As part of its ongoing commitment to improve driver safety for its commercial auto customers, Travelers announced a potential discount of up to 15 percent on certain auto liability insurance premiums for qualifying businesses that effectively use telematics technology to monitor their owned commercial fleets and driver behavior.

Similar to global positioning systems (GPS), vehicle telematics go beyond navigation and positioning by storing and sending data on how a vehicle is operated.

"By embracing fleet vehicle telematics and offering discounts to our commercial auto customers that effectively deploy this technology, Travelers is furthering its commitment to improving driver behavior and roadway safety," said Scott Higgins, president, Travelers Commercial Accounts. "Customers who are already taking advantage of the latest telematics technology are encouraged to work with their independent insurance agent or broker to see if they qualify for the discount."

Depending on the specific type and brand of vehicle telematics deployed, businesses will be able to receive information about driver behavior, vehicle routing and fuel efficiency. All of this information can help risk and fleet managers minimize risk and costs. Additionally, risk and fleet managers will have the feedback necessary to engage drivers about their driving performance and provide coaching on how to improve safety.

"The use of vehicle telematics is the next step in improving the safe operation of commercial fleets, transforming drivers with less oversight to those whose performance can be observed, coached and managed," said Chris Hayes, Director of Transportation Services, Travelers Risk Control. "By using this technology and the wealth of information it can provide, fleet and risk managers can have data that will aid in developing specific training programs that positively modify driving behavior."

To qualify for a discount, businesses must show that they have installed vehicle telematics devices in a sufficient number of their fleet vehicles and that they are actively incorporating safety information from the devices into their ongoing safety feedback to drivers, at least on a quarterly basis.

For more information about the availability and qualifications of the vehicle telematics discount, contact a local Travelers independent agent or broker.