Targa Telematics tops European fleet UBI provider ranking

Targa Telematics has taken first place in a European ranking of fleet usage-based insurance providers compiled by consulting firm PTOLEMUS.

The assessment sits within PTOLEMUS's UBI Global Study, which tracks connected insurance models across private and commercial motor lines. PTOLEMUS said the ranking for fleet providers considered capability, innovation and operational maturity.

Usage-based insurance, often referred to as UBI, uses vehicle and driver data to set premiums and manage policies. The approach has grown alongside telematics devices, connected vehicle systems and smartphone-based data collection.

Market outlook

PTOLEMUS expects a wider shift in insurance pricing and servicing as digital models become more common. The firm forecasts that 180 million vehicles worldwide will be insured under new digital models by 2035, generating more than €200 billion in premiums for insurers.

That projection covers multiple approaches to digitally priced motor insurance, including models linked to usage, driving behaviour and other measurable signals. Adoption also depends on regulations, data availability and the extent to which insurers can integrate data flows into underwriting and claims processes.

The PTOLEMUS ranking places Targa Telematics at the top of the European fleet category. The consulting group said it awarded the company the highest combined score across the criteria it assessed.

In a statement on the ranking, PTOLEMUS highlighted programme delivery and specific product areas. "Targa Telematics ranked first in our European commercial line category thanks to its extensive insurance telematics experience, strong record of delivering large-scale programmes and continued innovation. The maturity of its crash detection and claims management tools also stood out, making Targa a clear leader for insurers looking to strengthen their commercial motor and UBI capabilities," said Frederic Bruneteau, Managing Director, PTOLEMUS Consulting Group.

Tools and deployment

Fleet UBI programmes often combine data collection with risk scoring, reporting and claims workflows. Vendors compete on their ability to handle diverse vehicle types, hardware options and integration requirements from insurers and brokers.

Targa Telematics said it works with insurers on services that use actual vehicle usage as an input. It said insurers use such programmes to shape product design and customer engagement. The company also pointed to partnerships with vehicle manufacturers and the use of smartphone-based approaches alongside installed devices.

"The first place in the PTOLEMUS ranking of fleet UBI providers in Europe is testament to the strength of our positioning," said Massimiliano Balbo di Vinadio, Vice President Sales LA, Targa Telematics. "We have continuously invested in the development of technologies that support insurers effectively as mobility insurance models rapidly evolve. Our insurance offering builds on our long-standing experience in connected mobility, AIoT, and data, as well as on partnerships with numerous OEMs that allow us to deploy solutions across any vehicle and streamline the implementation of UBI policies - even via smartphone - covering insurance risks associated with emerging mobility models such as car sharing and peer-to-peer services," he added.

The company operates telematics and connected mobility services across a range of sectors, including insurance telematics, asset tracking and fleet management. It said it supports both short- and long-term rental companies, financial services firms and large fleet operators.

Targa Telematics is part of the Viasat Group. The company said it has operations across several European markets including Italy, England, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Poland and Romania, as well as Chile. It also said it runs international projects with local teams.

Competitive landscape

Insurance telematics has drawn interest from insurers, specialist technology suppliers, vehicle manufacturers and mobile platform providers. Fleet lines introduce additional complexity, since operators often manage mixed vehicle types and require tools that align with safety programmes, maintenance schedules and procurement processes.

PTOLEMUS's study is now in its fifth edition. The consulting group said it draws on extensive research and targets stakeholders across the insurance ecosystem, including insurers, brokers, vehicle manufacturers, solution providers, investors and regulators.

Targa Telematics also cited a separate recognition from Frost & Sullivan for its fleet management and UBI offerings in Europe. The company said the assessment covered its product range and support services, including 24/7 support and post-sale support.

The ranking from PTOLEMUS arrives as insurers and fleet operators face continued pressure on claims costs and risk selection in commercial motor insurance. Vendors in the sector are likely to compete on the breadth of data they can collect, how they integrate with insurer systems and how quickly programmes can roll out across large vehicle populations.

"The maturity of its crash detection and claims management tools also stood out, making Targa a clear leader for insurers looking to strengthen their commercial motor and UBI capabilities," said Bruneteau.