Kia Connect adds driver risk scores to app for smarter insurance
LexisNexis Risk Solutions and Kia Connect have formed a collaboration to integrate risk-based driving scores into the Kia App for drivers across 27 countries in Europe and the United Kingdom.
Kia Connect will utilise the LexisNexis Drive Metrics model, allowing Kia App users who select the service to access feedback on their driving behaviour. The score assesses risk based on several criteria, such as speeding, hard braking, acceleration habits, time of day and overall mileage.
This risk score, along with additional driving-related insights, can be shared by the owners with participating insurers at the owner's request, enabling insurers to refine their risk assessments and potentially offer more personalised vehicle insurance rates.
Driving feedback
The Drive Metrics model within the updated Kia App is designed to give users information that enables them to adjust their road habits. The app provides tailored driving coaching tips, which may help users lower their insurance costs and improve driving efficiency. Through existing relationships with Kia Connect, participating insurers may integrate these driving scores into their pricing, linking insurance costs more closely to real-world driving.
"We are pleased to collaborate with Kia Connect on this important endeavour to help Kia owners proactively lower their cost of vehicle ownership. By embracing the use of their driving behaviour data, Kia owners can improve their driving behaviour. Additionally, Kia owners will have the option to share the scores with their insurer to personalise their insurance premium. Leveraging a scoring service that utilises our Drive Metrics model, automakers are better positioned to support their owners and insurers with more accurate segmentation based on actual driving risks and enable more personalised pricing of policy premiums," said James Burton, Managing Director, Europe and U.K. insurance, LexisNexis Risk Solutions.
Data challenges
Bringing connected car data into insurance assessments is complicated by the varying formats in which driving information is generated. LexisNexis Risk Solutions states that its services will normalise and standardise anonymised data from Kia Connect for use in insurance underwriting. This is intended to provide insurer-ready insights and address the challenges of data quality and standardisation.
The companies also emphasise compliance with data privacy laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The Kia App enables users to provide informed consent before any personal data is collected, supporting a privacy-first approach to connected vehicle data.
Consumer and insurer benefits
According to the companies, insights drawn from the Drive Metrics model could help drivers improve safety and efficiency, ultimately aiming to reduce insurance premiums and long-term vehicle costs. For insurers, access to engaged Kia Europe App users may improve risk segmentation, allow for more accurate personalised pricing and potentially enhance customer retention.
"Connected services are reshaping the driver experience, and by utilising the LexisNexis Risk Solutions scoring service that integrates driving insights from the LexisNexis Drive Metrics model into our Kia Connect platform, we're taking the next step in offering smarter, safer driving, and more personalised mobility. This collaboration empowers our customers with real-time driving insights while supporting the insurance industry with meaningful, privacy-conscious data to deliver tailored insurance solutions. It's a win for our drivers—and for the future of connected mobility," said Olivier Pascal, Head of Connected Cars, Kia Connect.
Kia Europe's current rate of app adoption and engagement means insurers may reach a broader segment without developing and managing their own usage-based insurance (UBI) programmes. This could result in more streamlined processes in risk assessment and pricing models for participating insurers.
Industry context
Karsten Crede of Mobility Insurance Network commented on the broader impact of connected vehicle data in insurance and automotive sectors: "Automakers and insurers continue to evolve how they engage with consumers, with connected vehicle data emerging as a powerful differentiator. In a market where customer expectations around personalisation, transparency and cost-efficiency are rising sharply—especially among EV owners—those who can translate driving behaviour into actionable insights will lead."
Ongoing development
This integration is described by the parties involved as an initial step within a wider trend towards data-driven risk assessment in motoring and insurance. As vehicle connectivity increases, LexisNexis Risk Solutions plans to continue developing risk-based solutions intended for a range of markets, promoting adaptation by insurers, automakers and consumers alike.
