Have a high car insurance rate? Your phone may be tattling on you.
According to a recent report from the New York Times, some apps track your driving habits and sell that data to your insurer.
These apps use specific opt-in features that track your locations and movements but don't necessarily clarify that your information will be sold later.
Some apps may surprise you because they aren't directly related to cars — one is a family tracking app, while another creates detailed weather reports.
If you're trying to save money on car insurance, read on for the three apps drivers should be mindful of.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Life360
Life360 is a popular location-tracking app for parents. In addition to tracking phone locations, the app has tools to facilitate driving safety, digital safety, emergency assistance, and roadside services.
Life360 also has features that rely on the phone's sensor and motion data. For example, customers can opt into a feature that notifies them if a family member crashes their car.
This feature is powered by an analytics company called Arity, which buys access to the customer's data and then sells it to its parent company, Allstate.
MyRadar
MyRadar is a weather app that offers detailed forecasts. The app also has an opt-in feature called "MyDrives," powered by the data broker Arity.
"MyRadar app users can now quickly access personalized insights about their drives before they get behind the wheel," the Arity website says about the feature.
"Users can look up if the drives they typically make are safe when road conditions could be dangerous.
This new feature within the MyRadar app, MyDrives, pairs Arity’s Predictive Mobility solution with MyRadar’s weather technology, helping users determine if they should take a different path, leave at a different time, or both."
GasBuddy
GasBuddy is an app that helps customers find the cheapest gas stations in their area. The app also has an opt-in feature that rates the fuel efficiency of customers' drives, again powered by Arity.
The "fuel savings score" is determined by "analyzing app users’ past driving behaviors to predict future fuel consumption needs," Arity's website reads. "Arity is able to analyze driving behaviors, mileage, and other comparable data" to create this score.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Bottom line
To make matters more interesting, Arity is selling data that isn't aggregated. The company sells information on individual drivers, so Allstate and its partners can see exactly how customers drive.
But remember, the features listed above are all "opt-in," so you can download these apps without Arity selling your data. Just be sure to click "opt-out" when the app prompts you to do so.
If you own a car, it's crucial to be diligent about technology and making smart money moves.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
- Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.
- 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
- Learn how you can escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.