Car manufacturer in consultation with telematics providers

BMW, car, motor

BMW plans to pre-install telematics software that can supply rating information into its new cars from 2015 onwards, Insurance Times understands.

The German car maker is talking to telematics manufacturers to use their software, or the ‘black boxes’ it is often installed on, in its vehicles during factory production.

The telematics companies would then download all the data and pass it on to insurers for underwriting and claims.

As well as providing rating information, the telematics software would help BMW monitor the state of its cars, and could also be used power the separate ‘e-call’ buttons that call the emergency services after a crash.

Market sources said that BMW was several months into the discussions and did not want to fall behind rival car manufacturers kitted out with insurance-tailored telematics.

The news comes as AA Insurance reveals the details of its telematics scheme.