Get Discounts On Auto Insurance For Playing Games

[DoctorFinger]

When I first saw this headline (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3170310) I thought it was a joke or parody of some sort. But it's not: Allstate is really testing a pilot program in which drivers between the ages of 50-75 who play computer games would get discounts on their auto insurance.

The inSight program, which includes 100,000 older drivers in Pennsylvania, is the brain child of California based Posit Science. The goal being to reduce the accident rate in older drivers.

And before you ask, no they won't be playing Forza, Burnout or Grand Theft Auto. Instead they're given are simpler puzzle games designed to stimulate the brain - think Brain Age or Bejeweled - which studies have shown can halt or even reverse the cognitive declines associated with old age. If the pilot program is successful Allstate would consider spreading it nationwide.

Sources - CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/10/01/older.drivers.videogames.ap/index.html); 1UP (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3170310).

[alienmastermind]

Uh. Yes. It's true. I happen to work for the company above.

And, actually it's a pretty cool program for seniors. It's actually geared toward the golden years drivers who are a little bit fuzzy on the hand-eye coordination. So, if you use this inSight thing, you get a discount, because Allstate figures you'll be less of a risk.

Good idea, but I don't know realistically how it will affect anyone's driving ability.

AM

[Purple Santa]

This would be great if Allstate did eventually do it nationally. Other carriers would certainly copy the program. I'm looking at you Geico...I even see the ad pitch...caveman and lizard playing co-op game...

[Commissar Rob]

Uh. Yes. It's true. I happen to work for the company above.

And, actually it's a pretty cool program for seniors. It's actually geared toward the golden years drivers who are a little bit fuzzy on the hand-eye coordination. So, if you use this inSight thing, you get a discount, because Allstate figures you'll be less of a risk.

Good idea, but I don't know realistically how it will affect anyone's driving ability.

AMKinda Dr. Kawashima for driving, huh? Pretty cool. There must be some research showing an improvement in hand-eye coordination, or you wouldn't be giving a discount.