Search interest in “Allstate telematics” is steady, but most write-ups rely on secondhand numbers that disagree with each other. This guide sticks to what Allstate itself says on its Drivewise page and Drivewise FAQ, and flags what Allstate doesn’t publish. For how other insurers’ programs compare, see our telematics programs comparison and the usage-based insurance explainer.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not personalized insurance advice. We are not licensed insurance agents. Programs, discounts and availability change and vary by state.
How Drivewise Works
Drivewise is optional and, per Allstate, “can be added at no cost to any car insurance policy.” Data is collected through the Allstate mobile app, which Allstate lists as requiring Apple iOS 16.0 or higher or Android 10.0 or higher. Trip data uploads at the end of each trip when the phone is connected to the internet. Allstate’s FAQ says the program “follows the smartphone, not the vehicle,” and does not mention a plug-in device.
Allstate says your pricing reflects your past 12 months of driving, or 6 months for the first renewal.
What Drivewise Tracks
Allstate’s driving score considers:
- Speed relative to the local limit
- Hard or sudden braking
- Time of day driven (it names late-night driving)
- Phone activity while driving
The app also offers trip summaries, parking location and crash detection using smartphone sensors.
The Discounts
- Sign-up: “a discount (varies by state) just for enrolling.”
- Ongoing participation: you keep earning it as long as you stay active, which Allstate defines as at least one operator on the policy taking 50 trips before renewal is processed.
Allstate’s pages do not state a maximum discount percentage or an average saving, so we don’t quote one. Third-party sites publish figures that differ from each other; treat those as unverified.
Can Your Rate Go Up?
Yes. Allstate’s Drivewise page says: “While your rate could increase with high-risk driving, most drivers will save with Drivewise,” and marks that increase as not applying in New York. It lists speeding, sudden braking, phone activity and late-night driving as behaviors that may increase the price you pay.
The FAQ adds a second risk that has nothing to do with how well you drive: to earn full savings, every driver on the policy should set up Drivewise and take 50 trips. If you don’t meet those requirements, “you won’t receive the full savings and you may receive a surcharge.” Households where one driver skips the app are the likeliest to be caught.
Drivewise is also only part of the picture. Allstate says it makes up a portion of your renewal price alongside age, location, record and vehicle.
Where It Isn’t Available
Allstate says Drivewise is “not available in every state,” and its FAQ says Drivewise savings aren’t available in California or Alaska. In some states, participation lets Allstate use your driving data for rating purposes. Savings vary by state.
Is It Worth Enrolling?
This is a decision for your own situation, but these questions frame it:
- Is your driving mostly daytime, below the limit and low on phone use? Those are the habits the score rewards.
- Does everyone on the policy have a smartphone and a willingness to run the app? A missing driver can cost you savings.
- Is your base premium competitive? A discount on an expensive rate can still lose to a cheaper carrier with no program. Quote several insurers; see how the big four compare.
- Are you comfortable with the data collection? You can switch the app from Active to Off to pause trip reporting.
What We Couldn’t Confirm
Allstate’s pages don’t give a maximum discount, an average saving, or how the surcharge is sized. We also haven’t tested the app. Ask Allstate or a licensed agent for the terms in your state before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Allstate Drivewise raise my rate? Yes, in most states. Allstate says your rate could increase with high-risk driving, and notes the increase does not apply in New York.
Does Drivewise use a plug-in device? No. Allstate’s pages describe data collected through its mobile app.
How many trips does Drivewise need? At least one operator on the policy needs 50 trips before renewal to keep the participation discount, and Allstate advises every driver to take 50.
Is Drivewise available in every state? No. Allstate says savings aren’t available in California or Alaska.