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FAQ: msg.IoTA for end-users

Data Collection

1. How is the driving data collected?

Data is collected by a combination of a telematics device (beacon attached to the windshield) and a mobile phone via the msg.IoTA app and the msg.IoTA Recording app.

2. Which data points are collected?

  • Trip data (start, stop, GPS position, timestamp)
  • Accelerometer data (acceleration, braking, speed, direction)
  • Vehicle data (Vehicle identification number [VIN], and if needed, vehicle make/model/year)
  • Device ID

3. Is the driving data combined with any other data?

To calculate driving scores, the data mentioned above will be enriched by contextual data of a trip (e.g., road type, time of the day, speed limits, zones, etc.)

Data Privacy and Protection

1. What measurements are taken to protect my data?

Technical and operational measurements are in place to secure the collected driving data, which is stored in a public cloud that is C5 certified (according to the requirements of the Cloud Computing Compliance Controls Catalog). In Addition, msg.IoTA fulfills all data privacy and protection regulations applicable in the European Union and documented in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

2. Where is the collected data stored?

Data is stored in a public cloud, operated by Amazon Web Services (AWS), per default, located in the European Union. The data storage location can be easily changed to other countries supported by AWS (e.g., Switzerland) upon client request.

3. Who owns the data collected?

The owner of the collected driving data is the driver/policyholder. However, when signing up for a telematics policy, the policyholder grants access to certain data points to the insurance company to enable the insurance company to execute the terms and conditions of the contractually agreed telematics motor insurance policy.

4. Which data does the insurance company provide to msg?

The insurance company provides the policyholder's contract number to msg global, which refers to the insurance company’s core insurance system. It is used as the key to return the driving score of a policyholder to the insurance company.

In addition, the insurance company provides vehicle details (VIN number, make, model year, trim, etc.) to identify the vehicle without the policyholder having to provide the information again to msg, for example, in case of an incident.

5. Does the data collection by the msg,IoTA app include personal data?

The personal data, which is processed by msg, is location data (GPS location including date and time) and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

6. What rights do I have related to the data that you collected with the msg.IoTA app?

As a msg.IoTA users, you have the possibility to execute all data subject rights that are defined in GDPR — the complete msg.IoTA data privacy policy can be retrieved here. It includes:

  • Right to be informed (GDPR Articles 12 to 14): Data subjects have the right to be informed about collecting and using their personal data.
  • Right to access (GDPR Article 15): Data subjects have the right to view and request copies of their personal data.
  • Right to rectification (GDPR Article 16): Data subjects have the right to request wrong or outdated personal information be updated or corrected.
  • Right to be forgotten/Right to erasure (GDPR Article 17): Data subjects have the right to request their personal data be deleted.
  • Right to data portability (GDPR Article 20): Data subjects have the right to ask for their data to be transferred to another controller or provided to them.
  • Right to restrict processing (Article 18): Data subjects have the right to request the restriction or suppression of their personal data.
  • Right to withdraw consent (GDPR Article 7): Data subjects have the right to withdraw previously given consent to process their personal data.
  • Right to object (GDPR Article 21): Data subjects have the right to object to the processing of their personal data.
  • Right to object to automated processing (GDPR Article 22): Data subjects have the right to object to decisions being made with their data solely based on automated decision-making or profiling.

7. Where can I find the Data Privacy Policy?

The Data Privacy Policy can be retrieved here.

8. Who else can see my data?

The list of subcontractors with data access can be found in the Data Privacy Policy.

Data Privacy and Protection — Contract Termination

How long is my data going to be stored?

Data retention times are described in the Data Privacy Policy.

Mobile phone – multi-users

1. Can I use more than one mobile phone to track my driving behavior?

Depending on the deployed telematics device. A telematics device can be paired with up to 5 mobile phones or an unlimited number of phones. The pre-requisition is that the msg.IoTA app is installed on each device. Therefore, whether a person uses one or more mobile phones doesn't matter.

2. Can more than one person use the msg.IoTA app to track driving behavior? 

Yes, the pre-requisition is that the msg.IoTA app is installed on the mobile phone of each driver. Depending on the device, it can be paired with up to 5 mobile phones.

3. How is it determined who drives the car at any given time?

Depending on the deployed recording solution: Recording devices with built-in connectivity, such as dongles for the 12V socket or professionally mounted boxes, generally measure how a car is driven, not how a specific driver is driving.
Recording devices that rely on Bluetooth connectivity to a mobile phone record on the 1st paired mobile phone, allowing tracking of driver-level behavior in case the phone owner is also driving the car.

4. Need the people who use the app be the same ones registered in the policy?

The insurance company may deploy apps not only for the main driver but also for drivers who are registered as co-drivers in the insurance policy.

5. What happens if more than one driver with installed the msg.IoTA app are sitting in the same car?

The telematics device will connect to the first mobile phone, which the device detects (first come, first served).

6. Can others see where and when I’m driving?

No, every driver can only see his/ her/ their recorded trips in the msg.IoTA app.

Mobile phone – battery consumption

Has the app an impact on the battery consumption of my mobile phone?

The battery consumption of the msg.IoTA is comparable to any other app running in the background. It is not required, to have the app open, while recording a trip. Data will be synchronized and can be viewed once the app is used and brought to the foreground.

Mobile phone – change of mobile phone

Can I change my mobile phone?

Yes. To change your mobile phone, you need to download the app again on your new phone and log in with the applicable credentials.

Mobile phone – trip without phone

If the driver at that moment does not have the mobile phone with him or has it turned off, does the recording still work?

Depending on the deployed recording solution. The telematics device can store acceleration data for 48 hours or for 50 trips. Once there is a connection again between the device and the mobile phone, the acceleration data will be transferred. As Geo positions are missing, the interpretability is limited to the fact that the vehicle was driven without recording.

Mobile Phone – Network

1. What happens if I have poor network connectivity during a trip?

The driving score can be calculated even though there is poor network connectivity. The telematics device will store the trip data on the device itself, which is synchronized with the mobile phone once the network connectivity is stable. Geo-positions are plausibilized and validated against road geometry to make up for certain inaccuracies of GPS raw data.

2. What happens if my data plan is exhausted and, therefore, the internet is not working on my mobile phone?

The driving score can be calculated even though the data package on the mobile phone is exhausted. The telematics device will store the trip data on the device itself, and the data is synchronized with the mobile phone once the mobile phone is connected to the Wi-Fi/data package is available again.

msg.IoTA – Geography

1. I leave Germany for vacation. Is my driving behavior also tracked in other countries?

Depending on the configuration of the individual insurance/telematics service and proposition. Both options are possible.

2. How often will the app be updated? Do I need to run all updates?

The app is regularly updated to implement new features and to optimize existing functionalities.

Telematics Device

1. How and when do I receive the telematics device, and how do I install it?

Once you sign your new motor policy, you will receive the telematics device and an installation manual by postal mail. The installation is simple and takes only a minute. The installation process also includes the pairing between the device and your mobile phone.

2. Is there a service to install the device?

No, the device is installable by the consumer (driver). As the installation is straightforward, no external company is needed. In case of questions or problems, you can contact us via support.msg.iota@msg-global.com or via the feedback function in the app.

Driving Score

1. How is the driving score calculated?

To calculate the driving score, the scoring models of msg are based on scientifically recognized methods, which combine and weight criteria, which have a statistical and evidence-based impact on the risk of being involved in an incident.

Once a driver conducts a trip, the trip is recorded and scored. The score is based on the driving data, enriched context, and location data. The msg.IoTA app currently measures, weighs, and sores the following:

  • Speed and speed limit violations
  • Harsh acceleration
  • Maneuvers (harsh breaks, cornering, traffic violations)
  • Context (e.g., day, time, school zones)

Based on those data points, we calculate a score for each trip and an overall score, including all trips during a specific timeframe (weekly, monthly, yearly).

2. Do you make a difference between different drivers of the same vehicle?

No, the driving score is measured based on how a car is driven, not how a specific driver is driving (see point: Mobile phone – multi-users).

3. Which score is a good score, a bad score, and an average score?

  • 100 is the best achievable score and indicates a good and safe driving style.
  • 0 is the worst achievable score and indicates a risky and dangerous driving style.
  • A score between 60-70 can be seen as an average driving style.

4. How does my driving score change in case I need to perform an event (e.g., harsh break) that is not my fault?

In such cases, there is a negative impact on the driving score, as the telematics device cannot distinguish whether the reason for the rough driving event is self-inflicted or not.

5. What do the small scores in the app mean?

The subscores help the driver better understand the driving assessment (overall score). The following subscores are displayed in the app:

  • Speed: Assessment of compliance with the speed limit during a journey.
  • Acceleration: Evaluation of strong acceleration during a journey.
  • Driving maneuvers: Evaluation of strong braking maneuvers, fast cornering, or disregarding traffic rules (especially one-way streets, driving on prohibited roads).
  • Context: Evaluation of external influencing factors such as time of day, road type, or environment. This subscore is not included in the overall score, as the driver often does not influence external factors.

The subscores are included in the overall score in equal parts. Only the context score is purely informative and is not included in the overall score.

6. What does the “My Progression” graph mean?

The “My Progression” graph shows and compares the current weekly score with the past 12 months.

7. How can I improve my driving score?

Driving scores can be improved by driving more safely.
Examples of a good and safe driving style are:

  • Always drive attentive and predictive.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Respect speed limits.
  • Drive defensively and avoid rough driving.
  • Don’t get distracted, especially not by the mobile phone.
  • Only drive when your physical and mental conditions allow it.
  • Avoid night driving or driving during rush hours.
  • Take safer routes (wider roads, avoid school zones etc.)

8. How are the subscores measured?

The subscores are measured as follows:

  • Speed: The score is measured by taking regular speed samples to determine the number of meters or seconds in which the speed exceeded the speed limit on the road in question.
  • The speed limit on the road in question. This evaluation is also carried out taking into account the current traffic situation, among other factors.
  • Acceleration: The score is calculated by analyzing the g-forces (in the driving, lateral, and vertical directions), which are measured at regular intervals.
  • Driving maneuvers: The score for braking maneuvers and cornering is calculated by analyzing the g-forces (in the driving, lateral, and vertical directions), which are measured at regular intervals. The score for disregarding traffic rules is determined by the number of meters or seconds in which the disregard of traffic rules was committed on the respective road.
  • Context: The score is measured by recording regular GPS points, which are compared with the corresponding times and map data to determine road types and school zones.

9. I need to drive during rush hours to get to the office and back home after work – why am I penalized for driving in rush hours, even though I cannot influence it?

Even though insurance companies are aware that many drivers have a limited or even no possibility to influence the day/time when someone is driving, based on statistical evidence, driving during rush hours and/or at nighttime represents an increased risk of being involved in an accident. Therefore, Context is measured as a subscore to give the driver more insights. However, the subscore does not influence the overall score since the driver sometimes cannot drive outside rush hours.

10. Does my insurance company recognize (e.g., in the form of a lower premium) if I drive less?

No, as your motor policy is based on a “Pay-how-you-drive” (PHYD) model, you only get rewarded for your driving style, independent of the kilometers you drive.

11. How am I rewarded for good driving behavior?

The insurance company decides on the reward program related to the telematics policy.

Trip Score

1. When will my trip score be visible in the app?

The score of an individual trip is visible in the app max. 10 minutes after the trip has been completed.

2. When will my weekly and monthly score be calculated?

The weekly and the monthly score are calculated at midnight and will be displayed in the app afterwards.

3. What happens if I stop at the gas station and continue my trip? Will it be counted as one single trip or two separate trips?

Depending on the deployed recording solution. If the stop at the gas station (or any other place, where the car doesn’t move, e.g. in a heavy traffic jam) lasts more than 10 minutes, the current trip will be completed and scored. Once the car is moving again, a new trip will be recorded. For other devices, the trip ends, as soon as the Bluetooth connection is lost for at least 30 seconds.

Contract Fulfillment and/or Termination

1. What should I do/not do to fulfill my contract obligations regarding the insurance company?

That your insurance company can execute your telematics policy, it is important that you install the device as per the installation guide and that you install the corresponding apps. Further information can be found in the Terms and Conditions of your telematics policy.

2. What happens to my collected data if I change my insurance company?

The collected driving data will be stored according to the retention times described in the Terms and Conditions. Depending on your new insurance company, you may execute your “Right to Data Portability (GDPR Article 20). However, it is up to the new insurance company whether they consider your previous driving data or not.

3. I don’t want to use the telematics policy any longer. What can I do?

You need to contact your insurance company and terminate your contract by the next possible date/change your policy to a non-telematics policy.

4. What happens if I deinstall the app or remove the telematics device?

Information can be found in the Terms and Conditions of your telematics policy.

Support

1. What can I do if my device is broken or not working properly?

Please reach out to the service and support team via the feedback button in the app.

2. I’m facing technical issues with the app – to whom can I reach out?

Please reach out to the service and support team via the feedback button in the app.

3. How can I get in touch with the customer support?

Please reach out to the service and support team via the feedback button in the app.

 

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