The concern of those who drive responsibly and on occasion, but pay the same flat insurance rates as those who don't, has become a crusade for some Maryland insurers. The new "pay-as-you-drive" program offers in-vehicle devices that track mileage and driving patterns to charge customers accordingly.

Progressive was the first to answer the call, introducing the program in 6 states, the Baltimore Sun reports. Policyholders plug a $30 wireless transmitter into a car's On-Board Data (OBD) port and begin streaming speed, miles driven and even abrupt breaking patterns to Progressive. Those interested in reducing premiums can alter their driving habits and track savings data on Progressive's password-protected website. The program even offers some eco benefits as motorists are incentivized to drive less.

Maryland drivers who saved on their insurance, and even local politicians like the state Sen. Lisa Gladden, a Baltimore Democrat, couldn't be happier. "Why should my insurance rates be as high as the two-time drunk driver or the guy who speeds?" she asks. Some, however, view the chip as the big brother's watchful eye, breaching privacy in ways still unknown to drivers.

The ACLU does not appose pay-as-you-drive, but warns of the need for stricter privacy laws. "Basically, we're paying people to give up their privacy," said Barry Steinhardt, director of the ACLU's technology and liberty program. "We should have rules that say data that's collected for one purpose cannot be used for another purpose."

For an in-depth look at the pros and cons of the pay-as-you-go auto insurance go here.