Signal^® FAQs For Customers

The Signal app is designed to run in the background and use minimal battery power. Battery usage can vary based on a couple of different variables, such as smartphone model and age of the phone. While recording trips, it uses less than 2% of your battery. Signal will stop collecting data when your remaining battery power falls below 10%.

No, Signal is designed to minimize the use of cellular data. Instead of using your cellular network to transmit most driving behavior results, Signal stores the data on your phone and transmits it only after a secure Wi-Fi connection is established. Brief trip summaries sent back to your phone may occur over Wi-Fi or cellular connections. Keeping Wi-Fi enabled helps reduce data usage and improve location accuracy and trip capture.

Signal works in the background on your phone to automatically record trips. The Signal app remains in a dormant, extremely low-power state in the background, which prevents the Android operating system from shutting it down. The Android operating system shows a notification for apps running in this manner. Clearing this notification will disable Signal and prevent trips from automatically being recorded.

Yes. The Signal app will not prevent you from using your phone at any time. However, we recommend focusing on the road when you’re driving. Using your phone will impact your focused driving score and subsequently your discount.

Yes. Signal is a stand-alone application and not affected by the use of a rideshare app. You can have both apps installed and running at the same time.

If you followed the manufacturer’s steps to back-up your phone or if your application data is saved on a cloud service, the Signal app should automatically install on your new phone. If the app has not been automatically installed or if you changed to a new cell phone number, you will need to contact your agent or our service representatives at 1-800-709-7821 to ensure you receive a new text message to install and download the app.

The Signal discount will be removed from your policy at your next renewal if all of the drivers on your policy remove the app from their phones or if we stop receiving data.

Signal requires specific hardware and sensors for the app to function, such as location, network, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope. If your device does not meet the minimum standards, it cannot be used with Signal. In addition, the phone must be able to operate on Android 7.0 or newer or iOS 12.0 or newer.

1. Text 'Help' to 66593.

2. If you do not receive a response message back:

a. For Android: Confirm the setting to allow premium messages is enabled:

i. Go to Settings > Apps.

ii. Select the Settings icon.

iii. Select “Special access.”

iv. Select “Premium SMS access.”

v. Confirm it is set to “Allow.”

vi. If the prior steps do not work, reach out to your cell phone provider to see if short code messages are blocked.

b. For iPhone: Reach out to your cell phone provider to see if short code messages are blocked.

You can compare your individual driving behavior results to the average for other drivers by navigating to the More screen and selecting My Driving Behavior. Reviewing your individual driving behavior results is important as the Signal renewal discount may increase or decrease based on the driving behavior results of all applicable drivers using the app.

See also: How is my discount calculated?

Distracted driving is considered any activity that shifts a driver's attention away from driving. Actions such as unlocking your device, touching the screen while the vehicle is in motion, making phone calls, texting, adjusting your navigation, clearing notifications, changing a song, etc. are considered distractions and are factored into your focused driving behavior results.

Signal differentiates between the following distracted behaviors:

• Phone in hand (e.g. texting while driving),
• Hands-free calls (e.g. phone calls through Bluetooth or speakerphone), and
• Hand-held calls (e.g. phone calls made while holding your phone).

Hands-free calls made using a Bluetooth or hands-free device are factored into the focused driving results as you are talking on the phone and not solely focused on driving. Automatic text responses will not impact your driving behavior results.

Note: Hands-free calls have less of an impact on your results than physically handling your device.

Tips to help improve your results:

• Set your device’s navigation route and music player prior to the start of a trip.
• Do not use or handle your device while driving, even when stopped.
• If you must use your phone while driving, use a hands-free option. This will still negatively impact your results, but at a lower level than using your phone without a hands-free option.
• If you are not driving the vehicle, change the trip to Passenger or Other.    See: How can I change a trip to Passenger?

Phone use while your vehicle is moving at less than 6 MPH should not count as a distracted event. However, phone use that occurs mid-trip or at the end of a trip while the vehicle is temporarily not in motion may count as a distracted event and impact your focused driving results. Remember, accidents can happen to you even when you are stopped. Giving your full attention to the road is to your benefit.

Hard braking events are determined by the accelerometer sensor on your mobile device that measures speed and changes in speed. Signal uses this information to determine if there are instances of speeding, tailgating, quick actions, etc.

Tips to help improve your results:

• Slow down sooner and at lower speeds.
• Occasional hard braking will happen. Signal looks at the big picture of your driving habits, so if you have to brake hard every now and then, it should not be a big factor overall. Signal is more concerned with excessive hard braking.
• Utilize a phone cradle to stabilize the device and increase accuracy as the sensors on the device may detect hard braking if your device moves around unnecessarily.
• Calibrate the accelerometer on your mobile device to increase accuracy.

We have programmed Signal with thresholds above the posted speed limit. If you stay within these thresholds, you will not be negatively impacted with an excessive speeding event. These thresholds vary, however. Lower speed limits –such as 25 MPH – will have a lower threshold, which will require you to remain closer to the speed limit before being impacted with an excessive speeding event. Of course, driving within the posted speed limit is the safest practice.

Tips to help improve your results:

• Keep your speeds within the posted speed limits.
• We do have a buffer. If you go over the speed limit within the set threshold, it will not impact your results negatively.

Signal looks at what time of the day you drive and how often you drive during those time periods to determine your exposure to riskier drive times.

Tips to help improve your results:

• Try to avoid driving during peak times of the day, which are early morning, rush hour, and late at night. Busier times on the roads when more people are driving tend to result in more accidents.

Total mileage refers to the accumulation of miles you drive over the course of the year.

Tips to help improve your results:

• Look at options to drive less, if possible. Not only can this help improve your driving behavior results, it can help save you money on wear and tear, gas, etc.
• Consider alternative modes of transportation, such as carpooling, public transit, riding a bike, etc.

You will be able to see your Signal discount on the top right of the home screen of your app. Click the discount on the home screen to open the “My Discount” section of the app for more details. If a driver in the household has completed the sufficient number of trips, the Estimated Renewal Discount will also be displayed in the My Discount section. 

Signal provides an initial discount once at least one driver has enrolled and completed 10 trips. At renewal, your Signal discount is based on the driving behaviors of each participating driver and household participation if at least one active driver has completed a sufficient number of trips.

Note: To have an opportunity to receive the maximum discount, 100% participation is required from all household drivers. If there are drivers in the household who are not participating, they can impact discount percentages by enrolling in Signal.

The Signal discount may increase or decrease based on the percentage of enrolled drivers on the policy using the app, whether one or more youthful driver(s) are enrolled, and the driving behavior results of all applicable drivers using the app.

Driving behaviors that factor into determining your discount include:

• Focused Driving
• Hard Brakes
• Excessive Speed
• Time of Day
• Total Mileage

Note: Signal looks at the big picture of your driving habits. As more trips are captured, your driving behavior results will become even more in line with your overall driving patterns.

*This is not applicable for Florida.

If you have a driver aged 15 to 24 in your household, that driver can enroll in the Signal program. Once the youthful driver is active in the program and at least one driver has met the qualification requirements, you will qualify for the additional youthful driver component of the Signal discount. If you have more than one youthful driver in the household who enrolls and is active, you will only receive a single youthful driver discount component amount based on the age of the youngest youthful driver. The overall Signal discount will display as one discount because the youthful driver portion of the discount is not broken out separately. Youthful driver discount amounts vary by state. Please contact your agent or our service representatives at 1-800-709-7821 for more information.

No. The Signal discount is displayed as one discount. The youthful driver component of the discount is not broken out separately from the overall Signal discount.

It’s possible that at least one driver did not complete an adequate number of trips prior to your renewal offer being generated. If none of the drivers enrolled in Signal on your policy have completed an adequate number of trips, the initial discount earned will remain on the policy, but no additional discount will be applied at renewal. Encourage all drivers on your policy to participate to help maximize your discount potential.

The app displays your discount amount as of today. The discount you earned on your renewal will display in the app on your renewal policy effective date. Until that time, you will continue to see the discount on your policy as of today.

Most trips should appear in your app within 60 minutes; however, some trips may take longer than usual to upload, sometimes 24-48+ hours.

If trips are not showing up within a few days of downloading the app or take a while to appear, please adjust the following settings:

• Disable Power Saving Mode
• Enable Wi-Fi
• Enable Location for the Signal app – Set to Always Allow
• Enable Background App Refresh
• For Android: Turn Battery Optimization Off for the Signal app

Note: If you are finding that trips are not recording after multiple trips have been completed within 48 hours of each other or need additional details in adjusting these settings, please refer to the following FAQs:

• Why are my trips not recording on my iPhone?
• Why are my trips not recording on my Android device?

If you are still encountering issues, call our service representatives today at 1-800-709-7821.

There are critical settings that must be enabled for Signal to run in the background and accurately log trips. If some of these settings are turned off, trip data may not be recorded. Please see the information below on how to adjust settings. Note: Navigation through settings may vary based on iOS.

Location Services (iOS 12):

1.       From your phone's Home screen, tap Settings > Privacy > Location Services.

2.       Make sure that Location Services near the top of the screen is On; if not, toggle the switch to On.

3.       Scroll down the list of apps to find Signal.

4.       Tap the app. There are three options: Never; While Using the App; Always.

5.       Tap Always.

6.       Tap the Home button at the bottom of the device to close out the screen.

Location Services (iOS 13 and newer):

1.       From your phone's Home screen, tap Settings > Privacy > Location Services.

2.       Make sure that Location Services near the top of the screen is On; if not, toggle the switch to On.

3.       Scroll down the list of apps to find Signal.

4.       Tap the app. There are four options: Never; Ask Next Time; While Using the App; Always.

5.       Tap Always.

6.       Tap the Home button at the bottom of the device to close out the screen.

Note: A pop-up will appear periodically, notifying you that Signal has been using your location. In order to record your trips, select “Always Allow” when the pop-up appears.

Precise Location (iOS 14): 

1. From your phone’s Home screen, tap Settings > Privacy > Location Services.

2. Make sure that Location Services near the top of the screen is On; if not, toggle the switch to On.

3. Scroll down the list of apps to find Signal.

4. Tap the app.

5. Toggle the switch to On for Precise Location.

6. Tap the Home button at the bottom of the device to close out the screen.

Motion and Fitness:

1.       From your phone's Home screen, tap Settings > Privacy > Motion & Fitness.

2.       Make sure that Motion & Fitness near the top of the screen is On; if not, toggle the switch to On.

3.       Scroll down the list of apps to Signal.

4.       Make sure the App says On; if not, toggle the switch so Signal shows On.

5.       Tap the Home button at the bottom of the device to close out the screen.

Background App Refresh:

1.       From your phone's Home screen, tap Settings > General > Background App Refresh.

2.       Make sure that Background App Refresh near the top of the screen is On and says Wi-Fi & Cellular Data in the grey box directly below.

3.       Options include Off, Wi-Fi Only and On (or Wi-Fi and Cellular for an older iOS). If not, toggle the switch to On (or Wi-Fi and Cellular).

4.       Scroll down the list of apps to Signal. Make sure the app says On. If not, toggle the switch so Signal shows On.

5.       Tap the Home button at the bottom of the device to close out the screen.

Bluetooth (iOS 13 only):

1.       From your phone's Home screen, tap Settings > Privacy > Bluetooth.

2.       Scroll down the list of apps to find Signal.

3.       Toggle the switch to On for the app.

4.       Tap the Home button at the bottom of the device to close out the screen.

Tip: Make sure all permissions are enabled on your phone and keep Wi-Fi on. If you have a couple of trip dates or times that are not showing up or are showing incorrectly, we can investigate further into the issue for you if you call our service representatives today at 1-800-709-7821.

There are critical settings that must be enabled for Signal to run in the background and accurately log trips. If some of these settings are turned off, trip data may not be recorded or recorded correctly. Please see the information below on how to adjust settings. Note: Navigation may vary based on OS and device model.

Background & Mobile Data:

From your phone's Home screen >Select Settings > Apps > Signal > Mobile data > Allow background data usage> ON.

Power Save Mode:

From your phone’s Home screen: Select Settings > Device Maintenance or Device Care > Battery > Power mode > OFF (not MID or MAX).

Wi-Fi:

From your phone’s Home screen: Select Settings > Network/Internet/Connections > Wi-Fi > ON.

Phone Permission:

From your phone’s Home screen: Select Settings > Apps > Signal > Permissions > Phone > ON.

Location Authorization:

From your phone’s Home screen: Select Settings > Apps > Signal > Permissions > Location > ALLOW ALL THE TIME.

Location (Android 8.1 and newer):

From your phone’s Home screen: Select Settings > Biometrics & Security > Location > ON and set Improve Location Accuracy to Wi-Fi Scanning and Bluetooth Scanning.

Location (Android 8.1 and older):

From your phone’s Home screen: Select Settings > Security & Location > Location > Mode and set Locating Method to High Accuracy.

Physical Activity (Android 10 and newer):

From your phone’s Home screen: Select Settings > Apps > Signal > Permissions > Physical Activity > ON.

Battery Optimization (Android 8.x and newer):

From your phone’s Home screen: Select Settings > Apps > Menu > Special access > Optimize battery usage > Dropdown menu > All > Signal > OFF.

Battery Optimization (Android 6.x – 7.x):

From your phone’s Home screen: Select Apps > Settings > Battery > More > Optimize battery usage > Dropdown menu > All > Signal > OFF.

Update App:

From your phone’s Home screen: Select Settings > Apps > Signal > App Details > Google Play > Update (if available).

Update OS:

From your phone’s Home screen: Select Settings > System > System Updates > Update (if available).

Tip: Make sure all permissions are enabled on your phone and keep Wi-Fi on. If you have a couple of trip dates or times that are not showing up or are showing incorrectly, we can investigate further into the issue for you if you call our service representatives today at 1-800-709-7821.

To change trips to a different status, such as passenger or other, please see the instructions below:

1. From the Signal Home page, select the “All Trips” button from the Trips section.
2. From the Trips page, locate the trip and select the right arrow.
3. On the card at the bottom of the screen, select “Edit.”
4. Select the appropriate type (Driver, Passenger, or Not a Car), and select “Done.”

Note: Trips flagged as Passenger or an additional trip type will not count for discount purposes.

The app analyzes behaviors like how your phone rotates when you enter your vehicle to determine if you’re the driver. As more trips are captured, the app identifies the pattern in these behaviors, so your results will become more accurate and in line with your overall driving patterns.

If you allow passengers in the vehicle to use your phone while you are driving, this may impact your discount as Signal is unable to identify who is using your phone at the time.

The Signal app collects information provided by the mobile device's sensors as well as signals from Wi-Fi, cellular, and GPS to track trips. Some trips may not be recorded due to brevity of the trip, a weak signal, or issues with the sensors. All of these can make it hard for the device to get an accurate lock on the location. If your phone has less than 10% battery, trips will not be recorded.

Note: Signal looks at the overall trends of the driving patterns, so if some trips are not captured, this should not impact your discount.

Please contact our support team at 1-800-709-7821 for assistance if you’re experiencing frequent problems.

See also: Why does some trip information seem incorrect?

Signal uses multiple sensors in the mobile device to determine trip data. Some things to consider:

• Ensure all required critical settings for Signal are enabled. See also:
  • Why are my trips not showing up or taking a while to appear?
  • Why are my trips not recording on my iPhone?
  • Why are my trips not recording on my Android device?

• Ensure the device has the latest updates for operating the system and Signal.
• Ensure the device is in a secured location to help improve sensor accuracy.
• If there is a weak cellular or GPS connection, there may be some information the device is unable to collect.

Note: Signal looks at the big picture of driving habits. Occasional inaccuracies should not impact the discount.

See also: The app shows information that doesn’t match my driving. What should I do?

There is no need to start, stop, or display the app on your phone’s screen to record trips. Signal works in the background on your phone to automatically record trips.

The app works in the background to determine behaviors like how your phone rotates when you enter or exit your vehicle as well as the speed and location of your vehicle to identify the start or end of a trip. As more trips are captured, the app identifies the pattern in these behaviors, so your results will become even more in line with your overall driving patterns.

The app does not have a way of differentiating between business and personal trips. In order to prevent the app from recording business trips, you will need to log off the Signal app. Navigate to the More screen, select Settings, and select Log Out.

Due to privacy concerns, we do not display other drivers’ trips. The main focus of our app is to show you how you’re driving and if there is room for improvement.

Signal will display trips from the last 30 days within the trip page.

Note: If Signal is re-installed, the app will no longer display previous trips. The new app will also not show any trips completed in the previous Signal app.

CrashAssist is a voluntary feature included within the Signal app that uses the sensors in your mobile device to detect when a car crash may have occurred. If a potential crash is detected, the Signal app will send a push notification to verify if there has been a crash. If you confirm a crash has occurred and you need assistance, an emergency responder will contact you. If you are unable to respond, we will request emergency services at your location.

The CrashAssist feature has been refined using thousands of real-world car crashes and typically is able to detect the difference between a dropped device or hard braking and a car crash.

CrashAssist will not detect low-severity crashes such as light taps or fender benders. Additionally, technical issues with your phone may prevent a crash from being detected. Finally, crashes occurring at the start of a trip for up to half a mile may not be detected as the start of a trip may not yet register with the Signal application.

Critical settings must be enabled for Signal and CrashAssist to run properly. If some of these settings are turned off, trip data may not be recorded and CrashAssist will not function. Please refer to the following resources for information on how to adjust settings:

• Why are my trips not recording on my iPhone?
• Why are my trips not recording on my Android device?
• From the Signal Home screen, tap More > Tech Requirements.

Note: CrashAssist must be activated to detect crashes. To verify if CrashAssist is enabled or disabled, see How can I disable CrashAssist?

If a crash is detected, CrashAssist will send you a push notification asking, “Were you in a crash?” If a crash did not occur, you may select “No” to indicate there was no crash. 

CrashAssist works with the mobile phone sensors to detect a crash. The phone’s gyroscope can sense fine-grained rotation. The magnetometer senses changes in the magnetic field. The barometer senses changes in pressure like when an airbag goes off. All these sensors processed together can detect when a car crash occurs.

CrashAssist works with the mobile phone sensors to detect a crash. The phone’s gyroscope can sense fine-grained rotation. The magnetometer senses changes in the magnetic field. The barometer senses changes in pressure like when an airbag goes off. All these sensors processed together can detect when a car crash occurs.

If a crash is detected and the CrashAssist feature is activated, the Signal app will send you a push notification to verify if you were in a crash. If you do not respond to the notification within 60 seconds, you will receive an automated call. If you answer that call, you will have the option to connect with a trained emergency responder who will, if requested, ask for emergency services at your location and/or connect you with roadside assistance. If you do not answer the automated call, a live responder will call to confirm if you need help. In the event they are unable to reach you, the responder will coordinate with emergency services to complete a wellness check based on your location.

Yes. Push notifications must be enabled for CrashAssist to work correctly. We recommend all Signal customers allow the permission to send push notifications so we can contact you in the event of a detected crash.

Due to privacy restrictions, other members of a household are not notified by the Signal app if a member of their household has been in a crash. Customers can send members of their household their location through the app if they so choose.

If you find yourself in a crash with another driver who is driving and not insured by Farmers, you may use the resources available within the Signal app to request assistance.

To add CrashAssist as a contact, please follow the instructions below:

1. Navigate to the CrashAssist tab in the Signal app.
2. Click the “See how it works” button.
3. Take the CrashAssist tour.
4. The last slide in the tour will prompt you to save the number for CrashAssist to your contacts.

The Signal Rewards program is designed to promote an increased awareness of distracted driving by offering qualifying customers the chance at a reward. Meeting the qualifications does not automatically make you a winner; instead, every customer who meets the qualifications for the given month is entered into a drawing, and everyone who qualifies has the same odds of winning. Likewise, the amount of the award is random. While the prize amounts may be $20, $50, or $100, this does not guarantee that there will be a $100 winner every month. The Sweepstakes and prizes vary by state and by month. For more information, please go to Signal Rewards Official Rules and navigate to your specific state.

The Signal app will not show trip details for other drivers in the household on your mobile device. The app will only show your own trip details. You will be able to see other drivers’ focused driving scores for the current month by navigating to the More screen and selecting “All Household Drivers.”

No. Participating in Signal will only decrease your premium by providing a discount. If you choose to stop participating in the program, any Signal discount you received will be removed at your next renewal.

You will see all participating drivers in your household by going to More, then selecting “All Household Drivers.” Tap on the “Remind” button under the “Enrolled but Not Active” screen to send them a text message invite from your phone. If you do not see a driver from your household and that driver wants to participate, call your agent or our service representatives at 1-800-709-7821.

You can add a driver at any time who is not already enrolled by calling your agent or our service representatives at 1-800-709-7821.

You can contact your agent or call our service representatives at 1-800-709-7821 to ask to be removed from the program, or you can delete the app from your phone. Any Signal discount will then be removed from the policy at your next renewal.

If one or more drivers on your account did not have any activity with the Signal app for more than 60 days or the app was uninstalled, the individual’s participation will be removed. The account will be closed if there are no longer any active drivers on the account. Many times, no activity being tracked can be a result of the Signal app being uninstalled or a conflict with phone settings. If a driver needs to be re-enrolled in the program, please reach out to your Farmers agent or call us at 1-800-709-7821.

Access our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for information.

Signal has access to two types of personal information. The first includes details you provided when you first enrolled in the program. The second is data Signal actively gathers to provide insights about your driving style.

All information collected from the Signal app will be treated in accordance with the Signal Privacy Policy and the Farmers Privacy Policy.

Please call your Farmers agent or our service representatives at 1-800-709-7821.