General Motors Settles Over Driver Data Sales

A coalition of 36 attorneys general reached a $220 million settlement with General Motors over the sale of drivers' location and driving data to insurers.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Insurance

General Motors Settles Over Driver Data Sales

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Alaska settled with General Motors over allegations that the automaker sold drivers' private driving and location data to third parties, which was then used by insurance companies in part to set rates. Under the settlement, General Motors will pay $220 million in total, with Alaska receiving $2,508,188.

Why it matters

The settlement requires General Motors to obtain affirmative express consent before collecting or disclosing driving and location data, changing how drivers' information can be used in insurance pricing. It highlights how data collected through connected-car programs can flow to insurers without drivers' clear knowledge.

The settlement totals $220 million across 36 states, with Alaska's share set at $2,508,188. The figures do not indicate how many drivers' data was sold or how much individual premiums were affected.

The players

General Motors

General Motors is a major American automaker whose OnStar connected-car service and Smart Driver program are at the center of the settlement.

Alaska Attorney General's Office

The Alaska Attorney General's Office is the state legal body that joined the 36-state coalition and announced the settlement.

The details

General Motors allegedly sold consumers' driver behavior and location information to data brokers, who passed it to insurers. From 2016 to 2024, the automaker enrolled millions of drivers in its Smart Driver program, which was combined with OnStar sign-ups at dealerships, where employees allegedly accepted terms on customers' behalf.

From 2016 to 2024, General Motors operated the Smart Driver enrollment program.
Last week, the Acting Attorney General announced the settlement from Anchorage.

Roadmap

The settlement follows a pattern of coordinated multistate attorney general action against companies that monetize consumer data without clear consent. It extends that enforcement model from digital platforms into the automotive connected-car market.

Drivers with connected-car services may now have stronger rights to refuse data sharing before it reaches insurers. Consumers should check whether their vehicle's telematics program is linked to insurance pricing before enrolling.

The takeaway

Drivers should review any connected-car or insurance telematics program they have joined and confirm what data is shared with third parties. Requiring express consent gives customers a clearer choice over whether their driving habits affect their premiums.