(Image source: Samsara homepage.)
Nationwide (Columbus, Ohio) has entered into an agreement with commercial lines-focused industrial internet-of-things (IoT) solutions vendor Samsara (Atlanta/London) to offer a new video telematics solution to Excess and Surplus (E&S) customers with 11 or more commercial trucks. As a result of the relationship, eligible Nationwide E&S insureds will have access to Samsara’s artificial intelligence-based video telematics solutions and best-in-class fleet management software in their operations at a subsidized cost, according to a Samsara statement.
Gary Flaherty, VP, E&S, Commercial Auto, Nationwide.
Samsara reports that more than half of its dash cam customers have used footage to exonerate drivers in the past year, resulting in their saving $5,000 to $25,000 on average, with some customers saving over $100,000 a year. The vendor says that 15 percent of its dash cam customers have reported reduced insurance premiums after successfully implementing and managing the Samsara telematics program.
“As we continue to listen to our members and partners, we know that our trucking clients seek innovative solutions to protect their drivers, their trucks, their reputations and ultimately, their livelihoods,” comments Gary Flaherty, VP, E&S Commercial Auto, Nationwide. “This new capability will bring needed protection and ease to these clients to defend against outside hazards and learn from operational insights that translate to their bottom lines.”
The new telematics program will offer Nationwide members significant benefits, including the following, according to the vendor stateent:
- Artificial intelligence dash cameras designed to support Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features
- Simple self-installation in less than 15 minutes and dedicated onboarding support for Nationwide members
- Internet-connected cameras auto-upload all incident footage to the cloud
- In-cab feedback and video-based coaching
- Real-time GPS fleet tracking and vehicle diagnostics
- Mobile Driver App with Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, routing and messaging
- Customized monthly and quarterly safety reporting to track and support safety initiatives
Founded in 2015, Samsara is a provider in industrial IoT technology and serves over 15,000 customers across diverse sizes and industries. The company describes its portfolio of complete IoT solutions as combining hardware, software and cloud to bring real-time visibility, analytics and artificial intelligence to operations.
Tools to Prevent Road Accidents
“At Samsara, we know that intelligent dash cameras are one of the most effective technologies for improving fleet safety,” comments Iain Denham, senior director, Global Partner Sales, Samsara. “With this technology now available for eligible Nationwide E&S insureds, we have the opportunity to protect even more drivers and give them the tools to prevent road accidents before they occur.”
Nationwide’s engagement with Samsara fits within a program of continued investments and growth in commercial telematics offerings. Nationwide’s Vantage 360 suite of telematics products serve its Standard Commercial customers with telematics and fleet management solutions with an increased focus on safety and efficiency. Nationwide affirms that it is also exploring how the Samsara partnership can be expanded to offer video telematics solutions to Standard Commercial and Agribusiness customers in the future.
Nationwide and Samsara report that they are also in development of a commercialized product for the underserved non-fleet market with 10 or less commercial trucks, with the goal to test and rollout in late 2020.
Inside Nationwide’s Connected Insurance Programs with Teresa Scharn