To save Subaru owners money, Liberty Mutual’s RightTrack app offers real-time driving tips

By Andrew Hard January 4, 2016

Subaru — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nobody likes a backseat driver, but if they could save us money while actually keeping us safe, we might just change our tune.

At CES 2016, Liberty Mutual Insurance and Subaru have announced a new, helpful version of the backseat driver in the form of the RightTrack app. Available in 2016 on vehicles equipped with Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system, the program gives motorists real-time analysis of their driving style, which can help reduce insurance premiums and keep them out of danger. According to the companies, RightTrack is the first app of its kind.

“We are excited to bring this innovative offering to market,” said Hamid Mirza, Auto Product Manager at Liberty Mutual. “This partnership combines Liberty Mutual’s extensive experience and reach in usage-based insurance with Subaru and Clarion’s cutting-edge connected car technology to bring RightTrack savings to consumers in new ways.”

RightTrack is powered by the Clarion Smart Access platform, a cloud-based information service that works with Starlink to bring vehicles and smartphones together. When the app is active, it offers instant feedback on the driver’s behavior behind the wheel, while also providing a comprehensive report after each trip. Depending on the amount of rapid acceleration, hard braking, or other factors, Subaru owners will be eligible for savings through Liberty Mutual’s usage-based insurance program. Starlink also gives drivers access to services like severe weather alerts, roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle recovery, diagnostics, and more.

Subaru wasn’t the first automaker to announce a big partnership at CES 2016, and it certainly won’t be the last. On Monday, Volvo and communication technology firm Ericsson revealed plans to develop intelligent, high-bandwidth media streaming capabilities for use in self-driving cars. What else are you going to do while being driven to work, read? Read more about the story here.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

Mobile

The 6 best car phone holders in 2024

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger with an iPhone 14 Pro.

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Installing a car phone mount in your vehicle is the best way to make sure that you have easy access to your smartphone when behind the wheel. While you shouldn't be using your phone while driving, having it mounted on your windshield, dashboard, vent, or anywhere else will let you take a quick glance when you're using a navigation app, or to change your playlist when you stop for a traffic light, for example. Instead of having to pick up your device, it will be easier and faster to get these done while it's on a car phone mount for less time of having your eyes off the road.

Cars

Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.