Almost Three Quarters of Drivers in Ireland Support Technology That Encourages Safer Driving, But Awareness Gaps Remain 

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New research from Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva) shows strong support for technology that tracks driving behaviour, while highlighting gaps in awareness and understanding of how it works

Key findings 

  • Almost three quarters (74%) of drivers support using technology that tracks driving behaviour for new and young motorists

  • Seven in ten (72%) believe telematics can benefit drivers of all ages

  • However, more than a third (34%) still see it as something mainly designed for younger drivers

  • Around one in three (31%) were unaware that safer driving can lead to personalised pricing

Most drivers (74%) in Ireland support the use of technology that monitors driving behaviour to help improve road safety, but many are still unclear about how it works and the benefits it can offer. That’s according to new research* from Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva).

The Aviva research, carried out among 1,000 drivers nationwide, explores attitudes towards telematics, sometimes known as ‘black box insurance’, which uses technology to understand how a person drives over time.

The findings form part of Aviva’s ongoing efforts to help drivers better understand telematics and how safer driving can benefit both motorists and road safety.

Support for safer driving technology
The Aviva research shows strong support for technology that encourages safer driving, particularly among new and young drivers.

This comes at a time when younger drivers continue to face a higher risk on Irish roads. Industry data** shows that drivers under 24 are 85% more likely to be involved in road accidents than drivers aged over 25.

Road Safety Authority (RSA) data also shows that around a quarter of fatal road collisions in Ireland between 2024 and mid-2026 involved a male driver under the age of 26***.

These findings highlight the importance of measures that can help drivers build safer habits early.

Many drivers also recognise that telematics can have broader benefits. Seven in ten (72%) believe it can benefit drivers of all ages, not just those who are new to the road.

Perceptions and understanding still developing 
While support for telematics is strong, many drivers still associate it mainly with younger motorists.

More than a third (34%) believe it is primarily designed for younger drivers, despite recognising that it can benefit a wider range of motorists.

The research also suggests that understanding of how telematics works remains limited. Around one in three (31%) drivers were unaware that safer driving could lead to personalised pricing.

Irish data**** also shows that drivers using telematics insurance tend to have significantly lower claims frequencies than drivers on standard motor policies, highlighting the link between telematics and safer driving behaviours.

Google search trends point to growing interest in topics such “safe driving”, “telematics insurance Ireland” and “black box insurance Ireland”. This suggests that motorists are increasingly looking for ways to improve their driving habits and better manage their costs.

Interest is growing across the country, with Dublin recording the highest volume of telematics-related searches, followed by Cork, Kildare, Galway and Limerick****.

Taken together, the findings suggest that while interest in telematics continues to grow, there is still an opportunity to help more drivers understand how the technology works and the benefits it can offer.

How telematics policies work 
Telematics policies use a device installed in a vehicle to help insurers understand how a person drives over time.

Although features can vary between insurers, telematics devices generally record:

  • how fast you drive

  • how smoothly you brake or accelerate

  • how you take corners, and

  • when and where you drive, including distance travelled

The aim is to build a better understanding of driving behaviour. Depending on the policy, this information can be used to provide driving feedback and help determine pricing based on how safely a vehicle is driven.

Aviva offers telematics-based car insurance, using an in-vehicle device to monitor driving behaviour. Customers can access driving insights through the MyAviva portal, and depending on how safely they drive, may benefit from more personalised pricing at renewal.
Commenting on the findings, Alan Behan, Product and Underwriting Manager at Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC said: ‘’This research shows that drivers recognise the role technology can play in supporting safer driving, particularly for those who are newer to the road.
It’s encouraging that drivers increasingly recognise the benefit of telematics beyond young motorists. At the same time, the research shows that there is still more to do to improve understanding of how the technology works and the benefits it can offer. 
Clear and practical information can help drivers better understand how their driving behaviour can make a difference.”