Black box insurance myth-busting

Black box insurance has become a popular choice for young and new drivers in the UK, promising fairer premiums based on how you actually drive. But with popularity comes confusion — and plenty of myths. From curfews and speed limits to privacy concerns and penalties, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around.

Whether you're considering a black box policy or already have one, this guide will tackle the most common myths and misconceptions so you don't have to.

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What’s covered

• What is a black box and how does black box insurance work?
• Do black boxes have a curfew?
• Do black boxes track your location?
• Does black box insurance have a mileage limit?
• Does a black box monitor my phone usage while driving?
• Can you use hands free with a black box?
• Does a black box limit your speed?
• Can my black box policy be cancelled for speeding?
• Will the police be informed if I'm speeding with a black box?
• Will I be penalised for bad driving?
• What if a bad driver uses my car?
• Can a black box tell if I have passengers in my car?
• What is a black box jammer?
• How long do you have a black box for?
• What restrictions do you have with a black box?
• How much does a black box reduce car insurance?
• Are there any disadvantages of black box insurance?
• Final thoughts: is black box insurance worth it?

Are you a new driver looking for black box insurance? Get in touch with us! A member of the Howden team would love to help you find the perfect policy! 

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What is a black box and how does black box insurance work?

A black box, also known as a telematics device, is a small gadget fitted to your car that records data about your driving. It tracks things like:

• Speed

• Braking

• Cornering

• The time of day you drive

• Your mileage

Insurers use this data to assess how safely you drive and adjust your premium accordingly. Some policies use a plug-in device, while others rely on smartphone apps or built-in car tech. The idea is simple: drive safely, and you could pay less.

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Do black boxes have a curfew?

Most black box policies don't have a 'curfew' as such, and you'll still be covered to drive at night. However, they usually have restrictions on night-time driving (usually between 10pm and 6am), so while you're allowed to drive at night, it could affect your driving score or result in higher insurance costs.

These restrictions are designed to discourage driving during high-risk hours, since night-time driving increases your chances of being involved in an accident. Not all policies have these restrictions though, and it depends on the insurer.

Tip: If you plan to drive frequently at night (e.g. work commitments), you should find a policy that doesn't affect your driving score for this.

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Do black boxes track your location?

Yes, black boxes do track your location, but not in a Big Brother kind of way. Black box insurance uses GPS to track your car’s location in real time, but it’s not about keeping tabs on where you go. The purpose is to monitor your driving habits — things like your speed, acceleration, braking, and overall driving behaviour. It’s focused on how you drive, not where you drive.

There are a few perks to location tracking, though. If your car is stolen, the black box can help locate it. And in serious accidents, some insurers may use the data to alert emergency services, potentially speeding up help when it’s needed most.

You'll be pleased to know that this data isn’t shared with third parties like the police or your parents (unless they are named on the policy). It’s used solely for insurance purposes unless there's a legal reason to disclose it.

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Does black box insurance have a mileage limit?

Not usually. Some insurers may have an annual mileage limit, but usually there’s no fixed cap. However, just like with any car insurance policy, you’ll need to give an honest estimate of your annual mileage when you take out black box insurance. So, you won’t be penalised simply for driving more than expected, as long as you’ve been upfront from the start.

Whether you’re commuting, heading off on road trips, or just driving locally, being accurate about your mileage helps insurers give you the right quote and ensures your cover is valid. If your mileage is way off and you haven’t declared it properly, it could affect any claims you make.

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Does a black box monitor my phone usage while driving?

In many cases, yes — especially if your policy uses a smartphone app. These apps often monitor how your phone is used while driving, and while hands-free use for things like navigation or music is usually fine, anything more could be flagged.

Remember: Using your phone behind the wheel is dangerous and illegal. If the app picks up on unsafe phone use, it could affect your driving score. In some cases, it could lead to your policy being cancelled.

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Can you use hands free with a black box?

Yes, you can use hands-free devices with a black box. You are legally allowed to:

• Use hands-free: You can use voice commands, Bluetooth headsets, or dashboard mounts to make calls.

• Use a cradle: Placing your phone in a dashboard holder or cradle allows you to use it for maps or music without handling it.

• Use car systems: Connecting your phone to your car’s built-in systems like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is perfectly acceptable.

So, as long as you’re following UK driving laws and not physically handling your phone, your black box won’t penalise you. If your policy uses an app, make sure it’s mounted properly and not being interacted with while driving.

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Does a black box limit your speed?

No, a black box cannot physically limit your speed. It simply records how fast you drive and compares it to the speed limits of the roads you’re on.

Consistently speeding can lower your driving score and may lead to higher premiums or even cancellation, but the box itself won’t stop you from speeding.

But remember, speeding is illegal.

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Can my black box policy be cancelled for speeding?

Yes, it’s possible. While the occasional minor speeding offence may not cause issues, if you repeatedly exceed speed limits or drive dangerously, your insurer may cancel your policy. Most insurers will give warnings first, but serious or frequent offences can result in policy cancellation.

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Will the police be informed if I'm speeding with a black box?

Generally, no. Insurers don’t share black box data with the police unless there’s a legal reason to do so. For example, if you’re involved in a serious accident or a criminal investigation, your black box data could be used.

Your driving data is private and used for insurance purposes only, unless required by law.

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Will I be penalised for bad driving?

Everyone makes the odd mistake behind the wheel, and a few minor slip-ups won’t suddenly send your premium soaring.

However, if bad driving becomes a pattern (think regular speeding, harsh braking, or consistently risky behaviour) it can affect your driving score. Since black box policies are built to encourage safer driving, you might find your renewal price goes up if your insurer sees signs that your driving isn’t up to scratch.

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What if a bad driver uses my car?

If someone else drives your car and you’ve got a black box policy, their driving can affect your score, especially if they’re not listed on the policy. Black boxes don’t know who’s behind the wheel, so any risky behaviour like speeding, harsh braking, or driving at night could be recorded against your profile.

If the person is a named driver on your policy, some insurers may be able to separate their data from yours, particularly if the policy uses an app linked to individual phones. But with traditional black box devices, all driving is usually treated as yours.

Always check your policy’s rules on additional drivers and make sure anyone using your car is insured and aware of the black box.

Tip: If you regularly share your car, speak to your insurer about how they handle multiple drivers. You might be able to add them to the policy or use an app that tracks drivers separately.

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Can a black box tell if I have passengers in my car?

No, black boxes can’t detect passengers. They monitor driving behaviour, not who’s in the car. However, insurers may assume certain risks if you’re a young driver regularly driving at night, which could suggest you’re giving lifts.

But rest assured, the box doesn’t know who’s sitting beside you.

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What is a black box jammer?

A black box jammer is a device designed to block or interfere with the signals sent by a black box. Some drivers may be tempted to use one to hide their location and avoid having poor driving recorded.

Our advice is to never use one under any circumstances. First off, they’re unlikely to work properly. Even if the GPS signal is blocked, the black box can still detect movement and may upload the data once the jammer is switched off.

More importantly, using a jammer is illegal and counts as insurance fraud. It will invalidate your policy, resulting in your insurance being voided. If you're driving uninsured (which is also illegal) and are involved in an accident, the consequences will be severe and costly.

Tampering with a black box is a serious offence. If you’re unhappy with your policy, speak to your insurer rather than trying to cheat the system!

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How long do you have a black box for?

You’ll usually have the black box for the duration of your policy. Some insurers remove it at renewal, while others keep it in place if you stay with them. If you switch insurers or cancel your policy, you may need to return the device or have it professionally removed.

You need to keep your black box installed and active in your car for the entire duration of your policy. Removing it could lead to policy cancellation or voiding any claims.

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What restrictions do you have with a black box?

Restrictions vary by insurer, but common ones include:

• Restricted driving times (usually at night)

• Speed monitoring

• Driving behaviour tracking (e.g. cornering, braking)

• Phone usage monitoring

• Some insurers may include an annual mileage limit on your policy

These aren’t designed to catch you out. Rather, they’re there to encourage safer driving and reward good habits.

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How much does a black box reduce car insurance?

Savings depend on your driving and insurer, but many drivers will enjoy sizeable reductions. Young drivers, in particular, can benefit from lower premiums compared to standard policies.

Drive well, and you could save even more at renewal.

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Are there any disadvantages of black box insurance?

While black box insurance can help reduce premiums and encourage safer driving, some drivers might feel there are drawbacks. Here are some of the most commonly reported disadvantages:

• Higher costs for poor driving: if you regularly speed, brake harshly, or drive aggressively, your insurer may increase your premium. Black box policies monitor your driving habits closely, and unsafe behaviour can lead to higher costs. But really, you shouldn't be driving badly anyway!

• Driving restrictions: black box policies with restrictions such as penalising night-time driving might not work for everyone, especially if you need to drive at night frequently, as it can negatively affect your score and bump up premiums. If you need to drive at night, it's worth looking for a black box policy without these restrictions.

• Privacy: some drivers find the constant tracking intrusive. While the data is used to assess risk and encourage safer driving, it can feel like your every move is being watched.

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Final thoughts: is black box insurance worth it?

Black box insurance really isn’t as dystopian as some might think. Now that we've debunked the myths, it’s clear that telematics policies are designed to reward safe driving and help reduce costs, and not to spy on you or catch you out!

For many new or young drivers, black box insurance is well worth considering. If you’re confident in your driving and want to save money, it’s a smart choice. Just be sure to read the fine print and pick a policy that fits your driving habits.

If you have any further questions or want to learn more about black box car insurance, be sure to give us a call on 0330 053 3472.

Next guide: New drivers and penalty points: what are the rules? →