Travelers discounts businesses monitoring drivers

Hartford insurance giant Travelers will give up to 15 percent in discounts to businesses that use the latest technology to monitor and track the road behavior of their commercial fleet drivers.

Travelers made the announcement Tuesday on the heels of a Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study revealing in-vehicle telematics devices significantly reduce risky driving behaviors. The devices also allow businesses to monitor fuel efficiency and vehicle routing.

The benefit helps fleet managers minimize risk and costs.

"By embracing fleet vehicle telematics and offering discounts to our commercial auto customers that effectively deploy this technology, Travelers is furthering its commitment to improving driver behavior and roadway safety," said Scott Higgins, president, Travelers Commercial Accounts, in a statement. "Customers who are already taking advantage of the latest telematics technology are encouraged to work with their independent insurance agent or broker to see if they qualify for the discount."

Travelers, with major operations in Hartford, is headquartered in New York City.