Saying Goodbye to Drive Safe & Save: A Comprehensive Guide to Disabling the Program
Are you participating in State Farm's Drive Safe & Save program, but finding it's not quite what you expected? Perhaps the monitoring feels a little too intrusive, the discounts aren't as significant as you hoped, or you simply prefer to drive without a digital co-pilot. Whatever your reason, disabling Drive Safe & Save is a straightforward process, and this lengthy guide will walk you through it step-by-step.
Step 1: Are You Absolutely Sure You Want to Disable It?
Before we dive into the technicalities, let's take a moment to reflect. Drive Safe & Save offers potential discounts on your auto insurance premium based on your driving habits. It tracks things like acceleration, braking, mileage, speed, and even phone distraction. While some find the monitoring a bit "Big Brother-ish," others appreciate the potential savings and the insights into their driving behavior.
Consider these points:
Discounts: Are you currently receiving a meaningful discount from the program? State Farm states you can save up to 30%, and you get an initial discount just for signing up.
No Penalties: Unlike some other telematics programs, State Farm's Drive Safe & Save will not increase your rates if it detects "poor" driving habits. The worst-case scenario is that your discount reduces to zero.
Awareness: Has the program helped you become a safer, more mindful driver? Many users find that the feedback encourages them to improve.
If you've weighed these factors and still wish to proceed with disabling Drive Safe & Save, then let's move on to the practical steps!
Step 2: Understanding the Different Ways Drive Safe & Save Operates
State Farm offers Drive Safe & Save through two main methods:
Mobile App: This is the most common method, where your smartphone acts as the tracking device, utilizing its GPS, accelerometer, and other sensors.
Beacon Device: In some cases, or for specific vehicle types, State Farm might provide a small Bluetooth beacon that pairs with your smartphone to assist with data collection.
Connected Car: For certain vehicle manufacturers (like Ford and Lincoln), the program can integrate directly with your car's built-in telematics system.
The steps for disabling may vary slightly depending on which method you're using. We'll cover the most common scenarios.
Step 3: Disabling the Drive Safe & Save Mobile App
This is typically the easiest and most common way to stop participating.
Sub-Step 3.1: Uninstalling the State Farm App
The most direct way to stop the tracking is to remove the source of the data collection.
Locate the State Farm App: Find the State Farm app icon on your smartphone's home screen or app drawer.
Uninstall:
For Android users: Press and hold the app icon. You'll usually see an option to "Uninstall" or drag it to a trash can icon. Confirm the uninstallation.
For iOS (iPhone) users: Press and hold the app icon until it wiggles. Tap the "X" or "Remove App" button that appears, then confirm.
Restart Your Phone (Optional but Recommended): A quick restart can help ensure all associated processes are fully terminated.
Sub-Step 3.2: Adjusting App Permissions (If Not Fully Uninstalling)
While uninstalling is the most effective, you might prefer to keep the State Farm app for other policy management features. In this case, you can revoke permissions. However, be aware that State Farm may send notifications or emails if the app isn't consistently sending data, which could affect your discount if you later decide to re-enroll.
Go to Your Phone's Settings:
Android: Navigate to "Settings" > "Apps" (or "Apps & Notifications" / "Application Manager").
iOS: Go to "Settings" and scroll down to find "State Farm" in your list of apps.
Find the State Farm App: Tap on the "State Farm" app.
Manage Permissions:
Location: This is the most crucial permission. Set "Location" access to "Never" or "Don't Allow." This will prevent the app from tracking your trips.
Bluetooth: If you have a beacon, turning off Bluetooth for the app will prevent it from connecting.
Motion & Fitness / Physical Activity: Disabling this will prevent the app from using your phone's sensors to detect driving movements.
Disable Notifications (Optional): To stop receiving notifications related to Drive Safe & Save (like "trip recorded" or "discount update"), you can also turn off notifications for the app within your phone's settings.
Step 4: Addressing the Bluetooth Beacon Device
If you were provided with a small Bluetooth beacon that you attached to your windshield or placed in your car, here's what to do:
Remove the Beacon: Simply detach the beacon from your windshield or retrieve it from wherever you placed it.
No Return Required (Generally): Based on user experiences, you typically do not need to return the State Farm Drive Safe & Save beacon. Many users have simply discarded it after disabling the program. However, if you want to be absolutely sure, you can contact your State Farm agent to confirm their current policy.
Dispose Responsibly: If you're disposing of the beacon, consider recycling it if possible, as it contains electronic components.
Step 5: Contacting Your State Farm Agent
While uninstalling the app or removing the beacon often stops the data collection, it's highly recommended to formally inform your State Farm agent that you wish to opt-out of the Drive Safe & Save program. This ensures that the program is officially removed from your policy and that your premium is adjusted accordingly (though as noted, your rate won't increase due to "poor" driving, simply the discount will be removed).
Gather Your Information: Have your policy number, name, and date of birth ready.
Call Your Agent: This is the most effective method. Explain clearly that you want to be unenrolled from the Drive Safe & Save program.
Confirm Removal: Ask your agent to confirm that the program has been removed from your policy and inquire about any changes to your premium. They should be able to process this change immediately or provide a timeline for its effect.
Consider Written Confirmation (Optional but Recommended): For your records, you might consider following up with an email to your agent summarizing your conversation and their confirmation of your opt-out.
Step 6: Verifying Your Policy Changes
After speaking with your agent, keep an eye on your State Farm policy documents and statements.
Online Account: Log in to your State Farm online account (or the State Farm mobile app if you still have it for other purposes).
Review Policy Details: Check your policy details to ensure that the Drive Safe & Save program is no longer listed or that any associated discount has been removed.
Future Premium Statements: Confirm that your future premium statements reflect the removal of the Drive Safe & Save discount. While your rates won't go up because of your driving data, your overall premium might increase slightly if you were receiving a significant discount that is now gone.
Important Note on Timing: Changes to your policy, especially those involving discounts, can sometimes take a few weeks to fully process and reflect in your online account or statements. If you don't see the change immediately, don't panic. Follow up with your agent if it takes longer than expected (e.g., more than 2-3 weeks).
Step 7: What Happens Next?
Once you've successfully disabled Drive Safe & Save, you're free from the monitoring. Your insurance premium will revert to what it would be without the Drive Safe & Save discount. Remember, State Farm does not penalize you with increased rates based on poor driving data from this program, so your rates won't suddenly jump because you were a "bad" driver according to the app. They will simply be the standard rates for your policy without the telematics discount.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you further:
How to know if I'm enrolled in State Farm Drive Safe & Save?
You can check your State Farm insurance policy documents, log into your online State Farm account or the State Farm mobile app, or simply ask your State Farm agent directly. If you enrolled, you would have either downloaded the specific Drive Safe & Save app (now integrated into the main State Farm app) or received a beacon device.
How to remove the Drive Safe & Save beacon from my car?
The beacon is typically affixed with adhesive. Gently peel it off your windshield or remove it from its placement. It's designed to be easily removable without damaging your car.
How to dispose of the Drive Safe & Save beacon?
You generally do not need to return the beacon to State Farm. You can dispose of it as you would any small electronic device, ideally through an e-waste recycling program in your area.
How to confirm State Farm has officially removed Drive Safe & Save from my policy?
The best way to confirm is by contacting your State Farm agent. They can verify the program's removal from your policy and confirm any resulting premium adjustments. You can also check your online policy documents for updates.
How to avoid notifications from the Drive Safe & Save app after disabling?
If you've uninstalled the app, you won't receive notifications. If you've kept the main State Farm app, go into your phone's settings, find the State Farm app, and disable notifications specifically for it.
How to re-enroll in Drive Safe & Save if I change my mind later?
You can typically re-enroll by contacting your State Farm agent. They will guide you through the process, which usually involves downloading or re-enabling the app and potentially getting a new beacon if needed.
How to tell if the Drive Safe & Save app is still tracking me?
Even if you uninstall the app, if you haven't formally opted out with your agent, State Farm might still expect data. The most definitive way is to check your app permissions (specifically location and motion) for the State Farm app and confirm with your agent that you are no longer enrolled.
How to ensure my rates don't increase after disabling Drive Safe & Save?
Your base insurance rate won't increase due to your past driving data from Drive Safe & Save. However, you will lose the discount associated with the program, which means your premium will likely revert to what it would be without that discount.
How to get a new discount after disabling Drive Safe & Save?
You can explore other discounts offered by State Farm, such as multi-policy discounts, good student discounts, vehicle safety discounts, or defensive driving course discounts. Speak with your agent to see what other savings opportunities are available.
How to find my State Farm agent's contact information?
You can typically find your agent's contact information on your insurance ID card, policy documents, or by logging into your State Farm online account or the State Farm mobile app. You can also use the "Find an Agent" tool on the State Farm website.