It's fantastic that you're looking into Allstate Drivewise! It's a smart way to potentially save money on your car insurance while also becoming a safer driver. This program uses technology to understand your driving habits, and rewards you for good behavior. Let's dive into how to get this set up, step by step!
Unlocking Savings: Your Comprehensive Guide to Setting Up Allstate Drivewise
Allstate Drivewise isn't just about discounts; it's about making you a more aware and safer driver. By tracking your driving habits, it provides personalized feedback that can help you improve, ultimately leading to a lower insurance premium. Ready to get started? Let's go!
Step 1: Are You Ready to Drive Smarter? (Eligibility & What You'll Need)
Before we jump into the technical setup, let's confirm you're all set to benefit from Drivewise.
- Policyholder Status: First and foremost, you need to be an Allstate policyholder or be added to an existing Allstate policy. Drivewise is an add-on benefit.
- Smartphone Savvy: Drivewise operates primarily through the Allstate mobile app. This means you'll need a smartphone (iOS 15.0 or higher, or Android 10.0 or higher) with enough storage for the app.
- Internet Connection: You'll need a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) to download the app and for the app to upload your trip data.
- A Desire to Save: Most importantly, are you ready to embrace safer driving habits and potentially earn discounts? If the answer is a resounding "Yes!", then proceed to the next step!
What You'll Need at a Glance:
- An active Allstate auto insurance policy.
- A compatible smartphone (iOS or Android).
- Reliable internet access.
- Your Allstate My Account login credentials (or the willingness to create one).
Step 2: Downloading and Installing the Allstate Mobile App
This is the foundation of your Drivewise journey. Without the app, you can't participate!
- Locate Your App Store:
- For Apple iPhone Users: Open the App Store icon on your home screen. It's usually a blue icon with a white 'A' in a circle.
- For Android Users: Open the Google Play Store icon on your home screen. It's typically a colorful triangle.
- Search for "Allstate": In the search bar at the top of the App Store or Google Play Store, type "Allstate" and press search.
- Find the Official App: Look for the official "Allstate" app, usually published by "Allstate Insurance Company." Be careful not to download any unofficial or look-alike apps.
- Download and Install: Tap the "Get" or "Install" button. You might need to enter your Apple ID password or use Touch ID/Face ID for iOS, or simply confirm the download for Android. The app will download and install automatically. This might take a few moments depending on your internet speed.
Step 3: Logging In and Activating Drivewise
Once the app is installed, it's time to get logged in and enable the Drivewise feature.
Sub-heading 3.1: First-Time Login or Account Creation
- Open the Allstate App: Tap the Allstate app icon on your home screen to open it.
- Log In: You'll be prompted to log in.
- If you already have an Allstate My Account: Enter your existing username and password.
- If you don't have a My Account: Look for an option like "Create Account" or "Register." Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your My Account. This typically involves providing your policy details and creating a username and password. Keep these credentials safe!
Sub-heading 3.2: Accepting Terms and Permissions
This is a crucial step for Drivewise to function correctly.
- Review Terms of Service: After logging in, you'll likely be presented with the Allstate Mobile App Terms of Service and specific Drivewise terms. Read these carefully to understand how your data will be collected and used. You'll need to accept them to proceed.
- Granting Permissions (This is Key!): The app will request various permissions to track your driving, such as:
- Location Services: This is absolutely essential for Drivewise. You must set this to "Always Allow" or "Allow all the time" for the Allstate app. Without this, Drivewise cannot detect your trips.
- Motion & Fitness Activity (iOS) / Physical Activity (Android): This permission allows the app to detect when you're in a moving vehicle. Grant this permission.
- Battery Optimization Settings: On Android devices, you may need to disable battery optimization for the Allstate app to ensure it runs continuously in the background and accurately tracks your trips. Look for settings like "Don't optimize" or "Unrestricted" for the Allstate app in your phone's battery settings.
- Precise Location: For Android OS 12 and higher, ensure "Precise Location" is enabled for the Allstate app.
- Tap on "Drivewise" to Activate: Within the Allstate app dashboard, you should see a section or tile for "Drivewise." Tap on this to formally activate the feature. You might be asked to confirm your enrollment.
Sub-heading 3.3: Enrolling Additional Drivers (Maximizing Savings!)
- Family Savings: To maximize your Drivewise savings, it's highly recommended to enroll all drivers on your policy.
- Individual Setup: Each additional enrolled driver will need to:
- Have their own Allstate My Account (or create one).
- Download the Allstate mobile app onto their own smartphone.
- Log in using their existing My Account credentials.
- Tap on Drivewise to activate and accept all requested permissions on their device.
Step 4: Your First Trip and Beyond!
Congratulations! You're almost there. Now it's time to put Drivewise to work.
- Take a Drive! The easiest part! Simply go for a drive. The Allstate app will automatically detect when you start and end a trip as long as you have the necessary permissions enabled and adequate cellular service.
- Review Your Driving Insights: After each trip, the Allstate app will provide you with personalized feedback on your driving habits. This often includes:
- Safe Speed: How consistently you stay under 80 mph.
- Safe Stops: Limiting hard braking events.
- Night Driving: The amount of driving you do during late-night hours (e.g., 11 PM to 4 AM on weekdays, 11 PM to 5 AM on weekends).
- Phone Activity: How often you use your phone while driving.
- Check Your Dashboard: Regularly check the Drivewise dashboard within the Allstate app. Here you can see your scores, trip summaries, and progress towards potential discounts.
- Passenger vs. Driver: Drivewise is designed to distinguish between when you're driving and when you're a passenger. If the app misidentifies you as a driver when you were a passenger, you can easily edit the trip within the app to correct it. Only driver trips count towards your participation and score.
Step 5: Maintaining Your Savings and Optimizing Performance
Drivewise isn't a "set it and forget it" program, but it's pretty close! A few considerations will help you get the most out of it.
- Keep Your App Updated: Ensure the Allstate mobile app is always updated to the latest version. App updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that are crucial for accurate trip tracking.
- Operating System Updates: Similarly, keep your smartphone's operating system (iOS or Android) updated. Outdated operating systems can sometimes interfere with app functionality.
- Battery Management: While the app is designed to be battery-efficient, continuous location tracking can impact battery life. Consider charging your phone during longer trips.
- Cellular Service: Ensure you have good cellular service in the areas you frequently drive. Trip data is uploaded at the end of each trip when connected to the internet.
- Review App Diagnostics: If you encounter issues with trips not being recorded, the Allstate app often has an "App Diagnostics" section (usually under Drivewise Dashboard > Settings) that can help identify and resolve common problems.
Important Notes and Potential Issues
- No Plug-in Device Required: Unlike some other telematics programs, Allstate Drivewise primarily uses your smartphone, eliminating the need for a separate plug-in device.
- Data Privacy: Be aware that by using Drivewise, you're agreeing to allow Allstate (and its subsidiary Arity) to collect your geolocation data and driving behavior data. Allstate has a privacy policy outlining how this data is used.
- Potential for Rate Increase: While Drivewise is designed to reward safe driving, in some states, consistently high-risk driving behavior could potentially lead to a rate increase at renewal. Always strive for safe driving!
- Minimum Trips: To earn maximum savings, Allstate may require a certain number of trips (e.g., 50 trips) over a six-month period.
- Customer Support: If you ever have issues or questions, don't hesitate to contact Allstate customer support or chat with them through the app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Allstate Drivewise
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about Allstate Drivewise, along with quick answers:
How to check my Drivewise discount?
You can typically see your Drivewise discount or savings progress directly within the Allstate mobile app on your Drivewise dashboard. Your personalized rate and savings will be applied at your policy renewal.
How to make sure Allstate Drivewise is tracking my trips?
Ensure your smartphone's location services are set to "Always Allow" for the Allstate app, and that motion/physical activity permissions are granted. For Android, check battery optimization settings to ensure the app is not restricted. Take a short test drive to confirm.
How to correct a trip if Drivewise thinks I was driving but I was a passenger?
Within the Allstate mobile app, go to your Drivewise dashboard, then "View All Trips." Select the specific trip, and you should find an option to "Edit Trip" or "Change Mode of Transportation" to indicate you were a passenger.
How to pause Drivewise trip reporting?
Open the Allstate mobile app, go to "Profile," then "Settings," and select "Drivewise." You should see a toggle to turn Drivewise "Off." You can often set an auto-restart time frame.
How to update the Allstate mobile app?
Go to your phone's app store (App Store for iOS, Google Play Store for Android), search for "Allstate," and if an update is available, tap "Update."
How to improve my Drivewise score?
Focus on safe driving behaviors: limit hard braking, maintain safe speeds (under 80 mph), and reduce nighttime driving (especially between 11 PM and 4-5 AM). Also, avoid phone activity while driving.
How to re-enroll in Allstate Drivewise if I previously unenrolled?
You can usually re-enroll in Drivewise at any time directly through the Allstate mobile app. Open the app and look for the Drivewise section; there should be an option to activate or re-enroll.
How to contact Allstate Drivewise support?
You can contact Allstate customer service directly via phone (often 877-431-7670) or use the chat feature available within the Allstate mobile app for Drivewise-specific inquiries.
How to check if my phone is compatible with Allstate Drivewise?
Allstate Drivewise is compatible with Apple iOS 15.0 or higher and Android 10.0 or higher. Ensure your phone's operating system meets these requirements.
How to understand why my Drivewise savings changed?
Your Drivewise savings are based on your driving behavior over a period (e.g., the last six months). Changes in your driving habits, the number of recorded trips, or policy renewal terms can influence your discount. Review your driving insights in the app for details.