October 29, 2026 | Have You Heard? Original Consumer Report
Your car knows where you go. Depending on its technology and settings, it may also know when you drive, how quickly you accelerate, how sharply you brake, and whether you exceed the speed limit.
But here’s the bigger question: Who else gets to see that information?
That question took center stage Thursday after General Motors agreed to pay $220 million to resolve a multistate investigation into allegations that the automaker sold consumers’ driving behavior and location data to third parties without appropriate consent.
What Happened With General Motors?
On October 29, a bipartisan coalition of 36 state attorneys general announced a $220 million settlement with GM involving its former Smart Driver program.
According to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, millions of drivers were enrolled in Smart Driver between 2016 and 2024. The program was promoted as a way for motorists to better understand and improve their driving habits.
State investigators alleged that GM sold driving information to data brokers, which then supplied it to insurance companies. Those insurers could use the information when determining premiums.
GM discontinued Smart Driver in 2024. In a statement reported by Reuters, the company said the settlement reinforces improvements to its privacy practices and its commitment to clearer customer choices.
Ohio Will Receive More Than $8 Million
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson announced that Ohio will receive $8,076,105 through the agreement.
The settlement also requires GM to obtain express consent before collecting or disclosing covered driving and location information, limit its data collection, and strengthen privacy protections and dealership oversight.
The settlement payment goes to participating states; it should not be mistaken for an automatic refund to every GM owner.
What Information Can a Connected Car Collect?
Modern connected vehicles can generate a detailed digital record of everyday travel. Depending on the manufacturer, model, services, and privacy settings, information may include:
- Trip starting and ending times
- Vehicle location and travel routes
- Speeding events
- Sudden braking and rapid acceleration
- Distance driven and vehicle usage
- Vehicle diagnostics and connected-service activity
Some of this information supports useful features, including navigation, maintenance alerts, emergency assistance, and voluntary insurance-discount programs. The privacy issue arises when drivers do not clearly understand what is being collected, who receives it, and how it may be used.
Could Your Driving Data Affect Insurance Rates?
Potentially, yes. Insurance companies sometimes use telematics information to evaluate driving behavior. In voluntary programs, drivers may agree to share information in exchange for a possible discount.
But the GM investigation raised a different concern: regulators alleged that consumers’ information reached insurance-related data brokers without the meaningful permission drivers expected.
Not every connected car shares information in the same way, and owning a connected vehicle does not automatically mean your insurer is monitoring you. The details depend on the services, agreements, and data-sharing practices involved.
Five Things Drivers Can Do Right Now
1. Review Your Vehicle’s Privacy Settings
Open your manufacturer’s vehicle app or connected-services account. Look for options concerning driving behavior, analytics, location sharing, and third-party data sharing.
2. Check What You Agreed To
Review the permissions associated with connected-car services, including programs activated when you purchased the vehicle. Ask the manufacturer or dealership to clarify any unfamiliar enrollment.
3. Ask About Access and Deletion
Check whether your automaker offers a way to request a copy of your personal information, limit certain uses, or request deletion. Available rights vary by state and service.
4. Examine Insurance Telematics Programs
Before joining a driving-monitoring discount program, find out what data is collected, how long it is retained, and whether the information could affect your premium.
5. Ask Questions Before Buying Your Next Car
When shopping for a vehicle, ask which connected services are optional, which are necessary for safety features, and how to control data sharing. Turning off certain services may disable useful functions, so understand the tradeoffs before changing settings.
The Bigger Question: Who Controls the Data?
Connected-car technology can make driving more convenient and safer. But the GM settlement illustrates why transparency and meaningful consent matter as vehicles become increasingly software-driven.
A driver may agree to receive maintenance reminders or emergency assistance without expecting detailed driving records to influence an insurance decision.
The real issue isn’t whether vehicles should have advanced technology. It’s whether consumers understand and control how that technology uses their personal information.
Have You Heard? Bottom Line: Your vehicle may be collecting more information than you realize. Review your connected-car privacy settings, understand what you’ve authorized, and ask who can access your driving history.
Sources and Further Reading
- Ohio Attorney General — GM Settlement Announcement, October 29, 2026
- Michigan Attorney General — Settlement Details and Consumer Privacy Protections
- New York Attorney General — Investigation Findings
- Reuters — GM Privacy Settlement and Company Response
Have You Heard? independently prepared this consumer explainer using public enforcement announcements and reporting. It does not represent a firsthand investigation into individual vehicles or insurance records.
