Most telematics apps struggle with retention. The Porsche Smart Driver App has cracked the code: a gamified driving experience that turns safe behavior into real savings – up to 20% off monthly insurance premiums. Built on Dolphin’s MOVE SDK, Rewards Engine and Challenge Engine.
Client
Porsche Versicherung (Austria)
Focus
Safety, Savings & Sustainability
Availability
Open to all drivers in Austria
Launch
October 2023
Technology
- MOVE SDK
- Rewards Engine
- Challenge Engine
The Challenge
Porsche Versicherung wanted to move beyond traditional premium calculation – using telematics not just for pricing, but as the foundation for a full customer engagement ecosystem integrated across the VW Group dealer network.
- Validate actuarial hypotheses: does safe driving correlate with lower claims?
- Create a direct cashback model linked to monthly driving scores
- Engage drivers beyond policy renewal with gamification and rewards
- Integrate seamlessly into the VW Group dealer network (Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Škoda, etc.)
- Build brand awareness by opening the app to all drivers in Austria
The Transition
In 2024, Dolphin took over the Smart Driver app from the previous technology provider – rebuilding it from the ground up while it remained live on the market with an active user base.
- Full migration to Dolphin’s MOVE SDK, Rewards Engine and Challenge Engine
- Complete app redesign with no downtime for existing users
- Introduction of the Goodie Store, Green Score and personalized 1:1 messaging
- Seamless continuation of scoring history and premium cashback
The Solution
Driving Intelligence
(MOVE SDK)
- Bluetooth-triggered trip detection linked to the driver’s own vehicle
- Driving behavior scoring across speed, acceleration, braking, cornering, and phone use
- Green Score: sustainability rating based on speed efficiency, driving smoothness, trip length and urban context
- Personalized post-trip feedback with route-level detail
- Proactive weather alerts based on location and route – helping drivers adapt to changing conditions before they start
Gamification & Cashback
(Rewards + Challenge Engine)
- Up to 20% monthly premium cashback – directly tied to driving score
- Weekly score converted into points for the Goodie Store – redeemable for VW Group merchandise, event tickets, vouchers and prize draws
- Monthly themed challenges with exclusive prizes
- Referral program: invite friends and earn bonus points
- Highly personalized 1:1 messaging – behavior-triggered push notifications, personalized driving tips, weather alerts and milestone updates to keep users engaged at the right moment
Trust & Transparency
- Safe driving can only lead to savings – never to premium increases
- Clear, visible scoring rules
- Open to all drivers in Austria – non-customers can use challenges and basic parts of the Goodie Store; cashback and premium Goodies are exclusive to Porsche Versicherung policyholders
How It Works
Connect
Existing Bluetooth car connection identifies the vehicle and records trips automatically.
Score
Each trip is evaluated on speed, safety and sustainability – combined into a single score.
Engage
Challenges, tips and personalized messages drive continuous improvement.
Save
Up to 20% cashback on premiums, plus weekly points for the Goodie Store.
Results & Impact
- 4.5-star average rating across app stores – reflecting high user satisfaction
- 6% monthly user growth – consistent and sustained over time
- Lower claims ratio in the Smart Driver user segment – validating the actuarial hypothesis
- Deep integration across the VW Group dealer network – Smart Driver is offered at the point of sale for Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Škoda and more
- Green Score and sustainability features strengthen eco-driving awareness and reduce CO₂ emissions
Strategic Takeaways
Smart Driver started as an actuarial experiment and evolved into a full customer engagement ecosystem. The high ratings and steady growth tell the story: when telematics delivers real value – cashback, personalized coaching, and rewards – users stay.
The key insight is that scoring alone isn’t enough. Porsche Versicherung layered gamification, a Goodie Store, monthly challenges, and behavior-triggered messaging on top of the core telematics product – turning a pricing tool into a retention engine. The program runs lean: just a few people part-time, with Dolphin’s platform handling the heavy lifting.
For insurers looking at telematics, Smart Driver is proof that the biggest returns come from treating the app as a product, not just a data source. Open it to everyone, make the value obvious, integrate it where cars are sold – and let the engagement compound.
