Geico DriveEasy Review: Should you buy in 2024?

Drivers with Geico already get some of the lowest auto insurance rates, but they can save even more. DriveEasy from Geico offers discounts based on how well you drive. It’s free, and there’s always room for improvement to get a better discount.

The Geico safe driver app runs in the background on your phone and monitors specific driving behaviors. Your discount is calculated by how well you score on those behaviors.

While most drivers receive up to a 25% discount, unsafe driving can raise your rates, depending on where you live. However, you can opt out of the Geico DriveEasy program anytime.

Keep reading our Geico DriveEasy review to learn more about the Geico DriveEasy app and how to get the most significant discount possible. You can also visit our Geico auto insurance review for more information about the company.

What is Geico DriveEasy?

Most auto insurance companies offer usage-based insurance programs that reduce your rates based on your driving. DriveEasy is the program offered to lower your Geico auto insurance rates significantly.

The DriveEasy program from Geico is available in 27 states plus Washington, D.C. So while Geico auto insurance is available in all states, you might not be able to participate in DriveEasy. Additionally, all drivers on your policy may need to be enrolled, depending on your state.

To begin saving, download the DriveEasy app from Geico on your smartphone. Once you set up your account and log in, the program runs automatically in the background. While it doesn’t record unless it detects driving, it uses your data and battery once it’s running.

The DriveEasy dashboard shows your current score, recent trips, and how other members of your family score. It may take about a day for your new drive to load.

Although you don’t have to turn on the DriveEasy app to monitor your driving, it’s good to check it often. The app detects whether you’re driving, a passenger, or on public transportation. However, if it makes a mistake, you can easily correct it in the app.

The downside is that your Geico auto insurance rates may increase in some states if you’re a perpetually unsafe driver. Unfortunately, Geico doesn’t specify what constitutes unsafe driving.

You can opt out anytime, but your driving may count if you’ve participated in the program for more than 30 days.

In addition, Geico says it can use your data for insurance claims. While Geico holds your data securely, the company may use it for more than providing a safe driver insurance discount.

What driving behaviors does Geico DriveEasy monitor?

Geico examines multiple behaviors to calculate your safe driver discount with the DriveEasy app, and each behavior directly correlates to accidents. As a result, DriveEasy draws your attention to habits that could put you and others at risk.

Driving behaviors monitored by DriveEasy include:

• Road type. Navigating easy roads, like highways, is less likely to cause an accident.
• Distance driven. The more you drive, the higher the chances of getting in an accident.
• Cornering. Cornering too quickly leads to roll-over accidents.
• Hard braking. Hard braking indicates following too closely, aggressive driving, or lack of attention.
• Distracted driving. Drivers who use their phones while driving are much more likely to get in an accident.
• Time of day. You’re more likely to be in an accident late at night or early in the morning.
• Weather. Rain, fog, ice, and snow are much more dangerous to drive in than a clear day.

Distracted driving includes handheld phone calls and active phone use, like sending a text or changing your music, but it doesn’t include hand-free calls or an active screen. It’s also unable to differentiate between your passenger using your phone or you using it while driving.

DriveEasy also offers crash assist. For example, if the program detects very hard braking, it’ll send a notification asking if you’ve been in an accident. If you were in an accident, begin the claims process directly from the app.

Who benefits from DriveEasy?

DriveEasy offers significant car insurance discounts just for driving. There is no cost to you, and the app records your driving without opening it.

While DriveEasy seems to be an easy way to save money, the program might not be right for everyone. Evaluate your driving and when you use your vehicle to determine if DriveEasy will save you money.

Drivers who earn the highest discount have low annual mileage, safe driving habits, and avoid using their phones while driving. They also don’t drive late at night or in bad weather.

Even if your driving record is imperfect, DriveEasy may save you money. Since it offers immediate feedback, your safe driving skills can improve dramatically, allowing you to save money and be safer on the road. Think of it as the Geico safe driver discount, the safer you drive, the more you save.

However, if you have a long commute, drive aggressively, or use your phone while driving, your rates may actually increase. In addition, the app uses your data and battery — it also records your location and other information, generating privacy concerns.

Although most drivers see at least a small discount, bad drivers may see an increase. Whether your rates go up based on the program depends on where you live — some states don’t allow car insurance companies to raise rates based on telematics.

Low-mileage drivers may also benefit from a usage-based insurance program, which determines your rates based on how much you drive. You get the same coverage as a traditional policy, but rates are typically lower.

Geico DriveEasy: The Bottom Line

DriveEasy from Geico offers up to a 25% discount based on your driving behaviors. The app is free and runs seamlessly in the background on your phone.

Several factors affect your discount, including distracted driving, hard braking, weather, mileage, and the time of day you drive. Drivers who don’t use their phones while driving, practice safe driving habits, and don’t drive late at night see the most significant discount.

Since Geico may raise your rates based on unsafe driving habits recorded by DriveEasy, it’s not a good fit for everyone. If you participate in the program, drive safely and keep your mileage down to get the most significant savings.

Ultimately, DriveEasy is a good idea for most drivers. Although you may not receive the full 25% discount, most drivers see savings. In addition, since the app is free, there are minimal downsides.