A METHOD OF MANAGING A DRIVER REWARDS PROGRAMME AND
A SYSTEM THEREFOR
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of managing a driver rewards
programme and a system therefor.
Drivers of motor vehicles are not motivated in any meaningful way to
improve their driver behaviours thereby aiming toward safer driving.
The present invention seeks to address this.
SUMMARY
According to one example embodiment there is provided a method of
managing a driver rewards programme, the method including:
receiving data including information relating to the compliance of a
driver in a plurality of programme areas related to motor vehicle
driver behaviours and storing the data in a database;
awarding points to the driver wherein the points allocated are
related to the compliance of the driver in the programme areas; and
using the points allocated to determine a reward for the driver.
The points allocated may be used to award a driver status, wherein the
driver status is used to determine a reward for the driver.
The plurality of programme areas may include at least some of vehicle
maintenance, driver education, vehicle insurance claims and driving
performance.
The plurality of programme areas may include all of vehicle maintenance,
driver education, vehicle insurance claims and driving performance.
The programme area of vehicle maintenance includes one or more of
servicing the vehicle, checking the vehicle and checking the vehicles tyres.
The programme area of driver education includes one or more of a driving
course, a driver assessment, a periodic driver quiz and a carbon footprint
calculation.
The programme area of vehicle insurance claims includes the number of
claim free years.
The programme area of driving score includes monitoring the manner in
which the motor vehicle is driven.
According to another example embodiment there is provided a system for
managing a driver rewards programme, the system including:
a receiving module for receiving data relating to the compliance of a
driver in a plurality of programme areas related to motor vehicle
driver behaviours;
a calculation module to award points to the driver wherein the points
allocated are related to the compliance of the driver in the
programme areas; and
a rewards module to use the points allocated to determine a reward
for the driver.
The calculation module may use the points allocated to determine a driver
status, wherein the driver status is used to determine the reward for the
driver.
In one example, the plurality of programme areas includes at least some of
vehicle maintenance, driver education, vehicle insurance claims and driving
performance.
In another example, the plurality of programme areas includes all of vehicle
maintenance, driver education, vehicle insurance claims and driving
performance.
The programme area of vehicle maintenance may include one or more of
servicing the vehicle, checking the vehicle and checking the vehicles tyres.
Te programme area of driver education may include one or more of a
driving course, a driver assessment, a periodic driver quiz and a carbon
footprint calculation.
The programme area of vehicle insurance claims may include the number
of claim free years.
The programme area of driving score may include monitoring the manner in
which the motor vehicle is driven.
Furthermore, the system may further include:
the receiving module obtains driver data from a device associated
with a motor vehicle; and
the analysing module analyses the data to determine the manner in
which the motor vehicle has been driven for a past period.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example system to
implement the methodologies described herein;
Figure 2 illustrates an example system environment in which the
embodiment is implemented; and
Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment
method.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The present invention relates to a method of managing a driver rewards
programme and a system therefor.
It will be appreciated that the rewards programme could be run by an
insurer that insures motor vehicles. Alternatively, the programme could be
run by a third party.
Various insurance schemes are known to insure motor vehicles in the event
of an accident or against theft, for example.
These insurance schemes typically have the owner of the motor vehicle as
the insured person. The insured person pays a premium to the insurer to
insure the motor vehicle against an insured event such as an accident or
against theft, for example.
The quantum of the premium is usually determined using a number of
factors such as the value of the motor vehicle and in certain cases the
driver's age.
The above factors are also used to determine an excess which is a first
amount paid by the insured person in the event of a claim before the
insurer pays towards the claim.
However, these insurance schemes do not take into account driver
behaviour nor vehicle mechanical condition in any meaningful way.
Referring to Figure , an information processing system 10 may include a
server 12 that includes a number of modules to implement the present
invention.
In one example embodiment, the modules described below may be
implemented by a machine-readable medium embodying instructions
which, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform any of
the methods described above.
In another example embodiment the modules may be implemented using
firmware programmed specifically to execute the method described herein.
It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention are not
limited to such architecture, and could equally well find application in a
distributed, or peer-to-peer, architecture system. Thus the modules
illustrated could be located on one or more servers operated by one or
more institutions.
It will also be appreciated that in any of these cases the modules form a
physical apparatus with physical modules specifically for executing the
steps of the method described herein.
In the illustrated example embodiment, the server 2 includes a receiving
module 14 to receive the data and to write the data to a memory 16.
The memory 16 is typically in the form of a database associated with the
server 12.
The receiving module 14 receives compliance data containing information
relating to the compliance of a driver in a plurality of programme areas
related to motor vehicle driver behaviour.
The compliance data is stored in the database 16.
An analysing module 18 analyses the compliance data to determine driver
behaviour. This will be described in more detail below.
A calculation module 20 awards points to the driver wherein the points
allocated are related to the compliance of the driver in one or more of the
programme areas. An example of this is described below.
Finally, the points allocated are used by a rewards module 22 to determine
a reward for the driver.
The plurality of programme areas includes at least some of vehicle
maintenance, driver education, vehicle insurance claims, premium
payments, policy updates and driving performance.
In one example embodiment, the plurality of programme areas includes all
of the abovementioned programme areas.
The programme area of vehicle maintenance includes one or more of
servicing the vehicle, checking the vehicle and checking the vehicles tyres.
Describing these programme areas in more detail, servicing the vehicle
means that the driver has taken the vehicle to a mechanical workshop for a
periodic service to ensure that the vehicle is in good working order.
Typically in such services oil and other lubricants are changed, brake pads
are changed if required and any other mechanical faults that have arisen in
the past period are fixed.
The programme area of checking the vehicle entails taking the vehicle to an
authorised centre were a number of checks on the different parts of the
vehicle are conducted to ensure that the vehicle is in good working order. If
anything is found to be not correct, the driver will be instructed to take the
vehicle to a workshop for fixing and may be awarded further points for this
step.
New vehicles may be exempt from the service check for the first year and
the insured person will be awarded these points on submission of proof that
the vehicle is within its first year since its first registration.
Checking the vehicle tyres entails either having the tyres checked as part of
the above-mentioned checking of the vehicle or alternatively, taking the
vehicle to a specialist tyre centre to have the tyres checked.
In one example embodiment, an interface is created between the server 12
and checking centre via the communications network 24 so that the
checking centre can confirm the results of the check.
In addition to the tyre check the steering, windscreen wipers, lights,
seatbelts, hooter and shock absorbers can be checked at this time.
Bonus Points can be awarded for all of these being in an acceptable
condition.
In all of these cases, the party doing the checking or servicing will capture
data relating to the vehicle and/or driver and periodically transmit this data
to the receiving module .
The programme area of driver education includes one or more of a driving
course, a driver assessment, a periodic driver quiz and a carbon footprint
calculation.
Driving courses are attended by drivers to improve their driving skills and
particularly to learn so-called defensive driving skills.
A driver assessment is conducted in one example embodiment by an
assessor taking the driver in the vehicle onto the road and assessing the
driving skills and habits of the driver.
Weaknesses in the skills or habits of the driver may be pointed out and the
driver given the opportunity to correct these in the coming weeks or months
before returning for an updated assessment.
In one example, the driver is given an assessment score.
In another example, the driver assessment is an online questionnaire
designed to highlight certain risks relating to a driver.
In this example, the questionnaire includes two sections namely. 'Driving
habits' and 'State of Vehicle'. For example a question of whether one uses
a cellular telephone to send messages while driving will be asked. At the
end of the questionnaire (approximately 20 questions) the driver will receive
feedback explaining their risk and suggesting ways to mitigate their risks.
Based on the answers received a calculation will be performed to consider
the driver's risk relative to an average driver. The results can be illustrated
to the driver on two risk bars. One illustrates how risky the driver's habits
are, and one illustrates risks relating to the state of the drivers vehicle.
A third risk bar may also be included illustrating a combined risk score.
In addition, the questionnaire may include educational information to
address specific areas such as how to drive in wet weather or what to do in
the event of an accident. The format will be a paragraph followed by a
question relating to the paragraph
In this example, the driver will typically use a user interface device in the
form of a computer with a screen on which is displayed a template for the
driver to capture answers to questions put to them.
The answers are captured and transmitted to the server 12.
Alternatively, the server 12 accesses driver information stored in the
database 16 and obtains the driver's e-mail address.
An e-mail is then sent to the retrieved e-mail address. When the driver
opens the e-mail a template is displayed to them asking them the relevant
questions with options to select various scores.
A driver will send the e-mail back to the server 12 via a communications
network and the receiving module 16. These will be received and written to
the database.
The programme area of premium payments relates to the quantum and
frequency with which the premium payments are made and if they are
made on time or not and the programme area of policy updates relates to
whether or not the insured person is updating their policy to accurately
reflect what is being insured by the insured person.
The programme area of vehicle insurance claims includes the number of
claim free years. No fault claims where the driver was not at fault typically
will not be calculated as a claim for this.
The programme area of driving score includes monitoring the manner in
which the motor vehicle is driven.
In one example embodiment this is implemented using data received from
a telematics device 26 associated with the vehicle 28 which is the vehicle
that is insured on the insurance policy. It will be appreciated that in one
example the telemetry device 12 will be installed in the motor vehicle either
at the time of production or retro-fitted.
In any event, referring to Figure 2, a motor vehicle 28 is fitted with the
telemetry device 26.
The telemetry device 26 is used to monitor a number of aspects of the use
of the motor vehicle.
For example, the device monitors the speed at which the vehicle is
travelling and can therefore calculate average speed and maximum and
minimum speeds, for example.
Where the device includes GPS functionality, for example, the device is
able to determine if speed limits on a particular road have been exceeded.
The device is also able to determine braking habits of the driver either
using the GPS functionality or by using an accelerometer or having one or
more sensors connected to the vehicle or to a deceleration detection
device, for example.
The device is also typically able to detect the distance travelled and if the
driver has driven the vehicle for a long time period without a break.
In addition, the times of the day that the vehicle is being driven can be
captured as night time driving is statistically more dangerous than day time
driving, especially weekend late night driving.
In addition to the above, the device will have the ability to detect the driver's
use of the vehicle including braking, indicating, cornering and accelerating
to name a few examples. Thus it could be determined when the vehicle
turns without indicating, for example.
In any event, the data from the device is transmitted to the server 12 over a
communication network 30.
It will be appreciated that this could be accomplished in a number of ways.
For example, the data could be transmitted via a communication network
30 as illustrated in the accompanying drawing. This communication
network could be any suitable kind of communication network such as a
mobile communication network, a wireless communication network, a
satellite communication network or a combination of these to name but a
few examples.
Alternatively, the device 26 could be connected to another intermediate
device which downloads the data and transmits the data via the
communication network 30 to the server 12. One example of this could be
connecting the device 26 to a USB port of a computer and downloading the
data to the computer, which data is then transmitted over the Internet to the
server 12.
In one example embodiment, the data is transmitted over a mobile phone
network using the short message service (SMS) protocol.
It will be appreciated that the data could be transmitted at any suitable time
to the server. For example, the data could be transmitted in real time or
near real time or could be transmitted periodically such as daily, weekly or
monthly to name a few examples.
Once the server 12 receives the data it will analyse the data to determine
the manner in which the motor vehicle has been driven for a past
predetermined period.
To do this the analysing module 8 accesses the memory 16 and retrieves
the data stored therein.
The retrieved data is then used to determine a driving score. For example,
the driver starts on a higher number of points which is reduced for each
driving infraction, such as each harsh braking, speeding or late night driving
instance as can be predetermined by the system managers.
An example of how the calculation module 20 then awards points is as
follows:
Driver Category Points Frequency
No Star (no telematics device)
*
** 100 Monthly
*** 350
+* * * 800
Annual Service 50
Multi Point Check 50 Annual
It will be appreciated that the actual number of points allocated may change
and other categories may be introduced.
In one example embodiment the number of points is used to determine a
driver status. An example driver status is as follows:
It will be appreciated that the way in which the points are allocated and
driver status determined could be varied. However, in an example
embodiment the status will be determined periodically, for example every
month.
At the beginning of every calendar month the driver's points are zeroed and
drivers will then be awarded points for having done a multi point check,
annual service, driver assessment or carbon footprint calculation within the
previous 12 months.
Similarly quarterly quiz points will be awarded provided the questionnaire
has been done for that quarter.
Defensive driving courses need to be completed every 3 years or any other
specified period to earn points and if a defensive driving course has been
completed in the past 3 years then the relevant points will be added to the
driver score for the present month.
If confirmation of these point earning events are received midmonth then
points will be awarded immediately therefore contributing to the driver
status in that month.
On the last day of each month the driver's telematic data or a telematic
score will be received and points award points accordingly.
If multiple vehicles are insured then one method of dealing with this is to
use a weighted average to calculate a single score calculated.
This will complete the driver's points for the month which will be added
together to get the driver status for that month.
The driver status and individual driver telematic scores are communicated
to the principle drivers via the communication network 24 as well as the
policy holder where the policy holder is different to the driver.
In addition, reminders are sent out when a roadworthy check or tyre check
is required via the communication network 24.
At periodic intervals rewards are awarded to the driver. This motivates the
driver to improve their driver behaviours.
In one example, the rewards in a given month will be based on the greater
of the status achieved in the previous month (or amber at duration month 1)
and the status at the date of discount calculation.
In one example, a retail reward may be implemented.
One example of implementing a retail reward is that each driver will be
eligible to apply for a credit card from a company associated with the
rewards company.
This will entitle them to retail partner cash backs for spending at retail
partners associated with the credit card company.
Another example would be to use a non-transactional card to capture retail
spend and then refund the driver based on the retail spend captured by
transferring funds into a bank account of the driver.
The cash back % in a given month will be based on the higher of the Driver
Status from the previous month and the Driver Status on the discount
calculation date.
An example of retail partner discounts is as follows:
Another example of a reward is a travel related reward. This could take the
form of a discount on flights and/or car hire as follows:
Status Discount
Red 0%
Amber 5%
Green 7.5%
D Green 15%
In addition, discounts on hotel bookings could also be available as follows:
Once the correct reward has been determined, the rewards module 22 then
effects the reward. In one example embodiment this could be done by
communicating with a financial institution via the communications network
24 and instructing the financial institution to implement the reward.
Typically the financial institution will be instructed to pay an amount of
funds to the driver.
It should be appreciated that all of the above are non-limiting examples of
rewards and discount amounts related to these rewards.
Thus it will be appreciated that the present invention provides a method of
rewarding the driver thereby motivating them to improve their driver
behaviours including their driving skills and to look after their motor vehicle.
This helps ensure the driver's safety while at the same time results in
reduced claims to the insurer and is therefore beneficial to all parties.

CLAIMS:
1. A method of managing a driver rewards programme, the method
including:
receiving data including information relating to the compliance of a
driver in a plurality of programme areas related to motor vehicle
driver behaviours and storing the data in a database;
awarding points to the driver wherein the points allocated are
related to the compliance of the driver in the programme areas; and
using the points allocated to determine a reward for the driver.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the points allocated are used to
determine a driver status, wherein the driver status is used to determine
the reward for the driver.
3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the plurality of
programme areas include at least some of vehicle maintenance, driver
education, vehicle insurance claims and driving performance.
4. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the plurality of
programme areas include all of vehicle maintenance, driver education,
vehicle insurance claims and driving performance.
5. A method according to claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the programme area
of vehicle maintenance includes one or more of servicing the vehicle,
checking the vehicle and checking the vehicles tyres.
6. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the programme
area of driver education includes one or more of a driving course, a
driver assessment, a periodic driver quiz and a carbon footprint
calculation.
7. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein the programme
area of vehicle insurance claims includes the number of claim free
years.
8. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 7 wherein the programme
area of driving performance includes monitoring the manner in which a
motor vehicle is driven.
9. A method according to claim 8 wherein monitoring the manner in which
the motor vehicle is driven includes:
obtaining data from a device associated with a motor vehicle; and
analysing the data to determine the manner in which the motor
vehicle has been driven for a past period;
10. A system for managing a driver rewards programme, the system
including:
a receiving module for receiving data relating to the compliance of a
driver in a plurality of programme areas related to motor vehicle
driver behaviours;
a calculation module to award points to the driver wherein the points
allocated are related to the compliance of the driver in the
programme areas; and
a rewards module to use the points allocated to determine a reward
for the driver.
11. A system according to claim 10 wherein the calculation module uses
the points allocated to determine a driver status, wherein the driver
status is used to determine the reward for the driver.
12. A system according to claim 10 or claim 1 wherein the plurality of
programme areas include at least some of vehicle maintenance, driver
education, vehicle insurance claims and driving performance.
13. A system according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the plurality of
programme areas include all of vehicle maintenance, driver education,
vehicle insurance claims and driving performance.
14. A system according to claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the programme
area of vehicle maintenance includes one or more of servicing the
vehicle, checking the vehicle and checking the vehicles tyres.
15. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the
programme area of driver education includes one or more of a driving
course, a driver assessment, a periodic driver quiz and a carbon
footprint calculation.
16. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein the
programme area of vehicle insurance claims includes the number of
claim free years.
17. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 16 wherein the
programme area of driving score includes monitoring the manner in
which the motor vehicle is driven.
18. A system according to any one of claims 10 to 17 further wherein:
the receiving module obtains driver data from a device associated
with a motor vehicle; and
the analysing module analyses the data to determine the manner in
which the motor vehicle has been driven for a past period.