Ajusto program users report improved driving behaviour, Desjardins General Insurance Group says

Three-quarters of polled users of Desjardins General Insurance Group’s (DGIG) Ajusto program for usage-based auto insurance have reported improved driving behaviours.

Close to 75% of respondents to an online survey conducted in September said that they had improved their driving by sticking closer to speed limits and by avoiding sharp acceleration, braking and cornering, DGIG said in a press release on Thursday. A DGIG spokesperson told Canadian Underwriter that “close to 1,000” Ajusto users from Quebec and Ontario responded to the survey in September.

Three-quarters (76%) also said that they feel that Ajusto helps improve road safety, the release said.

“I’m really proud of the results,” said Denis Dubois, DGIG’s president and chief operating officer. “We’re committed to helping improve road safety and preventing accidents. These results confirm that focusing on prevention is the key to making that happen.”

Overall, 91% of polled respondents said that they were satisfied with the program as a whole. Since the program was launched in 2013, users have saved an average of 10% on their auto insurance premium, DGIG reported. Almost 80% of survey respondents said that they were satisfied with their discount.

A recent survey confirms that the Desjardins Ajusto program continues to help people improve the way they drive. (CNW Group/Desjardins Groupe d’assurances générales)

According to the insurer, recent analysis has shown that after using Ajusto for only three months, a person’s driving can be mapped sufficiently to assign a representative score. As a result, Desjardins has shortened the data collection period to just 100 days. “Now clients don’t have to wait for their policy renewal to enjoy the savings,” the release said. “Instead, they get their discount at the end of the 100-day period.”

Ajusto users can also continue to get driving feedback through the smartphone app, which allows clients to view their insurance policy, change their address, store a vehicle, get a quote and even start a claim. Desjardins will continue to develop its mobile offer, the release said, adding that 9 out of 10 survey respondents thought that new technologies (telematics, smart devices and apps) added value for customers.

The Ajusto program is available to drivers in Ontario and Quebec who insure their vehicle with Desjardins Insurance, The Personal or State Farm Canada. Policyholders can save up to 25% on their auto insurance premium based on their actual driving habits. The discount is calculated by measuring four criteria: driving smoothness (avoiding sharp acceleration, braking and cornering), speed, time of day and distance driven.