A recent report from The New York Times has shed light on a concerning reality: your driving habits may not be as private as you believe, especially if you own an internet-connected vehicle.
According to the report, vehicles equipped with internet connectivity have the capability to collect data on various driving behaviors, such as hard braking and rapid accelerations. This data is then shared with data broker LexisNexis, which collaborates with insurance companies to tailor coverage based on individual driving patterns.
The Times interviewed a Chevrolet Bolt owner who was startled to discover a detailed 258-page report on his driving habits when he questioned a sudden 21% increase in his insurance premiums. Similar experiences were recounted by other vehicle owners who saw their insurance costs spike, only to be directed to check their LexisNexis reports for explanations.
One focus of the report is General Motors' OnStar Smart Driver service, which has been under scrutiny. Some drivers enrolled in Smart Driver reported an increase in insurance costs. While OnStar has been a staple feature in GM vehicles for years, Smart Driver, introduced in 2016, allows drivers to monitor and enhance their driving habits through a gamified experience.
GM acknowledged sharing "select insights" with LexisNexis but emphasized that Smart Driver is an optional service that owners can deactivate at any time. However, some drivers claimed their insurance premiums rose even without enrolling in Smart Driver. The Times referenced a GM company manual suggesting dealer salespeople could receive incentives for enrolling customers in the service.
GM clarified that Smart Driver requires customers' consent multiple times before data sharing and stressed that users have the freedom to opt out whenever they wish.
For GM car owners with OnStar services, it's advisable to check if you're enrolled in Smart Driver through your vehicle's respective app, such as MyChevrolet or MyBuick. Additionally, resources shared by drivers on platforms like Reddit offer guidance on how to unenroll from the service.
In an era where data privacy is increasingly valued, it's essential for consumers to be aware of the extent to which their personal information, even seemingly innocuous driving habits, may be shared and utilized by various entities.
Source: Business Insider
Photo: Getty