ABI investigates circumstances around ownership of telematics data to help industry

Traffic cars

The ABI is investigating the legal concerns and industry worries over ownership of telematics data.

The question of who owns the data - insurer, broker, customer, car manufacturer or telematics provider - is the subject of huge debate at present.

There are fears that if the issue is not solved, it could end up in legal disputes and threats between parties.

To pre-empt the problem, the ABI is currently investigating how it can help the industry.

A spokesman said: “There will almost certainly be issues around different items of data that are judged sensitive and those that perhaps aren’t. Data protection law can be complex, so we need to navigate it carefully.”

The spokesman said it was unlikely that the data used in telematics would become standardised. However, the ABI is investigating whether there could be an industry-standard minimum data set.

“We will assist our members in those areas where we can work collectively, mindful of the strict competition rules on that co-operation. Many insurers are well advanced with their plans, and our aim as ever is to encourage a competitive market while helping our members to understand the common issues, such as data ownership. Guidance would be limited to those areas, rather than for pricing or underwriting,” the spokesman said.