Nationwide teams up with Toyota to offer UBI

Nationwide and Toyota Insurance Management Solutions (TIMS) have teamed up to launch TIMS BrightDrive™, a Toyota insurance experience that simplifies the purchasing process while rewarding customers for their safe driving.

TIMS BrightDrive uses driving data collected from the connected vehicle to provide a discount based on the customer’s driving behavior. Toyota customers who purchase an auto insurance policy and opt-in to share their driving data will automatically receive an initial 10% SmartRide® participation discount. Upon completing the collection of driving data for 90 days, customers can earn up to a 40% final discount.

“Consumer expectations for insurance solutions that are fast, simple and add value continue to grow. Nationwide and Toyota believe that customers should benefit from their personal data. We are excited to partner on the introduction of a new solution that will make the process even easier.” – Nationwide CEO, Kirt Walker.

“The TIMS BrightDrive experience is exciting because it empowers Toyota drivers with driving data from their vehicle to obtain personalized auto insurance geared to how they drive. Additionally, in case of a claim, BrightDrive uses Toyota Genuine Parts, and Toyota Certified Collision Centers when available, enhancing the overall Toyota experience.” – Will Nicklas, TIMS Vice President.

The TIMS BrightDrive experience is currently available in Arizona, Ohio, and Texas at participating dealers and online at BrightDrive.com for vehicles equipped with Toyota’s Data Communication Module (DCM) model year 2018 through 2020 (minor exceptions apply). Customers who drive Toyota vehicles without DCM technology will be eligible for the same participation and earned discounts that are available through the Nationwide SmartRide mobile app program or plug-in device.

Bottom Line: Places TIMS’ partnership with Progressive (announced last year) in question.