Mileage verification is crucial for various auto insurance products, from pay-per-mile to usage-based pricing. While OBD-II dongles have been used for this purpose, they present several limitations. This article explores why relying on an OBD2 reader to Read Odometer From Obd2 for mileage verification is less than ideal and introduces superior, software-based solutions.
The Shortcomings of OBD-II Dongles for Odometer Reading
On-board diagnostics (OBD) dongles, while useful for vehicle diagnostics, fall short when it comes to accurate and reliable mileage verification. Here’s a closer look at their drawbacks:
Inaccurate Mileage Estimation
Contrary to common belief, OBD-II dongles typically do not directly read odometer from obd2 in the true sense. Instead of accessing the precise odometer reading, these dongles estimate mileage. This estimation is often based on GPS location data and trip start and end points. As you can imagine, this method is prone to inaccuracies. Small errors in detecting trip beginnings or endings can accumulate, leading to significant discrepancies in the reported mileage. This reliance on approximation makes it unreliable for precise insurance pricing and risk assessment.
Inconvenience and Reliability Issues
OBD-II dongles introduce inconvenience and potential points of failure. Policyholders must wait for the device to be shipped and then spend time on installation. This cumbersome onboarding process can deter potential customers right from the initial quote request. Furthermore, these hardware devices are susceptible to malfunctions. Loose connections or accidental dislodging can lead to device failure. In some cases, OBD dongles can even drain the car battery, causing further inconvenience and customer dissatisfaction. These reliability issues can lead to inconsistent data collection and increased operational costs.
Susceptibility to Tampering and Fraud
Beyond unintentional failures, OBD-II dongles are vulnerable to intentional tampering. Dishonest policyholders might unplug the device before long trips to underreport mileage, committing mileage fraud. While systems might eventually detect tampering, significant mileage could already be unaccounted for. This delay in detection and the inability to retroactively determine the actual mileage driven during the period of tampering result in premium leakage and financial losses for insurance companies. The lack of real-time, tamper-proof odometer readings makes OBD-II dongles a risky solution for accurate mileage verification.
Privacy Concerns
In an era of heightened privacy awareness, OBD-II dongles raise significant concerns. Customers are increasingly wary of constant tracking and data collection, especially when the process lacks transparency. OBD devices often operate as “black boxes,” providing little insight into the specific data collected, how it’s transmitted to the insurance company, and its ultimate usage. This lack of transparency can erode customer trust and create resistance towards usage-based insurance products that rely on OBD-II technology.
High Costs
Finally, the financial implications of using OBD-II dongles are substantial. Insurance providers bear the costs of purchasing, shipping, and replacing these devices due to damage or loss. Customer churn further exacerbates these costs, especially if a policyholder switches providers before the initial hardware investment is recouped. These recurring hardware expenses make OBD-II dongles a less cost-effective solution compared to software-based alternatives, impacting profitability in the long run.
The Advantages of APIs for Accurate Odometer Reading
As vehicles become increasingly connected, software-based solutions offer a superior approach to mileage verification. Car APIs, like Smartcar, provide a robust alternative that overcomes the limitations of OBD-II dongles. These APIs offer a seamless and efficient way to read odometer from obd2 data, directly and accurately.
Accurate and Direct Odometer Readings
Car APIs provide access to the vehicle’s actual odometer reading, not just an estimation. This direct access ensures precise mileage data, eliminating the inaccuracies inherent in OBD-II dongle estimations. Insurance companies can leverage this accuracy for more refined pricing models and underwriting processes, leading to fairer premiums and reduced risk. Customers benefit from accurate reporting, eliminating disputes related to mileage discrepancies.
Simple, User-Friendly, and Reliable Integration
Integrating car APIs is remarkably user-friendly and reliable. The onboarding process typically involves a few clicks within a mobile or web application. Customers simply connect their existing car account and grant necessary permissions – no hardware installation or waiting for device shipments required. This streamlined process enhances customer experience and reduces drop-off rates during onboarding. The software-based nature of APIs eliminates concerns about loose connections, device malfunctions, and battery drain, ensuring consistent and dependable data retrieval.
Tamper-Resistant and Secure Data
Car APIs offer a tamper-resistant method for accessing odometer data. The system can regularly and automatically retrieve odometer readings directly from the vehicle. This real-time access minimizes the opportunity for mileage fraud, as policyholders cannot manipulate or conceal odometer information. This inherent security feature protects insurance companies from premium leakage and ensures the integrity of mileage-based insurance products.
Privacy-Centric Approach
Car APIs prioritize user privacy through transparent permission frameworks. Customers are explicitly informed about the data being requested (e.g., odometer, location) and granted granular control over data sharing. This transparency builds customer trust and addresses privacy concerns associated with OBD-II “black boxes.” By empowering users with control over their data, car APIs foster a more positive and privacy-respecting approach to mileage verification.
Cost-Effective and Scalable Solution
Car APIs operate on a SaaS model, offering cost-effective and scalable pricing that aligns with business needs. The elimination of hardware costs, shipping expenses, and replacement fees results in significant cost savings compared to OBD-II dongle deployments. This economic advantage allows insurance companies to allocate resources more efficiently and focus on enhancing customer experiences and developing innovative insurance solutions.
📱 Exploring car APIs: A guide for developers.
Interested in learning more about how car APIs can revolutionize mileage verification for your insurance business? Discover real-world applications and the potential of car APIs beyond just reading odometers.
👉 Learn more about the power of car APIs for insurance.
Software-driven solutions are transforming mileage verification, offering insurance companies a more accurate, reliable, and cost-effective alternative to OBD-II dongles. Ready to explore the Smartcar platform and its capabilities? Request a demo today to see how we can help you optimize your mileage verification process.
