Submit your odometer reading using the deadline, evidence, and channel specified by your insurer or broker. There is no universal insurance-industry procedure: requirements vary by company, policy, and jurisdiction. A one-time reading for a mileage discount is also different from ongoing tracking through a usage-based insurance (UBI) or telematics program.
How to submit an odometer reading
- Read the insurer’s request. Check whether it asks for a single reading for a discount or rating calculation, or invites you to enroll in ongoing UBI or telematics tracking.
- Confirm the requirements. Find the due date, any permitted date range for the reading or proof, accepted submission channel, and required file or document types. If anything is unclear, ask the insurer or broker.
- Record the display accurately. Read the odometer directly and follow the insurer’s instructions about units, decimals, leading zeros, and rounding. Do not estimate if an actual reading is requested.
- Submit acceptable evidence. If a photo is allowed, make sure the display is legible and check whether the insurer requires a date or other identifying information. Keep a copy of what you submit and the confirmation.
- Contact the insurer if there is a problem. If you missed the deadline or the odometer is broken, ask promptly what options apply. Rules and consequences depend on the insurer and policy.
What happens if you miss the deadline or the odometer does not work?
There is no general deadline, penalty, coverage consequence, or right to a retroactive discount established across insurers. Ask your insurer how the terms of your policy apply. Do not assume that a late reading will be accepted or that missing one automatically changes coverage.
For example, ICBC says the odometer must work for its odometer-reading process. Its rules are specific to British Columbia and ICBC; they should not be treated as another insurer’s requirements. See ICBC’s odometer submission instructions.
How ICBC’s British Columbia process works
ICBC provides a concrete example of a manual reading process. If a customer could not provide a reading at purchase or renewal, ICBC accepts a later online submission or submission through a broker. For its usage-based discount, it requires dated proof within a seven-day window around the policy purchase or renewal date. Accepted proof can include a clear, legible odometer photo, qualifying repair or service documentation, or specified vehicle documents. The odometer must work, and the reading is entered without decimals. ICBC retains a submitted first reading until another is submitted a year later. Check the current ICBC instructions for the applicable details.
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- CEL Doctor: The ANCEL AD310 is one of the best-selling OBD II scanners on the market and is recommended by Scotty Kilmer, a YouTuber and auto mechanic. It can easily determine the cause of the check engine light coming on. After repairing the vehicle's problems, it can quickly read and clear diagnostic trouble codes of emission system, read live data & hard memory data, view freeze frame, I/M monitor readiness and collect vehicle information
- Sturdy and Compact: Equipped with a 2.5 foot cable made of very thick, flexible insulation. It is important to have a sturdy scanner as it can easily fall to the ground when working in a car. The AD310 OBD2 scanner is a well-constructed mechanic tool with a sleek design. It weighs 12 ounces and measures 8.9 x 6.9 x 1.4 inches. Thanks to its compact design and light weight, transporting the device is not a problem. The buttons are clearly labelled and the screen is large and displays results clearly
- Accurate Fast and Easy to Use: The AD310 scanner can help you or your mechanic understand if your car is in good condition, provides exceptionally accurate and fast results, reads and clears engine trouble emission codes in seconds after you fixed the problem. This device will let you know immediately and fix the problem right away without any car knowledge. No need for batteries or a charger, get power directly from the OBDII Data Link Connector in your vehicle
- OBDII Protocols and Car Compatibility: Many cheap scan tools do not really support all OBD2 protocols. AD310 scanner as it can support all OBDII protocols such as KWP2000, J1850 VPW, ISO9141, J1850 PWM and CAN. This device also has extensive vehicle compatibility with 1996 US-based, 2000 EU-based and Asian cars, light trucks, SUVs, as well as newer OBD2 and CAN vehicles both domestic and foreign. Pls confirm with our customer service whether it is compatible with your vehicle before purchasing
- Home Necessity and Worthy to Own: This is an excellent code reader to travel or home with as it weighs less and it is compact in design. You can easily slide it in your backpack as you head to the garage, or put it on the dashboard, this will be a great fit for you. The AD310 is not only portable, but also accurate and fast in performance. Moreover, it covers various car brands and is suitable for people who just need a code reader to check their car
Does reporting a reading mean your insurer tracks your driving?
No. A one-time odometer submission does not by itself establish that you have enrolled in continuous tracking. Manual reporting may be used to assess eligibility for a distance-based discount or rating calculation. Telematics programs instead collect driving data over time through an app, a device, or a vehicle’s built-in system.
The NAIC says telematics data can include mileage, time of day, location, acceleration, braking, cornering, and airbag deployment. Mileage-based pricing can connect costs more closely to vehicle use and driving behavior, but a discount is not guaranteed: each insurer’s eligibility rules and rating method determine the result. Review the specific program before opting in. The NAIC’s telematics overview explains how these programs can work.
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Questions to ask before joining a tracking program
- What driving data does the app, device, or vehicle system collect?
- How does each type of data affect the premium, and can the premium increase?
- How long is the data retained, who can access it, and is it shared?
- Is participation optional under this policy and in this jurisdiction?
- What happens if an app or device stops reporting?
- What are the program’s eligibility rules and any discount limits?
The NAIC’s consumer guidance puts the key point plainly: “Know exactly what driving data is collected and used by your insurer to determine your UBI premium.” Read its September 8, 2021 explanation of usage-based insurance alongside the insurer’s own terms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How mileage information may reach an insurer
Do not assume there is one nationwide US portal or a universal odometer-photo rule. NAIC materials describe UBI and telematics as insurance practices, but do not set one consumer submission procedure for all insurers. The NAIC also notes that many states require insurers to obtain approval for new rating plans, and that data collection and regulatory requirements vary. Check your insurer’s instructions and the rules that apply where the vehicle is insured. See the NAIC consumer auto insurance page.
Rank #3
- [Easy to Use—Work Out of the Box] + [FOXWELL 2026 New Version] FOXWELL NT604 Elite scan tool is the 2026 new version from FOXWELL, designed for car owners who want to figure out the cause of issues before fixing car problems by scanning common systems like ABS, SRS, engine, and transmission. The NT604 Elite obd2 scanner diagnostic tool comes with the latest software—no need to waste time downloading software first. Plug the scanner into the OBDII port with OBDII cable to start the diagnosis.
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- [5 in 1 Car Diagnostic Scanner] Compared with obd scanners (50-100), NT604 Elite code scanner not only includes their OBDII diagnosis but also serves as ABS/SRS scanner, transmission and check engine code reader. When it’s an odb2 scanner, you can use it to check if your car is ready for annual test through I/M readiness menu. In addition, live data stream, built-in DTC library, data play back and print, all these features are a big plus for it. Note: doesn't support maintenance functions like reset or relearn. For the SRS system, NT604 Elite can read and clear common fault codes not caused by a crash, but crash/collision data cannot be cleared.
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Connected-car data sharing is another possible route, but it is not universal. The CFPB lists Connected Analytic Services (CAS) as a company that collects and reports driving behavior data to insurers. According to the CFPB, CAS will not have data for a vehicle unless the consumer opted to share it through the manufacturer’s mobile app or another manufacturer-authorized process. That describes CAS, not every insurer or vehicle. See the CFPB’s Connected Analytic Services page.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
