?
If you need help finding your OBD-II port, installing the device, or if you have additional installation questions please send an email to support@octousa.com or call (800) 255-4434, extension 7.
Back to topDo I own the hardware device and have to purchase it separately?
No,the device is an integral part of the program service and is the property of Octo. It is fully warranted and provided to you by Octo and must be returned upon request or if you opt out or discontinue service.
Back to topHow do I receive the hardware device?
After subscribing and activating your account you will receive a confirmation email and a telematics device will be mailed to you. The device will be sent to the shipping address associated with your account from Octo Telematics North America, along with instructions on how to plug in the device.
Back to topHow do I know my device is working?
There are lights on the device itself that you will see blinking occasionally when installed correctly. After your account has been activated you will receive an email with a user name and password to access your data online and confirm that the device is working properly.
Back to topWhat driving data does the device collect?
The device collects different type of data depending on the program you are enrolled in. The device can collect mileage, average speed, acceleration, time/date, VIN, and location using the vehicle's on-board computers and GPS satellites
Back to topHow is the data transferred, and where is the data stored?
The device has a built-in wireless card that automatically transfers the data to a secure database managed by Octo Telematics. The data is made available to you via the secure www.octousa.com website.
Back to topHow can I view my driving data?
Your driving data is available to you 24/7 via your account on the securewww.octousa.com website. Each driver has their own unique login ID and password. After installing the device, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to login to your account and access your driving data online.
Back to topWhat if I don't see any summary data/scoring?
If summary data/scoring is part of your program, you need several miles of accumulated driving data before the summary will display. Data on individual trips is viewable by date immediately after being uploaded to the online database.
Back to topDoes the device still record data if there is no GPS or cellular signal?
Yes; the device actively records data as you drive, even if your car enters an area where there is no GPS or cellular signal available. Driving data is then transmitted when the signal returns.
Back to topHow is the driving data used?
Depending on the program you are enrolled in the driving data may be used to determine a safety summary which measures the likelihood of having an insurance claim. This score represents how well you drive in comparison with other drivers, based on a number of accumulated unsafe driving events per mile (i.e., speeding, quick starts, hard stops, and nighttime driving between 12 AM - 4 AM). Some insurers also use aggregated and anonymized driving data to design future programs.
Back to topHow is my driving data protected?
Driving data is available to participating drivers via a secure website and kept secure and private in compliance with generally accepted practice standards and ISO 27001 privacy rules. Your insurer does not use any driving data collected in this program to adjust your rates or penalize you in any way.
Back to topWhat is ISO 27001?
This is the highest standard for database information security in terms of integrity, availability, and confidentiality and is typically used by banks, governments and militaries. The standard is maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which issues requirements for high-level Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) to be compliant and certified.
Back to topHow soon do I need to plug in the device?
You are usually expected to plug it in as soon as possible after receiving the device. The discount will not be applied to your insurance policy until after the device is installed. If the device is not installed you will be contacted to remind you and your insurance company or agent will also be notified.
Back to topShould the device be removed when non-participating drivers use the vehicle?
No; participating drivers are also responsible for how others use their vehicle, so the device should remain plugged into the insured vehicle.
Back to topWhat happens if I remove the device?
You will be removed from the program and the discount will be removed from your policy. To prevent tampering, the device is able to detect when it has been disconnected, and also which vehicle it is installed in. If the vehicle is in a service shop, the device can be temporarily removed but should be plugged back in when service is complete.
Back to topHow is my auto insurance premium affected if I do not agree to the program Terms and Conditions?
You will not be able to activate your account and qualify for the discount.
Back to topWhat happens if the hardware device malfunctions or is broken?
If the old device malfunctions or is returned for any reason it will be replaced free of additional charge.
Back to topWhat happens if the hardware device is lost or not returned?
Customers may opt to not return the device and will be charged a Lost Device Fee depending on the program enrolled in.
Back to topWhat happens if I want to return the device and cancel the program?
You may return the device and cancel the program at any time to stop recurring payments.After that time the discount will no longer apply to your policy and you will receive a letter with a pre-paid return envelope with instructions for removing the device and returning it.
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