New smart phone app and tracking system aids insurance

Graeme Steyn, director of GPS Tracking Solutions.

The GPS Lite Tracking Unit developed by GPS Tracking Solutions.

To assist insurance companies in minimizing their risk ratio, GPS Tracking Solutions, a division of Eqstra Fleet Management & Logistics, has launched GPS Lite, a tracking system and smartphone app which allows both drivers and their insurance companies to manage driver behaviour by producing a driver profile/scorecard highlighting speeding, excessive idling and harsh braking. A SARS compliant logbook is also included in the app – this can be managed, but it is initially determined by the driver’s working hours.

The tracking unit, which weighs only 40gms and is 67mm x 33.8 mm x 11.5mm, has a working currency of 20mA@12V. It utilizes both GPS and GPRS location accuracy.

Features include GPS positioning which allows the user to track the vehicle location, speed and routes through either the phone or the computer for up to five years. Alerts will be sent to the driver’s phone should he be guilty of speeding, harsh braking and excessive idling. Speed governing can be included should the insurance company/driver choose this option. In addition, should the vehicle be stolen the user can activate the ACC ignition detection which will alert him to the status of the vehicle. He will be able to cut the engine remotely (provided the vehicle is moving at under 20 km/hr or is stationary), while the GPS tracking system will alert both the driver and the insurance company of the vehicle’s geographical position. The unit also includes an accelerometer which will detect excessive g-force. By this method the app will send out a notification of possible impact and can therefore be linked to emergency roadside assistance.

“Both drivers and the insurance companies will benefit from GPS Lite,” maintains Graeme Steyn, director of GPS Tracking Solutions. “The comprehensive scorecard highlights bad driving which allows the driver to monitor his own driving behaviour, eliminate speeding fines and reduce his insurance risk. Similarly, the system allows insurers to reward low risk drivers and to shift focus on high risk drivers. The GPS Lite system also allows insurance companies to run the report on their entire customer base to determine their risk exposure,” he added.

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