State Farm Targets Teen Drivers with New iPhone App

Posted & filed under Auto Safety, Teen Drivers.

State Farm has released its second iPhone application, this time targeting teen drivers looking for insurance discounts, and it’s already been downloaded more than 9,000 times since its launch last month.

The application, Steer Clear Moblile, uses trip logs, self-assessments and video presentations to engage drivers under the age of 25. They download the safe-driving program to their iTouch or iPhone, but are cautioned about using it while actually driving. The app is one of three ways young drivers can use State Farm’s Steer Clear discount program to save up to 15% on their insurance premiums.

State Farm mobile team business analyst Blake Giles said that the app’s developers are aware that some young drivers are less than comfortable telling their parents they need help improving their driving skills. “We thought we’d take this as an opportunity to take a device we know teens use … and provide some (information) that will hopefully convince them to come to State Farm,” he said. Then he continued, “But if not, that’s OK. It’s a chance to be able to provide suggestions on how to drive safer. We thought everyone could benefit from that.”

State Farm’s first mobile app, released last June, is called Pocket Agent. It’s aimed at a broader audience, and allows customers to check their policy details or file claims from their cell phones. That app has been downloaded roughly 168,000 times.

Before the Steer Clear mobile app was launched, program participants had to download and print safe-driving documents from State Farm‘s website, or contact their insurance agent. The app follows the same tone as its non-mobile counterparts, but adds a driving tips section that is tied to weather conditions, and offers the ability to search for an agent.

Mobile users will still have to check in with an agent, in order to validate their completed self assessments, logs, and videos.