LoJack system will allow parents, auto makers and insurance companies to track vehicles [View all]

[FarCenter]

Computerworld - LoJack, whose technology has for years allowed law enforcement to track down stolen vehicles, plans to release a device for parents and others to track family vehicles.

The devices will not only collect data about vehicle locations, but also about how well someone is driving. It would also be able to restrict talking or texting on a smartphone while a vehicle is in operation.

The company plans to offer telematics devices with the ability to wirelessly monitor vehicles for driving habits and auto performance to insurance companies and auto makers.

"Insurance companies want to collect that data for their actuarials," said Emad Isaac, chief technology officer for LoJack. "So instead of static information, such as your age, where you live, where you're driving and your past record, they... use your driving behavior as a predictor. So [the insurance company] will pay you in the form of a discount to collect that information."

Through a partnership with TomTom navigation systems, LoJack already provides commercials fleets with the ability to track service trucks. LoJack's Fleet Management Service is a GPS-based advanced telematics system that can track fleets with as many as 5,000 vehicles. The tracking system allows companies to monitor how safely their drivers are operating vehicles.

"We want to do the same thing for the safety of drivers for consumers," Isaac said. "In 2014, we'll have a series of products with a vast array of formats."

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9244338/LoJack_system_will_allow_parents_auto_makers_and_insurance_companies_to_track_vehicles