GM Owners Can Access Their OnStar Driving Data
Following concerns regarding General Motors’ sale of driving data from its OnStar Smart Driver service, vehicle owners can now request free copies of their data. This data, sold to third-party firms and insurance companies, has led to a series of lawsuits.
Since 2016, GM has promoted OnStar Smart Driver, offering services like automatic crash response and stolen vehicle tracking. These features utilize sensors that gather driver behavior data, including speed and braking patterns.
Lawyers are reviewing OnStar data collection lawsuits for GM vehicle owners.
Lawsuits allege that GM didn’t adequately disclose its comprehensive data collection practices. In March 2024, The New York Times reported that GM sold this data to LexisNexis and Verisk, which may have shared it with insurance providers, potentially impacting insurance rates.
As a result, class action lawsuits are ongoing, seeking damages for unauthorized data use. This article details the data collected, how to request your report, and the status of the lawsuits.
What Data Was Collected?
The OnStar Smart Driver service uses telematics to monitor driving behaviors. The system collects and transmits data concerning:
- Acceleration Events: Sudden increases in speed.
- Hard Brake Events: Sudden and intense braking.
- High Speed Events: Driving over 80 mph.
- Distance Traveled: Total mileage.
- Time of Day Traveled: Driving patterns.
- Vehicle Information: VINs.
- Location and GPS Data: Driving routes and locations.
- Late-Night Driving: Driving during late-night hours.
Data Lacks Context
Lawsuits claim the data doesn’t provide context for driving events. For example, hard braking may be necessary to avoid an accident, but this context isn’t included in the data shared with insurance companies.
How to Request Your Report
You can request your driving data report through LexisNexis and Verisk.
LexisNexis Consumer Disclosure Report:
- Online Request: Visit the LexisNexis website and complete the online form.
- Mail Request: Download and mail the printable form.
- Phone Request: Call 1-866-897-8126.
Verisk Driving Behavior Data Report:
- Online Request: Visit the Verisk website and access the request form.
- Email Submission: Download and email the form to [email protected].
- Fax Submission: Fax the form to 800-955-2422.
- Mail Submission: Mail the form to the provided address.
LexisNexis report data.
Verisk report data.
GM OnStar Lawsuits
Due to the data collection, numerous lawsuits have been filed against GM and OnStar. As of November 1, 2024, 32 lawsuits have been reported. These cases have been consolidated in the Northern District of Georgia as part of a Consumer Vehicle Driving Data Tracking Litigation (MDL No. 3115).
How to Join the Class Action
To assess your eligibility for a GM OnStar class action lawsuit, submit your information for review by a lawyer. Case evaluations are free, and firms typically work on a contingency fee basis.
