Volvo Cars has launched Safety Coach, an optional app that scores driving behaviour and could help some customers qualify for usage-based insurance rates.
The app is being introduced first in Sweden and Norway this month. It analyses braking, acceleration and cornering, then provides real-time feedback through the car’s infotainment screen and Volvo Cars mobile app.
Each driver receives a changing Safety Coach score generated using an algorithm from Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), which developed the system with Volvo.
Volvo said its safety research found that predictable driving can reduce collision risk. Mikael Ljung Aust, a driver behaviour expert at Volvo Cars, said staying within expected speeds and avoiding abrupt manoeuvres makes a vehicle’s actions easier for other road users to anticipate.
The insurance element is optional. Volvo customers in Sweden and Norway can separately consent to share Safety Coach data with insurer Volvia to access a usage-based insurance offer. Drivers must first opt in to Safety Coach and then give separate permission before data is shared with an affiliated insurer.
Initially, the app supports Volvo models with Google Android-based infotainment from model year 2020 onwards. Eligible vehicles include the XC40, EX40, EC40, S60, V60, XC60, EX60, XC90, V90, EX90 and ES90, although availability can vary by model and market.
The initial model list also covers Volvo’s electric models, including the EX40, EC40, EX60, EX90 and ES90.
CMT said participation in its safe-driving programmes has typically reduced speeding and hard-braking events.
Volvo plans to extend Safety Coach to the United States and other European markets, with insurance-related offers planned as part of the rollout. The company has not announced a Malaysian launch.
Drivers can disable Safety Coach, while insurance data sharing requires separate consent. Volvo’s privacy notice says the feature can process trip information including routes, speed, acceleration, time and mileage.
