State Farm introduces collision detection in its mobile app

State Farm has introduced real-time collision detection through its mobile app, which it says will provide automated emergency service requests and streamline claims handling. 

The technology is being rolled out to Illinois and Florida drivers first, with broader rollouts pending following pilot evaluation. 

When the accident assistance program detects a collision, it immediately initiates contact with emergency services and provides an exact location via GPS technology, a State Farm press release says.

Following a requested service tow, the driver can file their claim on the State Farm app. 

The app can also connect drivers with available roadside service for non-emergency situations, the release says. 

“Users consent to data and location sharing, in addition to the use of their smartphone’s sensors to detect movement forces that indicate an accident,” the release says. “State Farm addresses privacy concerns through what it describes as encrypted data handling and user-controlled phone permission settings.“

According to the release, the app represents one of the largest of its kind in the insurance industry. 

“The success of enhanced mobile accident detection and response could influence industry-wide adoption of similar technologies,” the release says. 

The release also notes that the technology requires extensive data sharing, including continuous location monitoring while driving, accelerometer data to detect sudden stops or impacts, and integration with smartphone sensors. 

“Data collection and monitoring activates once the service recognizes movement consistent with driving behavior,” the release says. “Furthermore, eligible customers can voluntarily enroll and unenroll at any time in the State Farm app.”

The release notes that road conditions have become increasingly dangerous, with hazards including distracted driving. It points to a recent State Farm study, which found that 65% of drivers believe it’s safe to look away from the road for 2 seconds or longer, while research proves that accident risk doubles at that rate. 

“Driving-related risks are constantly changing, presenting greater challenges for drivers,” said Jeff Legner, State Farm vice president of property and casualty claims, in the release. “We’re committed to providing a mobile app with innovative solutions and robust support options to complement our agents and ensure we are there when our customers need us most.”

Insurance Business notes in an article about the technology that consumer advocacy groups have raised concerns about insurance telematics and mobile monitoring. 

“These groups emphasize the need for strong data protection measures and clear communication to users about what information is being collected and how it is used,” Insurance Business writes. 

In January, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed suit against Allstate and its subsidiary, Arity, for allegedly unlawfully collecting, using, and selling data about the location and movement of Texans’ cell phones through “secretly embedded software in mobile apps.” 

The release claims Allstate and other insurers used data collected from apps, such as Life360, to justify raising Texans’ insurance rates.

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Photo courtesy of State Farm.