Vehicle Data Collection and
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle, like other modern motor vehicles,
has a number of sophisticated computer systems
that monitor and control several aspects of the
vehicle’s performance. Your vehicle uses
on-board vehicle computers to monitor emission
control components to optimize fuel economy,
to monitor conditions for airbag deployment
and, if the vehicle has the Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS), to provide anti-lock braking and
to help the driver control the vehicle in difficult
driving situations. Some information may be stored
during regular operations to facilitate repair of
detected malfunctions; other information is stored
only in a crash event by computer systems,
such as those commonly called Event Data
Recorders (EDR).
In a crash event, computer systems, such as the
airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)
in your vehicle may record information about the
condition of the vehicle and how it was operated,
such as data related to engine speed, brake
application, throttle position, vehicle speed, safetybelt usage, airbag readiness, airbag performance,
and the severity of a collision. This information
has been used to improve vehicle crash
performance and may be used to improve
crash performance of future vehicles and driving
safety. Unlike the data recorders on many
airplanes, these on-board systems do not
record sounds, such as conversation of vehicle
occupants.
To read this information, special equipment is
needed and access to the vehicle or the device
that stores the data is required. GM will not access
information about a crash event or share it with
others other than:
with the consent of the vehicle owner or,
if the vehicle is leased, with the consent of
the lessee,
in response to an official request of police
or similar government office,
as part of GM’s defense of litigation through
the discovery process, or
as required by law.
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In some states/provinces with “no fault”
insurance laws, a report may not be necessary.
This is especially true if there are no injuries
and both vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for
your vehicle. Whether you select a Saturn
retailer or a private collision repair facility to x
the damage, make sure you are comfortable
with them. Remember, you will have to feel
comfortable with their work for a long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully
and make sure you understand what work will
be performed on your vehicle. If you have a
question, ask for an explanation. Reputable
shops welcome this opportunity.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that your vehicle requires damage
repairs, GM recommends that you take an active
role in its repair. If you have a pre-determined
repair facility of choice, take your vehicle there,
or have it towed there. Specify to the facility thatany required replacement collision parts be
original equipment parts, either new Genuine GM
parts or recycled original GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered by your
GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but you
must live with the repair. Depending on your
policy limits, your insurance company may initially
value the repair using aftermarket parts. Discuss
this with your repair professional, and insist
on Genuine GM parts. Remember if your vehicle
is leased you may be obligated to have the
vehicle repaired with Genuine GM parts, even
if your insurance coverage does not pay the
full cost.
If another party’s insurance company is paying
for the repairs, you are not obligated to accept
a repair valuation based on that insurance
company’s collision policy repair limits, as you
have no contractual limits with that company.
In such cases, you can have control of the repair
and parts choices as long as cost stays within
reasonable limits.
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