According to research, nine in ten people say they would prefer their motor insurance to reflect usage of their car and the type of trips they make – with the majority favouring ‘pay as you go’ systems similar to those offered by gas and electricity suppliers. Which is where Norwich Union’s Pay As You Drive comes in: the British insurance company will be able to collect real-time vehicle data using a ‘black box’ device installed in its customers’ vehicles. Insurance payments will be calculated based on how often, when and where customers use their vehicle. The black box measures vehicle usage and sends data directly to Norwich Union, using similar technology to that used by cell phones. Billing occurs monthly, and the technology will also include associated in-car services, such as emergency assistance and real-time route planning.