How To Fit A Black Box In Your Car

Black boxes, or telematics devices are small pieces of equipment that fit inside your car to monitor your driving. They collect data on everything from distance travelled and driving frequency to braking and cornering ability.

This information can then be used in a number of ways to affect the premium that a driver pays.

Specific black box policies are often taken up by younger drivers. As they have little to no experience, they will often pay higher rates, something that a telematics device can bring down. 

Whether or not you need one will depend on your insurer and what kind of savings you can make. If you’re faced with a high premium and safe driving can mitigate this, you might want to install a black box. Similarly, if you know you won’t be driving much, a policy that charges you per mile might be a smart move. 

However, installing these devices can come with downsides. If your driving is determined to be unsafe, or you're exceeding your mileage limit you could pay higher premiums, or even have your policy cancelled.

This will depend on the device and what is required by your insurer. Some black boxes are pretty straightforward to install, and can be set up by the driver. For these, all you need to do is attach it to your windscreen, or plug it into your car's onboard diagnostic port if it has it. 

Others will be a little bit more complex. If the policy requires it to be professionally fitted then you will need to book an appointment with an engineer. They will then need to attach the black box to the interior of your car. Often this is done to the car battery, or placed just behind the dashboard.

Both types of installation will often then require you to download an app and register your car to the box. Not only is this a necessary step, but it also gives you an opportunity to check up on your driving yourself to ensure you are in step with your insurance policy.

Exactly how long it takes will vary depending on the method of installation.

For a self-service device, the entire process shouldn't take more than a few minutes.

If it needs to be fitted by a mechanic or engineer, it can take a bit longer, maybe up to an hour. This is because they will need to take apart pieces of your vehicle, attach the device, and then reassemble it.

While policies will vary, most will allow for a short period at the start if it needs to be fitted professionally. This is because arranging for an engineer to come out can take a little bit of time.

During this period, your premium will likely be calculated at a standard rate. One thing to be aware of, however, is that for specific black box policies, you will need to install it within a certain timeframe. Failure to do so will invalidate your policy and potentially leave you with a cancellation fee.

Generally, the cost of installing a black box will be included as part of your insurance premium. Some will charge a small, one-off payment to get this done, rarely more than around £50.

If you miss your appointment you may have to pay a fee, even if it doesn’t cost anything to install.

If you have a self-fitted black box then there is technically nothing stopping you from removing it from your car. As soon as you do so, however, your insurer will know. This could lead to you paying a more expensive premium or having your cover pulled entirely. 

If you stick within the agreed driving behaviours, black box insurance should be cheaper than a standard insurance policy. Exactly how much will of course depend on your policy and what you have agreed with your insurer.

At most, you could save up to around 60-70% with a black box policy, which for those looking at pricey premiums can be a real lifesaver. When agreeing on the framework for your policy, it’s important to be realistic. If you set your sights too high, you might fall short, which risks higher rates or a void policy. 

If you purchase a new car during the term of a black box insurance policy, your policy can be transferred to the new vehicle, as can other car insurance policies.

Your premiums may be adjusted to reflect the risk profile of the new vehicle, however. Often, if you’re buying a new, more expensive vehicle, you’ll see those premiums go up. You may also face an administration fee for the policy to be migrated.

With a black box policy, you'll also need to have a telematics device installed in your new car. Many insurers will have an engineer remove the device from your old car and transfer it to your new vehicle.

You might face a transfer or “change of vehicle” fee, often between £80 and £180. Sometimes the insurer will simply install a new telematics device in your vehicle and leave the old one, deactivated, in your old car.

If you decide to get a new insurance policy from a different provider for your new car, you can cancel your existing black box policy. You’ll generally be charged a cancellation fee - £50 is typical - but you should be refunded for any outstanding months of cover if you paid upfront for the year.

In most cases, the black box in your old car will simply be deactivated and remain in place. It’s perfectly legal and safe to sell or scrap your old car with an inactive telematics device installed.

Black boxes can save you money on your car insurance, but some policies come with additional fees. So, it’s important you read the terms and conditions of any policy to see what other costs you might be on the hook for:

• Installation fees: Some black box insurance policies will charge you an upfront fee to have the telematics device installed in your car. Others roll that cost into your initial annual premium. Additionally, you may face a charge, typically between £40 and £50, if you miss the installation appointment.
• Change of vehicle: If you buy a new car during your policy term, you’ll need to have the device removed and reinstalled in your new vehicle. Some insurers will charge you for the transfer. Fees typically between run between £80 and £180.
• Removal fee: Often when your insurance policy comes to an end and you move to a different insurer, the black box will simply be deactivated and remain in the vehicle. If you want the device removed, you may face an additional charge, often between £50 and £100.
• Repair or replacement: If you damage or tamper with the black box, you may be charged for it to be fixed or replaced. If the device simply stops working or is damaged in a traffic accident that isn’t your fault, your insurer will typically cover the repairs.
• Policy renewal: A few insurers charge you an annual fee when you renew your telematics policy. This is often dubbed a “device management fee” or “data management fee”, and may cost you around £50-£60.
• Unplugging your device yourself: If you unplug your telematics device yourself without cancelling your insurance policy, your insurer will find out. If you do this on purpose, they may charge you for not complying with the terms and conditions of the insurance policy.