Most new vehicles offer internet services that help provide all sorts of popular features, from in-car apps to remote functions to Wi-Fi hot spots. However, these «connected» cars can also be a gold mine of driver data—not only for automakers, but also for insurance companies. The extent of the tracked driver data and how it can affect insurance rates was detailed in a New York Times article published this week. The story centers around how automakers such as General Motors share customers' driving behavior with data-collection companies such as LexisNexis, which in turn sells that information to auto insurance companies. In one example, the Times detailed how in 2022 the driver of a leased Chevy Bolt EV only discovered that his driving habits were shared with his insurer after his rates reportedly increased by 21 percent. The man claimed to have had no idea his information was being tracked and shared. That's the main issue here. Automakers are collecting user data, but sometimes it's without effectively letting custom
