Got my first Onstar Diags report.

[2Muchmark]

Originally Posted by Camaro509

They have biometric sensors in the steering wheel. When you first get the car and the dealer walks you through the OnStar registration process they get a sample reading from you.

WHAT !?!?!? No way... are you serious?

[PewterPhil]

If your insurance company can use OnStar data to give you a safe driver rate, can't they use it to cancel you when you are found to be speeding pretty much every day? I drive an Xterra now so I'm obviously not speeding to race people etc... but I never do the exact posted speed limit on the freeway. I always follow the flow of traffic in the fast lane and that is usually about 10 to 15 MPH over the freeway speed limit. Couldn't an insurance company use that data to label an OnStar user as a habitual speeder?

This seems very Big Brothery to me. Does anyone have official instructions on how to disable OnStar, or is it really as simple as just pulling the fuse?

[2Muchmark]

I don't think the Insurance companies can use Onstar data to determine if you are a good / safe driver. Privacy laws protect this kind of info.

However, Onstar data IS available to the insurance companies in the event of a crash. Since the data contains EVERYTHING about the car including speed, direction, rpm etc etc, insurance companies can determine who was at fault in a crash.

[Justin]

And the reason you get a discount for having OnStar is because it significantly reduces the chances of someone dying in a car accident, etc. since there is that immediate response and so much more information available to the responders. This way they're fully prepared when they arrive on the scene, and because it's a great way to detect a stolen vehicle, therefore reducing the financial risk to the insurance company. It has nothing to do with your driving habits.

[stovt001]

If Onstar reported everyone who was speeding to their insurance company, you would have heard about it long before now. If that happened, GM would have a problem selling one single vehicle. It could conceivably happen, but there is enough incentive to not volunteer that information. However, if you wreck, then yes that information might come into play (rightfully so, IMHO).

[CWI]

Originally Posted by 2Muchmark

I don't think the Insurance companies can use Onstar data to determine if you are a good / safe driver. Privacy laws protect this kind of info.

However, Onstar data IS available to the insurance companies in the event of a crash. Since the data contains EVERYTHING about the car including speed, direction, rpm etc etc, insurance companies can determine who was at fault in a crash.

Many insurance companies do indeed have programs that base your rate on your driving habits based on Onstar reports.
They are programs however, that you would need to sign up for. They will give discounts for good driving and raise your rates for poor driving habits.
If you subscribe to such a policy, you end up with a variable insurance rate.

Not for most SS Camaro owners however.

Personally I like having Onstar. I've had it for 4 years now. Only had to use it a few times but it is damn handy. Last winter on a long trip, I had to lock in 4WD and faced a head wind that lowered my mileage considerably. I would normally have a quarter tank left at my next fuel stop. 30 miles away, I thought I could make it, I ran out of gas a mile from the fuel stop. Onstar took care of me right away and GM Roadside took care of the service call and a tow truck brought a couple gallons of gas and I was on my way. Lockout protection would be nice too even though i've never had to use it that way.

The monthly report also shows miles driven per day and average speed, something handy for those who are buyuing this car for their 16 year olds and using their insurance. It also has oil life history as a bar chart. I think it is printable so you could use as proof of proper maintainence when you decide to sell. To me there are far more + than -.