Abstract: A method for providing telematics to a vehicle includes the step of providing a user-removable telematics component with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a data pump, and a short range wireless personal area network transceiver. The telematics component is communicatively connected to an integrated communication device of the vehicle. The integrated communication device has a short range wireless personal area network transceiver and a memory storing a list that includes at least a phone number of at least one currently paired mobile communication device. At least a portion of the list is periodically received at the data pump, the portion of the list including the phone number of the at least one currently paired mobile communication device. The portion of the list is periodically transmitted out from the telematics component to an off-site telematics provider utilizing a communications path of the data pump.

Abstract: A method and system for providing emergency call (e-call) services is disclosed. A third-party service center receives a voice call from a vehicle. Signaling is automatically sent to the vehicle from the third-party service center over the voice call. Location information is received from the vehicle at the third-party service center in response to the signaling. Information is forwarded from the voice call and the location information to a public safety answering point (PSAP) determined by the third-party service center.

Abstract: A system for providing telematics to a vehicle is provided. The system includes an integrated communication device of the vehicle having a memory holding a list uniquely identifying at least one mobile communication device. The system includes a telematics component that is communicatively connected to the integrated communication device of the vehicle and has a data pump that sends out a request for information. An off-site telematics information provider receives a request for information from the telematics component utilizing a communications path between the data pump of the telematics component and the off-site telematics information provider. The at least one mobile communication device automatically receives a channeled response to the request for information from the off-site telematics information provider when connected to the integrated communication device.

Abstract: A method for providing telematics to a vehicle includes providing a user-removable telematics component with a GPS device, a data pump, a short range wireless personal area network (e.g., Bluetooth) transceiver, and a user interface. The telematics component connects to an integrated communication device of the vehicle having a transceiver and a memory storing a list including a number of a currently paired mobile communication device. In response to a request for assistance, the user interface receives the request and the data pump receives at least the number. An assistance request is transmitted out from the telematics component utilizing a data pump communications path, the request including the number. An off-site telematics provider receives the request for assistance and a communication link between the off-site telematics provider and the at least one currently paired mobile communication device is opened.

Abstract: A method for providing telematics to a vehicle includes the steps of providing a user-removable telematics component with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a data pump, and a short range wireless personal area network transceiver (e.g., Bluetooth transceiver), communicatively connecting the telematics component to an integrated communication device of the vehicle, the integrated communication device having a vehicle short range wireless personal area network transceiver operable to connect and communicate with at least one of at least one mobile communication device selected from a currently paired mobile communication device, a previously paired mobile communication device, and a pre-defined mobile communication device and a least one vehicle communications bus, receiving at the data pump a request from the at least one mobile communication device to perform a vehicle function, and performing the vehicle function with the telematics component.

Abstract: A method for providing telematics to a vehicle includes the steps of providing a user-removable telematics component that has a Global Positioning System device, a data pump, and a short range wireless personal area network transceiver (e.g., Bluetooth transceiver), communicatively connecting the telematics component to an integrated communication device of the vehicle, the integrated communication device having a memory holding a list uniquely identifying at least one mobile communication device selected from a currently paired mobile communication device, a previously paired mobile communication device, and a pre-defined mobile communication device, transmitting a request for information out from the telematics component utilizing a communications path of the data pump, receiving the request for information at an off-site telematics provider, and channeling a response to the request for information from the off-site telematics provider automatically through the at least one mobile communication device.

Abstract: A method for providing telematics to a vehicle includes the step of providing a user-removable telematics component with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a data pump, and a short range wireless personal area network transceiver. The telematics component is communicatively connected to an integrated communication device of the vehicle. The integrated communication device has a short range wireless personal area network transceiver and a memory storing a list that includes at least a phone number of at least one currently paired mobile communication device. At least a portion of the list is periodically received at the data pump, the portion of the list including the phone number of the at least one currently paired mobile communication device. The portion of the list is periodically transmitted out from the telematics component to an off-site telematics provider utilizing a communications path of the data pump.

Abstract: A retrofitting telematics device for a vehicle that has an integrated communication device with a short range wireless personal area network transceiver (e.g., a Bluetooth transceiver) and a memory holding a list uniquely identifying at least one mobile communication device that is a currently paired mobile communication device, a previously paired mobile communication device, and/or a pre-defined mobile communication device. The retrofitting telematics device includes a user-removable telematics component with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a short range wireless personal area network transceiver (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing a plurality of available network connections is disclosed. The apparatus has a plurality of communication modules. Each communication module provides a different mode of communication. The apparatus includes a configurable network database that stores configurable rules. The configurable rules are received by the configurable network database from a server. The apparatus also includes a connection manager that: manages the plurality of communication modules, and selects an appropriate connection from the plurality of communication modules based on the stored configurable rules located in the configurable network database.

Abstract: A method for providing insurance underwriting using user-centric data includes receiving data reported from an application running on a telematics unit or a mobile device, matching the received data to known locations, and generating a score based on the reported data and the matched data. The reported data and the matched data are used to determine miles traveled. A valid trip is determined. A valid driver is determined to associate with the valid trip. A sum of valid trips is determined over a period of time. Location data for the mobile device or the telematics unit is determined. The location data is determined using network-based resources. The location data is determined using the mobile device or the telematics unit. The location data can be determined using a combination of network-based resources and the mobile device or the telematics unit. A change in location is categorized into a trip signature.

Abstract: A method for providing telematics to a vehicle includes the steps of communicatively connecting a user-removable telematics component to an integrated communication device of the vehicle, the integrated communication device having a memory holding a list uniquely identifying at least one mobile communication device selected from a currently paired mobile communication device, a previously paired mobile communication device, and a pre-defined mobile communication device, transmitting a request for information out from the telematics component utilizing a communications path between the data pump and the integrated communication device, receiving the request for information at an off-site telematics information provider, and channeling a response to the request for information from the off-site telematics information provider automatically through the mobile communication device.

Abstract: A method for providing marketing materials from a marketing and information service platform to a vehicle telematics system comprises the steps of receiving route information at an integral telematics system of a vehicle and delivering personalized messages to the telematics system for transmission to a user of the vehicle based on at least one of location and pre-defined preference information corresponding to the route information. A method for providing marketing materials from a marketing and information services platform to a vehicle telematics system comprises the steps of sending route information from the vehicle telematics system integral with a vehicle to the marketing and information service platform remote from the vehicle and receiving personalized messages at the vehicle telematics system from the marketing and information service platform based on at least one of location and pre-defined preference information corresponding to the route information.

Abstract: A method for providing telematics to a vehicle includes the step of providing a user-removable telematics component with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a data pump, and a short range wireless personal area network transceiver. The telematics component is communicatively connected to an integrated communication device of the vehicle. The integrated communication device has a short range wireless personal area network transceiver and a memory storing a list that includes at least a phone number of at least one currently paired mobile communication device. At least a portion of the list is periodically received at the data pump, the portion of the list including the phone number of the at least one currently paired mobile communication device. The portion of the list is periodically transmitted out from the telematics component to an off-site telematics provider utilizing a communications path of the data pump.

Abstract: A method for determining an insurance premium cost to insure a vehicle. A wireless communication link exists between a vehicle telematics system of the vehicle and a control center remote from the vehicle. The control center has a data center including a database server and a protocol gateway exchanging data with the server, and a web portal connected to the data center. Driver metrics data associated with the vehicle and/or the driver are communicated by a vehicle telematics system to the data center and are analyzed to create a driver profile. The driver profile is shared with at least one insurance carrier who can assign a rating to the profile and, thereby, determines an insurance premium cost to insure the vehicle, which is sent to an owner or a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for warning at least one contact person associated with a vehicle that the vehicle is within a geographical warning zone includes initiating and establishing a wireless communication link between a vehicle telematics system of the vehicle and a control system remote from the vehicle. The control system includes a weather identification system, a map database, and a data processing system operable to communicate with the weather identification system and the map database though a communication link. A dangerous weather condition is detected and a geographic area within which the dangerous weather condition is identified. The geographic area is communicated to the data processing system. The geographic area interfaces with the map database to define a geographic warning zone. The vehicle is located within the geographic warning zone and a warning message is communicated to the person associated with the vehicle regarding the vehicle being in the warning zone.

Abstract: A method for providing telematics to a vehicle includes the step of providing a user-removable telematics component with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a data pump, and a short range wireless personal area network transceiver. The telematics component is communicatively connected to an integrated communication device of the vehicle. The integrated communication device has a short range wireless personal area network transceiver and a memory storing a list that includes at least a phone number of at least one currently paired mobile communication device. At least a portion of the list is periodically received at the data pump, the portion of the list including the phone number of the at least one currently paired mobile communication device. The portion of the list is periodically transmitted out from the telematics component to an off-site telematics provider utilizing a communications path of the data pump.

Abstract: A method for providing telematics to a vehicle includes the steps of providing a user-removable telematics component with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a data pump, and a short range wireless personal area network transceiver (e.g., Bluetooth transceiver), communicatively connecting the telematics component to an integrated communication device of the vehicle, the integrated communication device having a vehicle short range wireless personal area network transceiver operable to connect and communicate with at least one of at least one mobile communication device selected from a currently paired mobile communication device, a previously paired mobile communication device, and a pre-defined mobile communication device and a least one vehicle communications bus, receiving at the data pump a request from the at least one mobile communication device to perform a vehicle function, and performing the vehicle function with the telematics component.

Abstract: A method for providing telematics to a vehicle includes providing a user-removable telematics component with a GPS device, a data pump, a short range wireless personal area network (e.g., Bluetooth) transceiver, and a user interface. The telematics component connects to an integrated communication device of the vehicle having a transceiver and a memory storing a list including a number of a currently paired mobile communication device. In response to a request for assistance, the user interface receives the request and the data pump receives at least the number. An assistance request is transmitted out from the telematics component utilizing a data pump communications path, the request including the number. An off-site telematics provider receives the request for assistance and a communication link between the off-site telematics provider and the at least one currently paired mobile communication device is opened.

Abstract: A retrofitting telematics device for a vehicle that has an integrated communication device with a short range wireless personal area network transceiver (e.g., a Bluetooth transceiver) and a memory holding a list uniquely identifying at least one mobile communication device that is a currently paired mobile communication device, a previously paired mobile communication device, and/or a pre-defined mobile communication device. The retrofitting telematics device includes a user-removable telematics component with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a short range wireless personal area network transceiver (e.g.

Abstract: A method for providing telematics to a vehicle includes the steps of providing a user-removable telematics component that has a Global Positioning System device, a data pump, and a short range wireless personal area network transceiver (e.g., Bluetooth transceiver), communicatively connecting the telematics component to an integrated communication device of the vehicle, the integrated communication device having a memory holding a list uniquely identifying at least one mobile communication device selected from a currently paired mobile communication device, a previously paired mobile communication device, and a pre-defined mobile communication device, transmitting a request for information out from the telematics component utilizing a communications path of the data pump, receiving the request for information at an off-site telematics provider, and channeling a response to the request for information from the off-site telematics provider automatically through the at least one mobile communication device.