By Jordan Lair | MBG Insurance Updated October 26, 2026
Auto insurance looks very different than it did ten years ago. Repair costs, medical bills, and distracted driving have all pushed premiums higher across Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas. Insurance companies have responded with a tool that lets safe drivers prove they’re safe: telematics.
A telematics program measures how you actually drive and uses that information to personalize your rate. For a careful driver, that can mean a meaningful discount. For a driver with risky habits, some programs can mean a higher premium. Knowing the difference before you enroll matters.
What Is a Telematics Auto Insurance Discount?
Telematics, also called usage-based insurance, uses a smartphone app, a plug-in device, or your vehicle’s built-in connectivity to record your driving habits. The insurance company scores that data and applies a discount, or in some programs a surcharge, to your policy.
Most programs work in two stages:
- Enrollment discount: A smaller discount just for signing up and participating.
- Driving behavior discount: A larger discount earned after the monitoring period, based on how you drove.
A few years ago, most programs relied on a device plugged into the port under your steering wheel. Today, most carriers use a smartphone app instead.
What Do Telematics Programs Measure?
Each carrier scores driving a little differently, but most programs look at the same core habits:
- Hard braking: Frequent hard stops often mean following too closely.
- Rapid acceleration: Smooth starts signal calmer, more controlled driving.
- Speed: Higher speeds leave less time to react.
- Time of day: Late-night driving carries more risk because of visibility and impaired drivers on the road.
- Phone use: Many app-based programs now score handheld calls, texting, and other phone interaction while the vehicle is moving.
- Mileage: Some programs reward drivers who simply drive less.
Phone distraction has become one of the biggest scoring factors. If you regularly pick up your phone behind the wheel, expect it to hurt your score.
Telematics Programs Available Through MBG Insurance
As an independent agency, MBG Insurance represents multiple carriers that offer telematics discounts. Here’s how the main programs compare. Discount amounts are maximums, vary by state, and depend on your driving.
Travelers IntelliDrive® 365
Travelers offers IntelliDrive® 365, an app-based program available in Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas. Unlike programs that monitor you for a few months and stop, IntelliDrive 365 evaluates driving throughout the life of the policy.
- Enrollment discount: Up to 10% during the first policy term when all eligible drivers enroll and activate the app (up to 15% in Missouri).
- Renewal savings: Up to 35% at renewal for safer driving.
- Renewal participation discount: Up to an additional 2% for drivers who stay in the program.
- What’s scored: Braking, speed, time of day (especially 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.), and phone distraction.
Important: Riskier driving habits can increase your premium under IntelliDrive 365. This program works best for drivers who are confident in their habits and keep their phone down.
Nationwide SmartRide®
Nationwide offers SmartRide®, which uses a smartphone app, a plug-in device, or data from certain connected vehicles.
- Enrollment discount: Typically 10% while your driving data is collected.
- Final discount: Up to 40% based on safe driving, applied at renewal.
- Monitoring period: Roughly four to six months.
SmartRide is generally a discount-only program, so your final discount could be zero, but riskier driving won’t result in a surcharge.
Liberty Mutual RightTrack®
Liberty Mutual offers RightTrack®, which uses the Liberty Mutual mobile app or, in some states, a plug-in device.
- Enrollment discount: Typically 10% when you enroll.
- Final discount: Up to 30% after a 90-day review period, applied to your policy going forward.
- What’s scored: Braking, acceleration, mileage, and nighttime driving.
RightTrack has one of the shortest monitoring periods of any program. After 90 days, you’re done, and the discount you earn stays with the policy. In some cases, significantly risky driving can result in a higher premium, so ask your agent how RightTrack is handled in your state before enrolling.
Progressive Snapshot®
Progressive offers Snapshot® through either a mobile app or a plug-in device.
- Enrollment discount: A participation discount when you sign up.
- Final rate: Personalized based on your driving at renewal.
Important: Snapshot can raise your rate. Progressive has reported that about one in five participants see an increase based on their driving. Snapshot can reward safe drivers, but it isn’t a risk-free experiment.
Can a Telematics Program Raise Your Rates?
It depends on the program. Some programs only discount, while others can surcharge riskier drivers.
| Program | Enrollment Discount | Maximum Savings | Can Rates Go Up? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers IntelliDrive 365 | Up to 10% (up to 15% in MO) | Up to 35% | Yes |
| Nationwide SmartRide | Typically 10% | Up to 40% | Generally no |
| Liberty Mutual RightTrack | Typically 10% | Up to 30% | Possible in some cases |
| Progressive Snapshot | Varies | Varies | Yes |
Program terms change and vary by state. Your MBG agent can confirm current details for your policy.
Who Benefits Most From Telematics?
Telematics tends to work well for:
- Drivers who rarely drive late at night
- Remote workers and retirees who drive fewer miles
- Drivers who keep their phones out of reach while driving
- Households where every driver has consistent, careful habits
It may not be the best fit if you drive frequently between midnight and early morning for work, regularly drive at highway speeds in heavy traffic, or have a household driver with habits that could pull down the whole policy’s score. In those cases, a discount-only program may be the safer choice.
Why Shopping With an Independent Agent Matters
A captive agent can only offer one company’s telematics program. Because MBG Insurance represents multiple carriers, we can help you compare not just the discounts, but how each program treats riskier driving.
The best fit depends on your household. A family with a new teen driver may want a discount-only program, while a low-mileage couple who never drives late may get the most from a program with a higher ceiling.
Learn more about the coverage options available through our auto insurance page.
Telematics Auto Insurance FAQ
Do I have to keep the app or device forever?
Not always. Liberty Mutual RightTrack monitors driving for 90 days, and Nationwide SmartRide monitors for roughly four to six months before locking in a discount. Travelers IntelliDrive 365 evaluates driving throughout the policy, so the app stays active.
Does every driver on my policy have to enroll?
Most app-based programs require all listed drivers to enroll to receive the full discount. Your agent can explain the requirements for your carrier.
Does telematics track where I go?
Apps use location services to record trips, but programs generally score driving behaviors such as braking, speed, and phone use rather than the specific places you visit. Review the carrier’s privacy terms before enrolling.
Can I quit a telematics program?
Most programs allow you to opt out, though you’ll typically lose the enrollment discount. Some programs have specific opt-out windows, so ask before enrolling.
Is telematics available in Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas?
Yes. Each of the programs above is offered in our area, though eligibility and discount amounts vary by state and carrier.
Talk With MBG Insurance About Safe-Driving Discounts
Telematics can be one of the best ways for a careful driver to lower auto insurance costs. Choosing the right program matters as much as driving safely.
From our offices in Springfield, Missouri; Oak Grove, Missouri; and Bentonville, Arkansas, MBG Insurance helps drivers compare auto coverage and discount programs from multiple carriers.
Contact MBG Insurance to see which telematics program fits your household.
About the Author
Jordan Lair is a licensed insurance agent in MBG Insurance’s Springfield, Missouri office whose areas of focus include auto insurance, homeowners insurance, high-value homes, umbrella coverage, rental properties, and recreational insurance.
Discount availability and amounts vary by state, carrier, and individual eligibility. Program terms are subject to change. Not all policies will see savings.