Short answer? Black boxes track your driving behavior. Telematics understands it.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. If you’re looking for car insurance and keep coming across terms like “telematics” and “black box,” here’s what they’re all about—and why one might save you more money (and stress) than the other.
First things first: What is black box insurance?
Black box insurance is the original version of behavior-based car insurance. It involves installing a small device in your vehicle – usually behind the dashboard – that records how you drive. This means speed, braking, cornering and all the other things your driving instructor always raised eyebrows about.
It is mainly aimed at new drivers or those with little experience. Insurers use the data to decide whether you are confident enough to keep your premium low – or whether it is time to increase the premium.
But here’s the catch: it’s attached to the car, not you. This means that if someone else borrows your car and drives it like in Mario Kart, your score will be affected.
So what’s different about telematics?
Telematics does the same job – but smarter. It tracks your journey through your phone, not through a box bolted under the hood. It still checks your speed, braking and cornering, but knows you’re behind the wheel (or not).
Telematics insurance uses smartphone sensors and GPS to measure real-world driving behavior.
With app-based telematics, there are no workshop visits, hardwiring, or “avoid speeding” sticky notes required. It is plug and play and your driving result is updated in real time. And some apps go beyond just tracking – you get coaching, feedback, and in Zego’s case, actual perks for driving well.
Real talk: why does it matter?
Because it puts you in control. Traditional insurance prices depend heavily on age, zip code and driving history – things you can’t change overnight.
With telematics, your price is based on how you actually drive – not just who you are or where you live.
For example, Zego’s Sense app tracks your driving behavior and adjusts your renewal price accordingly. Drive safely and consistently? You could save on renewal. Driving like you forgot the brakes were there? Well… maybe not.
And unlike black box systems, the Sense app also detects when you’re not driving. So if someone else takes your car, you won’t be penalized.
What about Zego car insurance prices?
Here is the standard:
Zegos Sense Telematics car insurance starts at £578.51 per year.
(This is what 10% of customers paid or less in the six months prior to October 21, 2025).
But remember: your price depends on how you drive, what car you have and whether you have the Sense app installed (which is mandatory, by the way).
The end result
If you’re deciding between black box and telematics insurance, here’s the TL;DR:
- Black box = rigid, vehicle-based tracking, often with less feedback and more effort.
- Telematics = app-based, driver-focused, smarter pricing and real-time coaching.
- Zego’s Sense = a telematics app that not only monitors your driving, but also helps you drive better – and rewards you for it.
So if you like simple technology, fewer cables and insurance tailored to you, telematics isn’t the way to go with your demographic. And if you feel like giving it a try without full commitment? With the Zego app you can test Sense before you buy.
That’s not the right insurance, but it might just be the good thing.
