Citroen C1 ‘black box’ tech provides free young driver insurance

Citroen is set to become the first manufacturer to supply a car fitted with an insurance black box straight from the factory. In-car telematics systems, to give them their proper title, usually have to be installed by third parties, but the French manufacturer will install its own systems in C1 Connexion models in a bid to reduce insurance costs for young drivers.

The Smartnav telematics system, provided by Trafficmaster, will allow Citroen to monitor the driving habits of anyone behind the wheel. Anyone aged between the age of 19 and 75 years old with two years no claims discount will quality for free insurance, provided they drive sensibly, of course – any lunacy behind the wheel will be recorded and can affect your premium at the time of renewal.

Citroen’s black box technology can reduce premiums for drivers with little or no no claims discount. According to Citroen, a 19-20 year-olds with one-year’s NCD will pay £500 per year. Those with zero no claims will pay £950. This compares favourably with rival companies, to say the least. We searched for insurance cover for a 19 year-old driver on confused.com and the cheapest policy was a whopping £3,598.

The Citroen Smartnav black box system benefits older drivers with zero no claims discount, too. Those aged 30-39 pay £500, while those 40 years old and above will have to fork out a mere £250. Citroen says premiums will become even more affordable for drivers that demonstrate good driving behaviour over the first 12 months of ownership, regardless of age.

Citroen’s black box service provides a number of additional benefits. All drivers will also get 3 months Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking, 3 months safespeed camera alerts, 12 months of emergency and breakdown cover and 3 months of traffic-dodging smartnav services.

Citroen expects a high take-up of this offer and has increased production of its C1 Connexion special editions. An extra 750 models will be produced, and a new Carlinite Grey body colour has been added.

Check out our impressions of the Citroen C1 here