New Way to Cut Car Insurance Payment in Half

It's called Usage Insurance, or pay as you drive (PAYD).

It works by having a device installed in your car that records miles traveled.

Companies such as OnStar provide the driving data to the insurance company.

In return, participants who drive safely and keep mileage low will get discounts ranging from 25% to 50% off their premium. This means you can save hundreds of dollars per year.

Available so far in 34 states, the following auto insurance companies are currently offering it:

• Progressive Insurance
• Liberty Mutual
• MileMeter
• GMAC Insurance
• State Farm
• Mutual Auto Insurance
• Allstate

Check Insurance Rates in Your State:

Pay As You Drive Insurance can save you money, but also lower your carbon footprint. Experts estimate that if every motorist purchased PAYD, driving would decline by 8% nationwide, dropping total U.S. carbon emissions by 2%.

But there is the issue over privacy. The technology not only registers miles driven, but also driving behavior, where you drive, how you drive, and when you drive over the speed limit.

If you're a safe driver and don't mind the surveillance, this could be a great way to save a lot of money.