If you've ever wondered how businesses know exactly where their cars are, or how drivers are being monitored for safety—chances are, it's all thanks to telematics.
Telematics is like a supercharged GPS—it’s not just about location, it’s about data. It helps businesses track, manage, and optimise their fleets in real-time, from anywhere in Australia. And yes, it can work for everyday drivers too.
Whether you're a business looking to improve efficiency or just curious about how it all works, we’ve got your answers below.
So… What Is Telematics?
Telematics is the combination of telecommunications and informatics. In simple terms, it’s a technology system installed in a car that collects and sends vehicle data—think speed, location, fuel use, engine performance, and driver behaviour.
The data is gathered through a device or sensor in the car and transmitted to a central software platform (like Fleetcare’s Fleetdynamics), where fleet managers—or you—can access it in real-time.
Is It an App or a Device?
Telematics uses a small device installed in your car—usually plugged into a port under the dashboard. This device collects important info like location, speed, and how the car’s being driven.
Depending on your needs, it can be a plug-in unit (easy to install and remove) or a hardwired version that’s built in for longer-term setups.
Some systems come with a mobile app or online dashboard, so you can easily check trip data, driver behaviour, and even vehicle health—all in real time. Think of it like a fitness tracker, but for your car.
What Cars Have Telematics in Australia?
Many newer fleet vehicles already come telematics-ready, especially if you’re using fleet-specific models or EVs with advanced systems. For everyone else, telematics can be installed after purchase, making it accessible for passenger cars, utes, trucks, and even plant equipment.
Fleetcare’s Fleetdynamics system is flexible enough to work across mixed fleets of all sizes and types.
How Does a Telematics Device Work?
- Data Collection: It tracks things like GPS location, speed, idling time, fuel use, and braking habits.
- Transmission: It sends this data to the cloud via mobile networks.
- Analytics: The data is processed and displayed on a dashboard, giving you insights into driver behaviour, vehicle health, and overall fleet performance.
This helps you make smarter decisions—like dispatching the closest car, planning better routes, or identifying drivers who might need a safety refresher.
Can You Disable or Uninstall It?
Telematics devices can be disabled, removed or replaced by our Fleetdynamics team. Speak with your fleet provider first.
How Do You Know If Your Car Has Telematics?
If you're not sure, ask your fleet provider or dealer. They’ll know if it’s been fitted.
Still unsure? Give Fleetcare a call on 134 333, and we can help you figure it out.
What Are the Benefits of Telematics?
Here’s where things get good:
- Fuel Savings – Optimise routes, reduce idling, and track fuel misuse.
- Safety Monitoring – Identify harsh braking, speeding, and unsafe habits.
- Real-Time Location – Know where your vehicles are, 24/7.
- Compliance – Manage Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and fuel tax credits easily.
- Maintenance Alerts – Know when your car needs attention before it breaks down.
- Theft Recovery – Instantly track and locate stolen cars.
- Admin Reduction – Automated logbooks and reports.
Learn more about how Fleetcare’s Fleetdynamics system brings all of these features together in one easy-to-use platform.
Is Telematics Insurance Worth It?
Telematics insurance (sometimes called “usage-based insurance”) uses telematics data to assess your risk and set your premium based on actual driving habits.
- Drive safely? You could pay less.
- Drive erratically? It might cost you.
In Australia, this model is still emerging, but it’s worth exploring—especially for businesses with large fleets or parents with young drivers.
How Telematics Helps Fleetcare Customers
With Fleetcare’s Fleetdynamics telematics, businesses across Australia are improving driver safety, cutting costs, and unlocking tax benefits.
- Real-time tracking
- Driver safety scores
- Fuel tax credit data
- FBT reporting
- Integration with our fleet management services
It’s not just technology—it’s a smarter, safer, more cost-effective way to run your fleet.
Ready to Get Smarter with Your Fleet?
Telematics is no longer just for big businesses. Whether you’ve got 3 cars or 300, it’s a powerful tool for saving money, improving safety, and staying in control.
Let Fleetcare help you get started.
Get in touch with our team here [form] or 📞 Call or email us at 134 333 help@fleetdynamics.com.au