Have you ever wondered if your safe driving habits could actually save you money on your car insurance? Well, with Allstate Drivewise, they absolutely can! This innovative program from Allstate rewards you for being a responsible driver, potentially leading to significant discounts on your premiums. It's not just about saving money, though; Drivewise also provides valuable insights into your driving, helping you become even safer on the road.
If you're ready to unlock these benefits, you're in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of activating Allstate Drivewise, ensuring you're set up for success from the get-go. Let's dive in!
Activating Allstate Drivewise: A Step-by-Step Journey to Savings
Step 1: Get the Allstate Mobile App – Your Gateway to Savings!
The very first and most crucial step is to get your hands on the Allstate mobile app. This is the central hub for your Drivewise experience.
Sub-heading: Downloading the App
- For Android Users: Head over to the Google Play Store on your smartphone. In the search bar, type "Allstate" and hit enter. Look for the official "Allstate" app and tap on "Install."
- For iPhone Users: Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone. Use the search function at the bottom of the screen, type "Allstate," and search. Find the "Allstate" app and tap "Get" or the cloud icon to download it.
Sub-heading: Accepting Initial Terms and Notifications
Once the app is downloaded, open it. You'll likely be prompted to accept terms and conditions and grant permissions for notifications. It's important to accept these to ensure the app functions correctly and you receive timely updates and feedback on your driving.
Step 2: Log In or Create Your My Account
With the app installed, it's time to access your Allstate account.
Sub-heading: Existing Allstate Customers
- If you already have a "My Account" with Allstate, simply enter your username and password when prompted to log in.
- Forgot your credentials? Don't worry! Look for a "Login Help" or "Forgot Username/Password" option on the login screen. Follow the prompts to recover your account.
Sub-heading: New to Allstate or No My Account Yet?
- If you're a new Allstate customer or haven't created a "My Account" online before, you'll need to create one. The app should provide an option to "Create an Account." You'll typically need your policy information readily available to complete this process.
Sub-heading: Important Note for Households with Multiple Drivers
- It's vital to remember that each person in your household who manages the account and intends to participate in Drivewise will need to log in using their own My Account password. This ensures accurate tracking and personalized feedback for all enrolled drivers.
Step 3: Granting Essential Permissions for Drivewise to Function
For Drivewise to accurately track your driving and provide insights, it needs specific permissions on your smartphone. These are crucial for the app's functionality.
Sub-heading: Location Services – Always On!
- This is perhaps the most important permission. You need to allow Location Services for the Allstate app to be set to "Always." This ensures that all your trips are captured, even when the app isn't actively open in the foreground. Without this, your driving data won't be collected, and you won't earn the potential savings.
- For iOS Users: Go to your phone's "Settings" > "Privacy & Security" > "Location Services" > "Allstate Mobile" and select "Always." Also ensure "Precise Location" is enabled.
- For Android Users: Go to your phone's "Settings" > "Location" > "App permissions" > "Allstate Mobile" and set it to "Allow all the time." You may also need to allow "Physical Activity" and turn off "Power savings mode." For OS 12, confirm "Precise Location" is set to "On." Specific steps might vary slightly depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer.
Sub-heading: Motion & Fitness Permissions
- You'll also need to allow Motion & Fitness permissions. These permissions enable the app to use your phone's sensors to detect movement, which is critical for identifying when you're driving.
Step 4: Enrolling Drivers and Completing Setup
Once you've logged in and granted permissions, you're almost there!
Sub-heading: Activating Drivewise within the App
- Within the Allstate mobile app, look for the Drivewise dashboard or section. It might be prominently displayed on the home screen or accessible through a menu option. Tap on it to initiate the activation process.
- You might be prompted to accept additional terms and conditions specific to the Drivewise program. Read through them carefully and accept to proceed.
Sub-heading: Enrolling All Eligible Drivers
- To maximize your rewards and savings, it's highly recommended to enroll all eligible drivers on your policy in Drivewise. Each additional driver will need to follow the steps of downloading the app, logging in with their own My Account credentials, and granting the necessary permissions. The more drivers participate, the greater your household's potential for savings.
Step 5: Start Driving and Earning!
Congratulations! You've successfully activated Allstate Drivewise. Now, the fun begins – hitting the road and earning rewards for your safe driving.
Sub-heading: Taking Your First Trip
- The app will start collecting data on your trips automatically. You don't need to open the app every time you drive. As long as your phone is on, has sufficient battery (at least 5%), and has adequate cellular service, it will detect your trips.
- Your initial savings will be an enrollment discount. After that, your performance-based discount will be calculated based on your driving habits over a period (typically six months and then continuous evaluation).
Sub-heading: Understanding What Drivewise Tracks
Drivewise tracks key driving behaviors that contribute to your safety and, ultimately, your discount:
- Speed: Aim to keep your speed under 80 mph. Consistent adherence to speed limits is key.
- Braking: Minimize hard braking events. Sudden stops indicate less controlled driving.
- Time of Day: Limiting driving during high-risk hours (typically 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. on weekdays and 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on weekends) can positively impact your score.
- Mileage: While not always a direct factor for discounts, lower mileage generally indicates less risk.
- Phone Distraction: Some versions of Drivewise may also monitor phone usage while driving.
Step 6: Monitor Your Driving and Maximize Savings
The Allstate app provides valuable feedback to help you improve your driving and increase your savings.
Sub-heading: Reviewing Your Trip Data
- Regularly check the Drivewise dashboard in the Allstate app. You'll see details about your recent trips, including your speed, braking, and time of day.
- The app may even provide a predicted score and personalized feedback to help you understand your driving patterns.
Sub-heading: Addressing Passenger Trips
- Since Drivewise uses your phone, it can sometimes detect trips when you're a passenger. The app does have functionality to distinguish between driver and passenger trips. However, if you notice a trip where you were incorrectly identified as the driver, you can manually edit the trip in the app to mark yourself as a passenger. Only driver trips count towards your score and participation.
Sub-heading: Troubleshooting Tips (If Needed)
- If you notice that the app isn't collecting your trips, first ensure your Allstate app and your phone's operating system are updated to the latest versions.
- Check your phone's battery level; it needs to be sufficiently charged.
- Sometimes, simply closing and reopening the Allstate app can resolve minor issues.
- If problems persist, visit the App Diagnostic page within the Drivewise dashboard settings to identify any potential issues or contact Allstate support.
Frequently Asked Questions about Allstate Drivewise
How to enroll in Allstate Drivewise?
You enroll in Drivewise by downloading the Allstate mobile app, logging in with your My Account credentials, and then activating the Drivewise feature within the app. You'll accept terms and conditions and grant necessary phone permissions.
How to download the Allstate mobile app?
Search for "Allstate" in the Google Play Store (for Android) or Apple App Store (for iOS) and tap "Install" or "Get" to download the official Allstate mobile app.
How to log in to my Allstate account for Drivewise?
Open the Allstate mobile app, and you'll be prompted to log in. Use your existing "My Account" username and password. If you don't have one, the app will guide you to create it.
How to ensure Drivewise is tracking my trips?
Ensure your phone's Location Services are set to "Always" for the Allstate app, and that "Motion & Fitness" permissions are enabled. Your phone should also have sufficient battery and cellular service.
How to get a discount with Allstate Drivewise?
You receive an initial enrollment discount just for signing up. Ongoing discounts are earned by consistently demonstrating safe driving habits, such as maintaining safe speeds, avoiding hard braking, and limiting driving during high-risk hours. The more safely you drive, the higher your potential savings.
How to check my Drivewise driving score?
Once you start driving, your trip data and performance insights will be available on the Drivewise dashboard within the Allstate mobile app. You can typically view your projected score and detailed trip information there.
How to distinguish between driver and passenger trips in Drivewise?
The Allstate app has functionality to predict if you were the driver or a passenger. If it's incorrect, you can log in to the Allstate mobile app, go to the Drivewise Dashboard, select "View All Trips," choose the trip, and update the "trip method" to "Passenger."
How to troubleshoot if Drivewise isn't collecting my trips?
First, ensure your Allstate app and phone's operating system are updated. Check location settings (set to "Always" with precise location), battery level, and cellular service. Try closing and reopening the app. If issues persist, check the in-app diagnostics or contact Allstate support.
How to turn off Drivewise temporarily?
You can put Drivewise in "sleep" mode by opening the Allstate mobile app, going to "Profile," then "Settings," selecting "Drivewise," and toggling it from "Active" to "Off." You can also set an auto-restart time.
How to contact Allstate Drivewise support?
If you have questions or need assistance, you can typically find contact information for Drivewise support within the Allstate mobile app's help center, or by calling Allstate customer service.