Introduction
Paying hundreds of dollars per month for car insurance while driving safely? You’re not alone and you might be leaving money on the table. Allstate Drivewise, a usage-based insurance program, promises to reward safe drivers with personalized discounts by tracking real driving behavior through a smartphone app. But does it actually deliver meaningful savings, or will it drain your phone battery while barely denting your premium?
In this comprehensive Allstate Drivewise review, we’ll break down exactly how the program works, who benefits most, potential drawbacks, and how it stacks up against competitors like State Farm Drive Safe & Save and Progressive Snapshot. By the end, you’ll know whether Drivewise deserves a spot on your phone or if traditional insurance pricing is your better bet.
What Is Allstate Drivewise and How Does It Work?
The Basics
Allstate Drivewise is a telematics program that uses your smartphone’s sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, and GPS) to monitor your driving habits. Instead of pricing your policy solely on traditional factors like your ZIP code, age, and claims history, Drivewise adds a behavioral layer: how you actually drive.
As of November 2023, Allstate transitioned fully to mobile app tracking, eliminating the plug-in devices previously used in some states. This makes enrollment simpler but introduces some passenger-trip complications we’ll address later.
What Drivewise Tracks
According to Allstate’s official documentation and independent analysis, the app monitors:
| Behavior | What It Measures | Impact on Score |
| Speed | Miles driven above 80 mph | High (exceeding 80 mph consistently reduces discounts) |
| Braking | Hard braking (8-10 mph/second) and extreme braking (>10 mph/second) | Moderate (frequent harsh stops signal risky driving) |
| Time of Day | Late-night driving (11 PM–4 AM weekdays; 11 PM–5 AM weekends) | Moderate (nighttime hours correlate with higher crash rates) |
| Phone Activity | Signals suggesting handheld use while moving | Low (currently tracked for awareness, not discount calculation) |
| Trip Context | Total mileage, frequency, and route patterns | Low to moderate (shapes overall risk profile) |
Important: Drivewise does not compare your speed to posted limits. Driving 75 mph in a 55-mph zone won’t trigger a penalty as long as you stay under 80 mph, a quirk that differentiates it from some competitors.
Minimum Requirements for Discounts
You must complete at least 50 trips during each six-month policy period to qualify for any performance-based discount. Fall short, and you’ll forfeit potential savings, keeping only the initial enrollment incentive (where available).
How Much Can You Actually Save With Allstate Drivewise?
The Numbers Game
As of early 2025, Allstate no longer publicly advertises specific discount ranges. However, historical data and user reports suggest:
- Enrollment discount: 3%–10% just for signing up (varies by state)
- Maximum safe-driving discount: Up to 40% based on performance (though 15%–25% is more common in practice)
- Average savings: Around $25–$150 per six-month policy, according to Reddit discussions and app reviews
For comparison:
- State Farm Drive Safe & Save: Up to 30% max
- Progressive Snapshot: $231 average savings
- Nationwide SmartRide: Up to 40% max
- GEICO DriveEasy: Up to 25% max
Who Benefits Most?
Ideal Drivewise Candidates:
- Low-mileage commuters who work from home or drive under 10,000 miles annually
- Daytime drivers who avoid late-night trips
- Smooth drivers with long following distances and minimal hard braking
- Multi-driver households where everyone drives safely (the more participants, the higher the potential discount)
- Drivers with recent violations looking to offset high premiums through behavior change
Less Ideal Candidates:
- Night-shift workers or frequent late-night drivers
- Urban commuters facing constant stop-and-go traffic
- Highway drivers regularly exceeding 80 mph (common in rural Western states)
- Anyone uncomfortable sharing detailed location data
Real User Savings: The Reality Check
A 2024 analysis of 2,100+ reviews across Reddit, TrustPilot, and BBB revealed mixed results:
- Top 3 positives: Initial 5–10% sign-up discount; useful safety feedback; high rewards (15–23%) for low-risk drivers
- Top 3 negatives: Inconsistent ongoing savings; penalties for unavoidable infractions (hard brakes in traffic); technical issues (false phone-use alerts, missing trips)
Expert Insight: According to Businesswire (April 2024), Allstate customers using Drivewise are 25% less likely to be involved in a serious collision, suggesting the behavioral coaching may deliver safety value beyond just premium savings.
The Fine Print: Privacy, Penalties, and Practical Concerns
Can Drivewise Raise Your Rates?
Yes, in some states. Unlike State Farm Drive Safe & Save, which only reduces rates or maintains them, Allstate Drivewise can increase premiums based on risky driving behavior depending on your state’s insurance regulations. Pennsylvania, for example, allows surcharges for poor telematics performance.
Before enrolling, ask your Allstate agent two critical questions:
- What’s the maximum discount available in my state?
- Can my premium increase if my driving score is poor?
Data Privacy Trade-Offs
To use Drivewise, you must allow Allstate’s affiliate, Arity LLC, to collect:
- Precise GPS location (always-on tracking)
- Speed, acceleration, and braking data
- Timestamps and trip routes
Who sees this data?
- Your Allstate agent
- Customer service representatives
- Arity and potentially other Allstate affiliates
- Third parties involved in business transactions (per Allstate’s privacy statement)
Legal Context: In January 2025, Texas sued Allstate for allegedly using third-party apps to collect driver location data without proper consent. While the case is ongoing, it highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of telematics data practices.
If data privacy is a dealbreaker, consider traditional pricing or carriers that explicitly limit data sharing (though few exist in the telematics space).
The Passenger Problem
Because Drivewise tracks your phone, not your car, the app records trips when you’re a passenger in rideshares, taxis, or someone else’s vehicle. Allstate uses algorithms to predict driver vs. passenger status, but misclassifications happen.
Solution: Manually correct mislabeled trips in the app under “My Trips” > “Driver” settings. Fail to do this, and a friend’s aggressive driving could tank your discount.
Allstate Drivewise vs. Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Allstate Drivewise | State Farm Drive Safe & Save | Progressive Snapshot | GEICO DriveEasy |
| Max Discount | Up to 40%* | Up to 30% | $231 avg | Up to 25% |
| Enrollment Bonus | Varies by state | 10% | $94 avg | 5% |
| Tracks Phone Use | For awareness only | Yes (affects score) | Yes | Yes |
| Can Raise Rates | Yes (some states) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Device Required | Phone only | Bluetooth device + phone | Phone only | Phone only |
| Minimum Trips | 50 per 6 months | None | Varies | Varies |
| App Rating (iOS) | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 |
| App Rating (Android) | 4.0/5 | 4.1/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
*Historical max—current ranges not publicly disclosed
J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Scores (2025)
Usage-based insurance programs ranked by customer satisfaction (out of 1,000):
- USAA SafePilot: 679 (military members only)
- Allstate Drivewise: 649
- GEICO DriveEasy: 646
- Study Average: 643
- State Farm Drive Safe & Save: 643
- Progressive Snapshot: 628
Takeaway: Allstate performs above average in customer satisfaction, but USAA dominates for eligible drivers (active military, veterans, and their families).
Step-by-Step: How to Enroll in Allstate Drivewise
Prerequisites
- Active Allstate auto insurance policy
- Compatible smartphone (iOS 16.0+ or Android 10.0+)
- Willingness to enable always-on location tracking
Enrollment Process
- Download the Allstate mobile app from the App Store or Google Play
- Log in with your policy credentials or create an account
- Navigate to Drivewise and accept Terms of Service
- Grant required permissions:
- iOS: Location (Always), Motion & Fitness, Precise Location
- Android: Location (Always), Physical Activity, disable Battery Optimization
- Wait for “Ready” status to change to “Active” after your first trip
Android Users: Samsung and Google Pixel devices require additional steps (detailed in Allstate’s support documentation) to prevent battery optimization from interrupting trip tracking.
Pro Tips for Maximum Savings
- Keep your phone charged: The app stops recording if battery drops below 5%
- Enroll all household drivers: Discounts increase with multiple participants
- Review trips weekly: Correct passenger misclassifications promptly
- Use driving focus modes: Enable Do Not Disturb While Driving to minimize phone-use alerts
- Plan routes strategically: Choose safer roads with fewer stoplights over marginal time savings
Common Allstate Drivewise Complaints (And How to Address Them)
Based on analysis of 2,100+ user reviews:
1. “Minimal Savings Despite Safe Driving”
The Complaint: “I drive perfectly and only saved $25 over six months.”
Reality Check: State-specific discount caps and algorithm adjustments may limit savings. If your baseline premium is already low (due to good credit, a clean record, etc.), telematics offers less room for reduction.
Action: Get competing quotes with and without telematics to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table elsewhere.
2. “False Phone-Use Alerts”
The Complaint: “The app flags phone use when passengers touch my phone.”
What Allstate Says: Phone activity is tracked for awareness, not discount calculation (as of 2025).
Action: If phone use does start affecting discounts in your state, manually correct trips or enable stricter focus modes.
3. “Battery Drain and Technical Glitches”
The Complaint: “My battery dies faster, and some trips don’t record.”
Solutions:
- Charge your phone while driving
- Ensure location is set to “Always” (not “While Using”)
- Restart the app if the status shows “Needs Attention.”
- Contact your agent if trips consistently fail to log (may disqualify you from discounts)
4. “Penalties for Unavoidable Hard Braking”
The Complaint: “I get dinged for slamming on brakes when someone cuts me off.”
Reality: Urban and high-traffic drivers inherently face more harsh-event triggers. Consider whether the stress and potential penalty outweigh the discount.
Alternative: Evaluate pay-per-mile programs like Allstate Milewise if low annual mileage is your primary cost driver.
Alternatives to Allstate Drivewise: Should You Look Elsewhere?
When to Consider Other Options
- Your state doesn’t allow significant discounts: California and Alaska exclude Drivewise entirely; other states cap benefits at 10–15%
- You’re uncomfortable with data sharing: No telematics program avoids this trade-off
- Your driving pattern doesn’t fit the mold: Night-shift workers, high-speed highway commuters, and urban stop-and-go drivers may see minimal benefit
- Competitors offer better overall rates: Run side-by-side quotes—sometimes a carrier’s base rate beats another’s telematics-discounted rate
Non-Telematics Allstate Discounts Worth Exploring
- Multi-policy bundling: Combine auto and home/renters for 15–25% savings
- Good student discount: B- average or 2.7+ GPA for drivers under 25
- Safe driving (traditional): Accident-free for multiple years
- Pay-in-full discount: Avoid monthly payment fees
- Early signing bonus: Enroll 7+ days before policy start
Allstate Milewise: The Pay-Per-Mile Alternative
If you drive under 10,000 miles annually but face frequent hard-braking situations (urban drivers, retirees, work-from-home professionals), Allstate Milewise may be a better fit. You pay a low daily base rate plus per-mile charges; no behavioral tracking required.
Example: Milewise might charge $2/day + $0.05/mile. If you drive 200 miles/month, that’s $60 (base) + $10 (mileage) = $70, potentially cheaper than traditional pricing without the telematics trade-offs.
The Bottom Line: Is Allstate Drivewise Worth It in 2025?
Drivewise Makes Sense If You:
- Drive mostly during daylight hours
- Maintain smooth, steady speeds under 80 mph
- Rarely brake hard (suburban/rural routes with light traffic)
- Keep annual mileage moderate (8,000–12,000 miles)
- Have multiple household drivers willing to participate
- Value crash detection and real-time driving feedback
- Live in a state with strong discount potential (15%+ max)
Skip Drivewise If You:
- Work night shifts or frequently drive between 11 PM and 5 AM
- Commute in heavy urban traffic with constant stop-and-go
- Regularly exceed 80 mph on rural highways
- Prioritize data privacy above cost savings
- Live in California, Alaska, or Arkansas (program unavailable)
- Drive infrequently enough to qualify for pay-per-mile insurance
- Already receive low rates through other discounts (diminishing returns)
Our Expert Recommendation
Allstate Drivewise is a solid option for safe, low-risk drivers but it’s not a universal money-saver. Before enrolling:
- Get a firm quote from your agent showing projected savings
- Ask whether poor performance can raise rates in your state
- Compare against 2-3 competitors offering telematics and traditional pricing
- Test the app for 1-2 months to see how your actual driving translates to scores
If Drivewise delivers 15%+ savings and you’re comfortable with data sharing, it’s worth the effort. If savings fall below 10% or your lifestyle doesn’t align with the scoring criteria, stick with traditional pricing or explore alternatives like State Farm Drive Safe & Save (which never raises rates) or pay-per-mile programs.
Pro Tip: Insurance rates fluctuate constantly. Even if you enroll in Drivewise and shop competing quotes annually, you might find better baseline pricing elsewhere that negates the need for telematics altogether.
Comprehensive FAQs About Allstate Drivewise
How fast can you drive with Drivewise?
Stay under 80 mph to avoid penalties. Drivewise doesn’t compare your speed to posted limits, so exceeding the speed limit in a 55-mph zone won’t affect your score if you stay below 80 mph.
Can Drivewise increase my insurance rates?
Yes, in some states. Unlike programs that only reduce or maintain rates, Allstate Drivewise can apply surcharges for risky driving where state regulations allow. Ask your agent whether your state permits rate increases before enrolling.
What happens if someone else drives my car?
If someone else drives while your phone is in the vehicle, Drivewise may log you as the driver. Use the trip classification feature in the app (My Trips > Driver settings) to mark those rides as passenger trips. If you share a car regularly, each driver should have their own Drivewise account.
Do I need a plug-in device for Drivewise?
No. As of November 2023, Drivewise is 100% app-based. Plug-in devices are no longer available or required in any state.
How long does it take to see Drivewise savings?
You’ll receive an enrollment discount immediately (where available). Performance-based savings apply at your next policy renewal (typically six months), provided you complete at least 50 trips.
Does Drivewise track my location all the time?
Yes, the app requires always-on location permissions to detect trips automatically. Your trip routes are visible to you, your agent, and customer service representatives—but not to third-party advertisers (per Allstate’s privacy policy).
Will Drivewise drain my phone battery?
The app uses battery at levels comparable to navigation apps like Google Maps (roughly 3–5 MB data and moderate battery per hour). Allstate recommends keeping your phone charged while driving. Adjust battery optimization settings on Android to prevent the app from being shut down in the background.
Can I pause Drivewise temporarily?
Yes. Open the app, go to Profile > Settings > Drivewise, and toggle to “Off.” Set an auto-restart time, or manually reactivate when ready. Note that pausing may affect your minimum trip count for discount eligibility.
Is Drivewise available in my state?
Drivewise is available in 45+ states, excluding California, Alaska, and Arkansas. Discount amounts and program rules vary significantly by state due to insurance regulations.
How does Drivewise compare to pay-per-mile insurance?
Drivewise focuses on how you drive (smoothness, timing, and distraction), while pay-per-mile programs like Allstate Milewise focus on how much you drive. If you’re a safe driver with low mileage, Milewise may offer better savings without behavioral tracking.
Can I use Drivewise if I drive for rideshare services?
Technically yes, but it’s not ideal. Frequent urban driving, passenger trips, and late-night rides will likely reduce your discount. Consider a commercial rideshare insurance policy instead.
What if I forget my phone when driving?
Trips won’t be recorded, reducing your total trip count toward the 50-trip minimum. Repeated missed trips may disqualify you from performance-based discounts.
Does Drivewise offer crash detection?
Yes. If the app detects a collision over 25 mph, it sends a notification offering help, including options to call 911, request roadside assistance, or start a claim. This feature is free and doesn’t require Drivewise enrollment (available to all Allstate app users).
How accurate is the driver vs. passenger detection?
Allstate uses algorithms to predict whether you’re driving or riding as a passenger. However, misclassifications occur especially in rideshares or taxis. Always review your trips and manually correct errors to protect your score.
Can I cancel Drivewise after enrolling?
Yes. You can deactivate Drivewise at any time through the app settings or by calling your agent. If you cancel mid-policy, you’ll lose future performance discounts but keep any enrollment discount already applied.
Take Control of Your Car Insurance Costs Today
Car insurance rates have surged 20-30% nationally over the past two years but you don’t have to accept those increases passively. Allstate Drivewise offers a legitimate path to savings for drivers whose habits align with its scoring criteria, but it’s not the only solution.
Your next steps:
- Request a personalized Allstate Drivewise quote to see exact savings projections for your state and driving profile
- Compare at least 3 competing carriers (with and without telematics) to ensure you’re getting the best overall deal
- Ask the hard questions about data privacy, rate increase potential, and realistic discount caps before enrolling
- Monitor your driving score for 30-60 days to gauge whether the program is delivering promised savings
Insurance rates change daily and the best rate you qualified for last year may not be the best rate today. Whether you choose Drivewise, a competitor’s telematics program, or stick with traditional pricing, the key is shopping proactively and understanding exactly what you’re paying for.
Ready to see what you qualify for? Get personalized quotes from multiple carriers in under 5 minutes.
Disclosure: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. Insurance availability, pricing, and program terms vary by state and individual circumstances. Allstate Drivewise program details are subject to change. Always review policy documents and consult with a licensed insurance agent before making coverage decisions. This site may receive compensation through affiliate partnerships when you click certain links, but our editorial content remains independent and unbiased.
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