QBE has extended its telematics car insurance product to include a smartphone app to add to its plug-in Insurance Box, which launched last October.

Existing customers, who have proven good driving skills, will be the first offered the new app or may retain their current telematics version at renewal. New customers can buy an Insurance Box product now and the app will be made available to them later this year.

Young drivers and their parents have been the “early adopters” of the product and Frank Peppard, head of customer experience, says the app will broaden the appeal of telematics.

He added: “While most people experience continually higher car insurance costs at renewal, our statistics show Insurance Box customers have saved up to 30% at renewal by simply proving they’re a better driver. On average our customers save 6% at renewal.”

QBE worked on the iPhone and android app for two years.