Mitsubishi Will Give You Gifts To Get Access To Your Driving Habits

Mitsubishi really wants your driving data. In fact, the Japanese automaker wants it so much that it’s launched a program to provide owners with rewards if they share data on their driving habits.

Engaget reports Mitsubishi has launched a mobile app that will see driving data from owners shared with insurance companies in return for badges which can be exchanged for rewards. The application uses a phone’s sensors to monitor data points including acceleration, location and rotation.

If a Mitsubishi owner routinely stays within the speed limit and avoids sudden braking, they will enjoy discounts on oil changes and car accessories. By the end of the year, Mitsubishi plans on expanding the range of incentives with free cups of coffee and gift cards.

While a free coffee is almost always a good coffee, the obvious drawback of the program is that insurance companies will gain access to this valuable data and use it to create better risk models and adjust the premiums of users accordingly.

What’s more, it doesn’t appear as though the data will be anonymized. In fact, insurers will be able to build a customer risk profile on users of the app and then determine custom rates for them. So while Mitsubishi owners may enjoy some little perks, driving habits which insurance consider a little less than ideal will likely boost the insurance premiums of owners.

To us, a free coffee or a gift card with a few dollars isn’t worth giving up sensitive data about our driving habits. Do you feel the same or would you be happy to participate in something like this?