10 Apps Every Driver Should Have

Between the Apple App Store and Google’s Play Store, there are more than 5,000,000 phone apps available. While many of them focus on music, sports, health, productivity, and casino/games that you can play on your phone, there are also plenty of helpful apps for drivers. Here are 10 of the best apps every driver should have.

1. Waze

Today, everyone’s phone has either Google or Apple Maps, which is fair because both offer strong navigation for the average user. Waze, however, provides a unique spin on navigation. Some drivers say the visuals for turns and exits are more prominent. User reporting has become a frequently touted feature in the Waze community, with drivers having an easier time manually reporting speed traps and traffic jams. The result? The app suggests an alternate route before you get stuck and could even help you avoid a speeding ticket. 

2. GasBuddy

GasBuddy has been an excellent ally for drivers of gas-powered cars. Like Waze, GasBuddy uses a community reporting system but applies it to the price of gas at many stations nationwide. Need gas? Use GasBuddy to find out which stations along the route offer the lowest fuel prices. Users earn points by reporting local gas prices, which can be cashed in for discounts on gas.

3. Spotify

What else are drivers going to listen to in the car? Road noise? Whatever is on the radio? Many drivers prefer to use Spotify, especially those with a good infotainment system or the common combination of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Spotify allows access to a massive library of music and podcasts. With paid app versions, users can choose songs, while the free version offers music shuffled from curated lists.

Many modern vehicles allow the steering wheel buttons to control Spotify, making music and podcast selection much safer and more convenient. 

4. Audible

Audible, owned by Amazon, gives drivers and their passengers access to an enormous library of audiobooks perfect for busting boredom on road trips and during daily commutes. Should an adventure take the trip outside of dependable cell phone coverage, users can download an audiobook for play anytime. An audiobook may also be helpful for a passenger who enjoys reading on the road but suffers from motion sickness.

5. Upside

Who doesn’t want to save money? Upside offers local deals on everything from gas to groceries and other retail benefits. Combining Upside and GasBuddy allows drivers to score a discount while already knowing the lowest local gas price. Upside is also easier than coupons, as all the discounts are digital and don’t require paper.

6. Parkopedia

While there are more than a few parking apps that can help guide drivers through the maze of finding a spot for their cars in urban areas, Parkopedia is one of the best ones. Rather than circling the block in frustration trying to find the best parking spot yourself, why not let Parkopedia reserve one for you ahead of time and just pay on your phone?

7. TuneIn Radio

Yes, there are apps for streaming music and podcasts, but those aren’t complete for those who enjoy live talk radio and sports. TuneIn Radio allows drivers and passengers to tune into local and national radio channels without fidgeting through the vehicle’s interface to find the right station. TuneIn is a great option after exiting the vehicle too, as the listener can keep playing the radio wherever they want.

8. AutoMate

AutoMate connects several of the previously mentioned apps via a voice-controlled dashboard similar to, though perhaps superior to, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. As a result, you can easily navigate apps while on the road without reaching for the phone or looking away. For safety’s sake, combine AutoMate with a phone mount.

9. Insurance Apps

Why print an insurance card and stuff it in a purse or center console when it’s available on a smartphone? Without naming a particular insurance app, it can certainly be worth downloading for fast access to roadside assistance. Plus, drivers should only need their login, face, or fingerprint to access up-to-date insurance info in the event of a traffic stop.

Some apps and insurance companies offer a discount if drivers allow the company to track driving habits. For people with tight budgets or who pay high insurance premiums due to driving history or age, these can be worth it. 

10. Smart Dash Cam

With the rise in insurance fraud, dashcams have slowly but surely become a good idea. A dash cam is worth it if a driver can prove they aren’t at fault in an accident, but Smart Dash Cam isn’t the only one out there, so do some research. Keep an eye on the storage so that potentially important videos are not erased. To make the most of a dash cam, drivers will also have to recognize that they aren’t supposed to move or touch their phone while it’s on, which can help encourage safe and distraction-free driving.

Conclusion

Everyday driving has many needs that can be met with smartphone apps. Many apps are dedicated to precise navigation, while others can help save money on expenses like gas and common expenses. Insurance apps will help keep a car passenger in touch with their insurance company in the event of a mechanical problem while also giving some opportunities for discounts. Check out the app store to see what else helps!