Potenziale von Telematik-Tarifen in der Kfz-Versicherung in Deutschland

The potential of telematics contracts in motor insurance in Germany is sometimes considered to be limited. In this article we present some theoretical thoughts and empirical results to this. Certain aspects of the acceptance of telematics tariffs will be looked at in an interdisciplinary way (legally, psychologically and economically) and they will be used in considering the assessment of potentials of telematics contracts. This article includes a legal analysis of the effects of the legally prescribed introduction of the emergency call system eCall coming into force in 2018. Additionally, it presents the results of a survey with regard to direct and indirect factors affecting the acceptance of telematics tariffs (regarding, among other things, their willingness to change their individual driving behaviour as well as their interest in telematics services). The empirical results provide evidence of potentials of telematics tariffs in Germany. Furthermore competitive strategies for market penetration will be reconsidered regarding the German insurance market and telematics. Thus this article is supposed to contrast media reports, which are rather negative, and to complete existing literature about telematics, which is still mostly technically and actuarially orientated. An extension of the previous understanding is realised by the selective presentation of interdisciplinary points of view. The overall picture of potentials regarding telematics tariffs in Germany is much more diverse than the picture drawn in most relating discussions.