Who Are The Best Telematics Insurers In The UK?
The best telematics insurers in the UK are Admiral LittleBox, Direct Line DrivePlus, Hastings SmartMiles, Churchill DriveSure, Marmalade, Ingenie, RAC Black Box, Carrot Insurance, and Zego Sense, with Admiral LittleBox ranked first for its simple plug-in device and strong claims infrastructure.
All telematics policies track your driving behaviour and use that data to set your premium. They’re especially popular with younger and newer drivers who face higher car insurance costs.
We ranked these nine providers based on device quality, scoring transparency, renewal discounts, target audience fit, and customer service reputation.
Telematics rewards how you drive, not just your age, and younger drivers regularly save 20% to 40% at renewal. The real choice is tracking method: apps need no installation but fitted boxes score more accurately, and pay-per-mile models like Hastings SmartMiles beat both if you barely use the car.
Compare black box insurance quotes alongside standard policies to see which setup actually costs less.
- #1. Admiral LittleBox
- #2. Direct Line DrivePlus
- #3. Hastings SmartMiles
- #4. Churchill DriveSure
- #5. Marmalade
- #6. Ingenie
- #7. RAC Black Box
- #8. Carrot Insurance
- #9. Zego Sense
- How do the nine providers compare?
- What is telematics insurance?
- How do you choose the right telematics insurer?
- Can telematics insurance save you money?
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
#1. Admiral LittleBox
Admiral LittleBox is the top-ranked telematics insurer because its small plug-in device requires no drilling, its driving score is fully visible through the Admiral app, and it is backed by one of the UK’s largest motor insurance groups.
Why Admiral LittleBox stands out
The LittleBox device connects to your car’s OBD port in minutes. It tracks speed, braking, acceleration, and time of driving without any professional installation.
Admiral’s claims handling is well established, which matters if things go wrong. Premiums tend to drop once you pass 25, when most drivers consider moving to a standard policy as car insurance costs fall with age.
#2. Direct Line DrivePlus
Direct Line DrivePlus ranks second because it requires no physical device at all, removing installation hassle and early cancellation removal charges entirely.
Why Direct Line DrivePlus stands out
The app runs in the background on your phone and scores each journey automatically. It is available to drivers under 26, with all cover levels from third party only through to fully comp.
Direct Line sells policies directly rather than through brokers or comparison sites. That can mean fewer middlemen and a simpler claims process.
#3. Hastings SmartMiles
Hastings SmartMiles is ranked third because its pay-per-mile model makes it the cheapest option for drivers who cover fewer than 7,000 miles a year.
Why Hastings SmartMiles stands out
You pay a fixed annual rate plus a per-mile charge tracked through the app. If you work from home or use public transport for your commute, this model can cut costs noticeably.
The app also tracks driving style and offers feedback after each trip. Combining low mileage with modifications that lower insurance costs can reduce your overall spend further.
#4. Churchill DriveSure
Churchill DriveSure is ranked fourth because it tracks phone use behind the wheel, a factor that box-based policies cannot measure, rewarding drivers who stay focused.
Why Churchill DriveSure stands out
The app scores acceleration, braking, cornering, phone use, and speed. It is available to drivers under 26 and part of the Direct Line Group.
Drivers who score well earn a discount at renewal. The phone-use tracking is a genuine differentiator that rewards attentive driving in a way other telematics products don’t.
#5. Marmalade
Marmalade is ranked fifth because it gives new drivers their own no-claims bonus from day one, building a discount history that transfers when they move to a standard policy.
Why Marmalade stands out
Marmalade is one of the most recognised names in young driver insurance. The box is professionally fitted and monitors driving 24/7.
They also offer a named-driver policy option where the young driver is insured on a parent’s car with their own telematics tracking. Building your own no-claims history early pays off for years.
#6. Ingenie
Ingenie is ranked sixth because it reviews your premium every three months rather than annually, rewarding good driving faster than almost any competitor.
Why Ingenie stands out
Ingenie targets drivers aged 17 to 25 and uses a professionally fitted black box. The app provides a driving score breakdown after each journey.
Quarterly reviews are a genuine differentiator. If you’re still learning to drive or recently passed, the rapid feedback loop helps build good habits early.
#7. RAC Black Box
RAC Black Box is ranked seventh because it bundles telematics cover with RAC breakdown assistance, saving newer drivers £50 to £100 per year compared to buying breakdown separately.
Why RAC Black Box stands out
The fitted device tracks your driving and feeds data into a score visible through the RAC app. The inclusion of breakdown cover makes this a strong option for drivers looking to cut costs.
RAC also provides a driver dashboard showing trip history, scores, and personalised tips. The bundled breakdown cover is the key selling point over standalone telematics providers.
#8. Carrot Insurance
Carrot Insurance is ranked eighth because its gamification model offers tangible rewards beyond just a lower premium, appealing to younger drivers who want visible incentives.
Why Carrot Insurance stands out
A fitted black box tracks your driving, and good scores earn reward points redeemable for high-street vouchers and prizes.
The gamification approach keeps drivers engaged with their score. Carrot also provides detailed trip feedback through its app.
#9. Zego Sense
Zego Sense is ranked ninth because it serves a niche market of gig economy and fleet drivers rather than the personal motor audience most people searching for telematics will fall into.
Why Zego Sense stands out
Zego Sense is smartphone-based and adjusts pricing based on usage and driving style. If you drive for delivery platforms or ride-hailing services, it offers pay-as-you-go flexibility.
If you’re considering cancelling an existing policy to switch to Zego’s per-trip model, check the cancellation terms first.
How do the nine providers compare?
The table below summarises each provider’s telematics type, target audience, and key feature to help you narrow down your shortlist.
Provider comparison at a glance
| Rank | Provider | Telematics type | Best for | Key feature |
| 1 | Admiral LittleBox | Plug-in device | Young drivers | No drilling, OBD plug |
| 2 | Direct Line DrivePlus | Smartphone app | Under 26 | No device needed |
| 3 | Hastings SmartMiles | Smartphone app | Low-mileage drivers | Pay-per-mile pricing |
| 4 | Churchill DriveSure | Smartphone app | Under 26 | Tracks phone use |
| 5 | Marmalade | Black box | New/young drivers | Own NCB from day one |
| 6 | Ingenie | Black box | 17–25 year-olds | Quarterly premium reviews |
| 7 | RAC Black Box | Black box | Young drivers | Breakdown cover included |
| 8 | Carrot Insurance | Black box | Reward seekers | Redeemable driving points |
| 9 | Zego Sense | Smartphone app | Gig/fleet drivers | Pay-as-you-go |
What is telematics insurance?
Telematics insurance is a type of black box insurance that tracks your driving behaviour and uses that data to calculate your premium. Safer drivers pay less, while riskier habits increase the cost.
How does a telematics policy work?
The insurer collects data through a fitted device or smartphone app, tracking speed, braking, cornering, and time of day. The ABI describes these as key indicators of risk.
Your renewal premium is adjusted based on your score. Drive well and you could see a noticeable drop, as UK law requires you to hold valid insurance whenever your vehicle is on the road.
How do you choose the right telematics insurer?
The right provider depends on how often you drive, your age, and whether you prefer an app or a fitted device.
Match the device type to your preference
App-based telematics (Direct Line, Hastings, Churchill, Zego) requires no installation. Black box devices (Admiral, Marmalade, Ingenie, RAC, Carrot) are more accurate but involve a fitting appointment.
Check your class of use
Your class of use matters. Most telematics providers cover social and commuting use, but if you drive for business, check the policy wording carefully.
Understand what affects your telematics premium
Night driving between 11pm and 5am lowers most scores. Insurers also factor in your age, postcode, and vehicle type.
Understanding exactly what your policy covers helps you compare like for like.
Can telematics insurance save you money?
Yes, telematics can deliver real savings, particularly for younger drivers. The FCA encourages insurers to price based on individual risk, and telematics is one of the best tools for doing that.
How much can young drivers save?
Drivers aged 17 to 25 can see savings of 20% to 40% at renewal, depending on their score. Building a no-claims bonus through telematics also helps when switching to a standard policy later.
Combining telematics with a car in a low insurance group can reduce your base premium before driving discounts even apply.
Avoiding driving offences is equally important. Points on your licence will push premiums up regardless of how good your telematics score is.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
No, telematics is available to drivers of all ages. Providers like Hastings SmartMiles are designed for low-mileage drivers of any age, not just under-25s.
Yes, some providers reserve the right to cancel if your driving score falls below a certain threshold. Repeated speeding or excessive night driving can trigger a cancellation.
It depends on the provider. Some charge a removal fee if you cancel before the policy ends, while others include removal at no extra cost.
No, a telematics policy builds a no-claims bonus in the same way as a standard policy. Each claim-free year adds to your discount.
Yes, most telematics devices and apps use GPS to track your location during journeys. Providers must comply with UK data protection laws.
Yes, you can switch at renewal or mid-policy. Mid-policy changes may incur cancellation fees, so check the terms first.
Black box devices are generally more accurate than app-based tracking because they connect directly to the vehicle. App scores can be affected by phone positioning.