American Family KnowYourDrive: How It Works and Real Savings
American Family KnowYourDrive is the company’s smartphone-based telematics program designed to reward safe drivers with discounts of up to 20% on their auto insurance. The program tracks driving behavior through the MyAmFam mobile app and uses that data to calculate ongoing premium reductions. For American Family customers willing to share driving data in exchange for ongoing savings, KnowYourDrive offers a competitive option among major insurer telematics programs.
This guide explains exactly how American Family KnowYourDrive works, what behaviors it tracks, what discounts you can realistically expect, and the situations where the program produces the most value.
What Is American Family KnowYourDrive?
KnowYourDrive is American Family’s usage-based insurance program that uses smartphone telematics technology to monitor your driving behavior. The program tracks how you actually drive and uses that data to influence your premium beyond traditional rating factors like age and location.
The program is voluntary, free to enroll in, and available to most American Family auto insurance customers. The discount structure includes an upfront enrollment discount and a behavior-based discount that develops over time.
How KnowYourDrive Works
Mobile App Required
KnowYourDrive operates through the MyAmFam mobile app, which uses your phone’s GPS, accelerometer, and other sensors to track driving behavior.
Initial Enrollment Discount
Simply enrolling in KnowYourDrive typically produces an immediate discount, often around 5% to 10%, regardless of driving behavior.
Performance Period
After enrollment, KnowYourDrive tracks your driving for an initial measurement period. Your driving behavior during this period determines your behavior-based discount.
Discount Calculation at Renewal
At your next policy renewal, American Family calculates your KnowYourDrive discount based on the driving behavior measured. The discount can reach 20% for the safest drivers.
Ongoing Monitoring
KnowYourDrive continues monitoring throughout your policy term. Your discount is recalculated at each subsequent renewal based on continued driving behavior.
What KnowYourDrive Tracks
Hard Braking
The app detects sudden, hard braking events that suggest aggressive driving or inadequate following distance.
Hard Acceleration
Quick, aggressive acceleration is similarly tracked.
Speed
Driving significantly above posted speed limits is detected.
Time of Day Driving
Driving during high-risk hours (typically late night and early morning) is tracked.
Phone Use While Driving
The app detects phone interactions during trips.
Mileage
How much you drive affects your overall risk profile.
What Discount Can You Realistically Expect?
| Driving Profile | Typical Discount | Annual Savings on $1,900 Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent driver, low mileage, daytime only | 15% to 20% | $285 to $380 |
| Good driver, moderate mileage | 10% to 15% | $190 to $285 |
| Average driver, normal commute | 7% to 10% | $135 to $190 |
| Aggressive driver | 5% (initial) only | $95 |
| Very aggressive driver | 0% to 5% | $0 to $95 |
Most drivers earn discounts in the 8% to 15% range. The maximum 20% discount requires consistently excellent driving behavior.
Who Benefits Most From KnowYourDrive?
Already-Safe Drivers
If you already maintain smooth braking, gradual acceleration, and reasonable phone discipline, KnowYourDrive rewards habits you already have.
Lower-Mileage Drivers
Driving less is one of the strongest positive factors.
Daytime Drivers
People who drive primarily during daytime hours benefit from the time-of-day rating component.
Drivers With Strong Phone Discipline
KnowYourDrive weights phone use while driving. Drivers who keep their phones mounted see better scores.
Privacy Considerations
KnowYourDrive collects significant data about your driving including GPS location, speed, time of day, phone use, and behavioral patterns. American Family’s privacy policy outlines how this data is used. As a mutual company, American Family generally has stronger privacy protections than publicly-traded competitors.
How to Maximize Your KnowYourDrive Discount
Mount Your Phone
Use a dashboard or vent mount instead of holding your phone. This eliminates phone interactions KnowYourDrive would otherwise detect.
Brake Earlier and Smoother
Anticipate stops and brake gradually rather than waiting until the last moment.
Accelerate Gently
Gentle acceleration from stops scores better than rapid acceleration.
Stay Within Speed Limits
Driving close to posted speed limits avoids the speeding factor.
Avoid Late-Night Driving
When possible, schedule trips during daytime hours.
Limit Total Driving
The less you drive, the better your score.
Use Hands-Free Calling
If you must take calls while driving, use Bluetooth or hands-free systems.
KnowYourDrive vs. Other Telematics Programs
| Program | Insurer | Maximum Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Drivewise | Allstate | Up to 40% |
| SmartRide | Nationwide | Up to 40% |
| SafePilot | USAA | Up to 30% |
| Drive Safe and Save | State Farm | Up to 30% |
| Snapshot | Progressive | Up to 30% |
| RightTrack | Liberty Mutual | Up to 30% |
| IntelliDrive | Travelers | Up to 30% |
| DriveEasy | GEICO | Up to 25% |
| Signal | Farmers | Up to 25% |
| KnowYourDrive | American Family | Up to 20% |
KnowYourDrive’s 20% maximum is on the lower end of competitor programs. However, combined with American Family’s other discounts and competitive base pricing, the total cost can still be very competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will KnowYourDrive raise my American Family rate?
KnowYourDrive participation typically results in lower or unchanged rates. The initial enrollment discount applies during the measurement period.
How long does KnowYourDrive take to calculate my discount?
Initial enrollment produces an immediate small discount. The behavior-based discount is calculated and applied at your next policy renewal.
Does KnowYourDrive work as a passenger?
The mobile app may sometimes incorrectly attribute passenger trips to driving. You can manually mark trips as passenger trips.
Can I cancel KnowYourDrive after enrolling?
Yes. You can withdraw from KnowYourDrive at any time.
Does KnowYourDrive drain my phone battery?
The app uses GPS and motion sensors that consume some battery during trips. Most users report manageable battery impact.
Can multiple drivers in my household use KnowYourDrive?
Each driver participates separately through their own phone.
Is KnowYourDrive worth using given the 20% maximum?
For safe drivers, yes. Even at the lower maximum, the discount produces meaningful ongoing savings combined with American Family’s other discount programs.
The Bottom Line
American Family KnowYourDrive offers a competitive smartphone-based telematics program with up to 20% maximum discount. While the maximum is lower than some competitor programs, combined with American Family’s strong bundling discounts and competitive base pricing, the total cost is competitive for many drivers.
For broader perspective on car insurance pricing factors that work alongside telematics programs, our guide on how car insurance premiums are calculated walks through the rating factors used industry-wide.
The team at Matrix Insurance can help you compare American Family with other carriers including their telematics programs. Use our Car Insurance Calculator for a starting estimate, or reach out to our team directly for a personalized comparison.
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