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3 Great Driving Apps

updated: Nov 11, 2024

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* podcast transcript

MAX
So you guys wanted to check out some cool driving apps? We found some real gems for you. It’s crazy how techie our cars are these days.

EVA
Right.

MAX
Like way beyond just getting us from point A to point B, you know?

EVA
It’s true. It’s like driving is getting this whole tech makeover and you want to know who’s really like leading the charge? Insurance companies.

MAX
That’s wild. It is. I mean, you’ve got your liberty mutuals out there, you got your travelers, you got nationwide. They’ve all got apps now. But it’s not just for like paying your bill online anymore. They’re getting really creative with it.

EVA
Definitely.

MAX
They have tools now to help you actually become a better driver.

EVA
Yeah. And I mean, it makes sense from their perspective, right? Like fewer accidents equals fewer claims they got to pay out.

MAX
Oh, that’s true.

EVA
So they’re looking for ways to encourage safer driving, as are a really good way to do that.

MAX
That makes sense. OK, so let’s dive into this first app we found. It’s called Steer Clear by State Farm. OK, you might be thinking, isn’t that one just for new drivers?

EVA
Yeah.

MAX
But here’s the thing, it’s not just for teenagers.

EVA
Really.

MAX
Anyone can use it like you can use it to brush up on your driving skills, and you might even get a discount on your insurance.

EVA
Oh wow, I like that.

MAX
Yeah, pretty cool.

EVA
It’s a really good example of how insurance companies are using gamification now.

MAX
Gamification.

EVA
Yeah, like you complete these driving challenges, right? You show them you have safe driving habits and you can actually earn rewards like lower insurance premiums.

MAX
No kidding. So it’s like a little game to make you a better driver.

EVA
Exactly.

MAX
I like it and it gets even more interesting.

EVA
How? How so?

MAX
Steer Clear also has this ride sharing feature, but get this, there’s a twist. OK, imagine you’re out with friends, you know, maybe had one too many drinks to be driving home safely. Steer Clear can actually send you 2 drivers, one for you and one for your car.

EVA
Wow.

MAX
Talk about a win, win.

EVA
That’s amazing. Yeah, that’s really smart.

MAX
That’s thinking ahead.

EVA
Definitely. It’s such a good solution to like a really common problem and it’s a great example of how these apps are actually promoting you being responsible.

MAX
Yeah, for sure. OK, so let’s shift gears just a little bit and talk about those moments that we all hope never happen, but it’s good to be prepared. Accidents.

EVA
Of course.

MAX
You know that feeling after a Fender Bender? Oh yeah, hearts pounding, a million things are running through your head. Totally. The next app we’re looking at is called Axi Kit.

EVA
OK.

MAX
It’s like having a trusty sidekick in those situations.

EVA
I like it.

MAX
I know, right? Yeah. What I really like about AXI kit is how it brings order to the chaos of an accident. When you’re like stressed out and shaken up, it’s so easy to forget what to do. Axe Kit walks you through everything.

EVA
Oh wow.

MAX
And make sure you don’t miss any of those critical details.

EVA
That’s awesome.

MAX
So with Axe Kit, you just tap a button on your phone and it instantly sends an alert to emergency services.

EVA
Wow.

MAX
And since it’s using your phone’s GPS, they know exactly where you are.

EVA
That’s so smart.

MAX
But it’s way more than just a fancy SOS button.

EVA
Oh really? What else does it do?

MAX
OK, So what’s super valuable about AcciKit is that it’s really big on documentation. Yeah. And as we all know, that’s really important for insurance claims. Absolutely. And illegal stuff too . Like it helps you get in touch with roadside assistance, OK. It can even point you towards the nearest gas station or hotel if you’re stranded.

EVA
Oh wow, so it’s like really practical.

MAX
Super practical.

EVA
Nice.

MAX
But the things that really blew me away were the voice recording and the photo documentation features.

EVA
Oh, tell me more about those.

MAX
OK, so think about it right after an accident. Yeah, you might not be thinking completely straight, right?

EVA
Yeah. Totally.

MAX
So having those voice recordings of what happened, yeah, maybe even witness statements. It’s like this time stamped record.

EVA
That’s really smart.

MAX
Which could be huge if your insurance claim gets complicated. And the photos, yeah, you can take pictures of all the damage to  the cars, OK. How the vehicles are positioned, even any road signs that seem important, right? Anything that might help you out later. Totally. It even has captions.

EVA
Oh, wow.

MAX
So you can add context to every photo. Nice. It’s like having this legal notepad in your pocket. I love that. I know it’s really cool.

EVA
That’s awesome.

MAX
So you’re totally empowered to take control of the situation. Yeah, and protect yourself.

EVA
That’s key.

MAX
OK, so we talked about apps for making you a better driver, right? And for staying safe after you have an accident. So now let’s jump into those times when you’re hanging out with friends. Yeah, you’re having a good time. Yeah. Maybe enjoying a couple of drinks.

EVA
Ok.

MAX
That’s where this last app comes in. Weak track.

EVA
OK, I’ve heard of that.

MAX
It’s like having your own personal breathalyzer right right there in your pocket.

EVA
That’s really cool. And I mean, it’s a good tool for encouraging people to drink responsibly, which is something we’re seeing more and more of definitely. We all know how dangerous it is to drink and drive for sure, both for ourselves and everyone else on the road, right? So I like that Backtrack really lets people make informed decisions.

MAX
Definitely. So picture this. OK, you’re out to dinner with some friends. You’re having a blast. Maybe had a glass of wine or two with dinner. OK, now it’s time to go home. But you’re not 100% sure if you’re good to drive. Yeah, we’ve all been there, right?

EVA
Oh yeah, definitely.

MAX
So Backtrack takes all the guesswork out of it, and the risk too. That’s huge.

EVA
It really is.

MAX
And it uses the same technology as those big breathalyzer machines that police officers use.

EVA
Oh wow.

MAX
But it’s small and you can take it anywhere, right? It connects to your phone with Bluetooth OK and gives you this quick and really accurate reading of your blood alcohol content.

EVA
Very cool.

MAX
And it’s not just about like, I’m telling you, if you’re over the limit or whatever, right? Backtrack actually takes it a step further. It like predicts when you’ll be safe to drive again.

EVA
Wow, how does it do that?

MAX
Well, it looks at your weight, your metabolism.

EVA
OK. Even the type of alcohol you had.

MAX
Interesting. And then it gives you this personalized estimate. Wow, that’s neat. So you can let your friends know when to expect you back, right? Or if you need to call a ride or whatever. Yeah, that’s smart. No more guessing games. Exactly. Just responsible decisions.

EVA
I like it.

MAX
It’s kind of wild how much technology can help us be safer drivers these days.

EVA
I know it’s pretty amazing.

MAX
And smarter drivers, too.

EVA
Yeah, definitely. Those 3 apps: Steer Clear, AxiKit, Backtrack. They’re not just like cool gadgets or anything.

MAX
Totally.

EVA
They’re really pushing for like proactive safety and responsible driving.

MAX
For sure. It’s like having a whole team of experts right there in your pocket, right ready to help you out with whatever comes up on the road.

EVA
And it makes you wonder, like, what other cool driving tech is out there, right? Or what’s coming next?

MAX
That’s what I want to know.

EVA
Me too.

MAX
So if you guys are as into these apps as we are, definitely go check them out. Let us know what you think. Definitely. What other driving challenges are you hoping to see solved with technology?

EVA
Yeah, good question.

MAX
Hit us up on social media and tell us your thoughts.

EVA
Sounds good.

MAX
Until next time, drive safe and stay curious.

Technology has changed many aspects of our daily lives. The Internet, for instance, gives us access to an online marketplace that is far more accessible and diverse than ever before. Most companies have understood the importance of having a presence in this new online world so they are also using the Internet as a new medium in order to offer their goods and services. Insurance providers are no different. A lot of them have developed apps for smart phones that give their customers easy access to all the information and services they could desire. Companies such as Liberty Mutual Insurance, Travelers and Nationwide Insurance all have such apps and many more will follow their lead.

But it does not stop there. The potential for useful apps extends far beyond offering insurance policies online.

Improve Your Driving Skills

Steer Clear Icon

State Farm Insurance, for example, has an called Steer Clear (iPhone / Android).

It’s tailor-made for new drivers looking to boost their skills on the road. But it’s not just for improving your driving skills – completing various driving assignments actually earns you discounts on your State Farm insurance policy as you finishing various driving assignments.

Steer Clear isn’t just about improving your driving; it’s also got your back if you’ve had a few too many drinks. The app includes a ride-sharing feature that does more than you’d expect. It not only ensures you get home safely but also takes care of your car. How? They send two drivers your way. One drives you home, while the other follows in your car, making sure both you and your vehicle make it home in one piece. It’s peace of mind in your pocket.

Axikit Icon

AxiKit Accident Report (iPhone / Android) boasts itself to be a vital tool during moments of crisis on the road.

In the unfortunate event of a crash, this app serves as a lifeline by instantly notifying emergency services with a single tap. Utilizing your phone’s GPS capabilities, it ensures that responders can swiftly locate you, providing essential information such as the time and date of the incident.

But AxiKit goes beyond mere emergency notification. It simplifies post-accident procedures by facilitating contact with roadside assistance and guiding you to nearby gas stations and member-discounted hotels through its integrated map feature. This user-friendly interface streamlines the process, making assistance readily accessible in moments of distress.

A standout feature of AxiKit is its voice recording option, invaluable for individuals feeling disoriented after an accident. By enabling voice input for accident details and witness statements, the app ensures accurate documentation without the need for typing, which can be challenging in such circumstances. This meticulous documentation serves as compelling evidence in legal proceedings, bolstering your case with clarity and precision.

Moreover, AxiKit empowers users with its photo documentation function, allowing them to capture crucial details of the accident scene. With the ability to add captions explaining relevant aspects of the images, users can create a comprehensive visual record that aligns with legal requirements. The app even provides a checklist to guide users in capturing the most pertinent photos for potential legal claims.

In instances where the other driver admits fault, AxiKit offers further assistance with its signature capture release form. This feature facilitates the collection of legally binding signatures, fortifying your position in future legal proceedings. AxiKit emerges not just as a convenience but as a reliable ally in navigating the aftermath of an accident, providing peace of mind and support when it’s needed most.

BACtrack Icon

The BACtrack app (iPhone / Android) is specifically crafted to prevent incidents of drinking and driving.

In scenarios where individuals have consumed alcohol in moderation but are uncertain about their ability to drive legally, this app serves as a crucial ally.

Paired with the companion Bluetooth breath analyzer, the BACtrack app delivers swift and accurate measurements of your body’s alcohol content. It not only provides immediate results but also offers a predictive graph, estimating the duration required for your impairment level to decrease to a safe driving threshold. Additionally, the app maintains a comprehensive history of your tests, enhancing its predictive capabilities over time. While it’s advisable to conduct a test just before driving, the predictive feature proves invaluable for planning your evening and notifying loved ones of your anticipated arrival time.

By leveraging this app, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of causing accidents or facing DUI charges, promoting safer roads for all. The investment in the Bluetooth breathalyzer model, available for approximately $90 on platforms like Amazon, underscores the app’s commitment to ensuring user safety and responsible decision-making.