We are all aware that our computers and our phones collect data on our activities and often share this information with third parties, but it seems we are far less aware that our cars are doing the same. 

Uswitch car insurance in the UK recently conducted research on this issue and found that 72% of drivers are unaware of the data their cars might be gathering and transmitting about them. Two thirds of drivers said they did not know that vehicle manufacturers could access personal travel data, such as driving schedules and live locations. 

Depending on the model, cars can collect a vast amount of data on things such as speeds and route histories. It can even keep a record of what was accessed via multimedia screens and infotainment systems.

In theory this information can be made available to advertisers, data brokers, car dealers, insurance companies and even the Police, depending on the terms of the data licensing agreement which drivers will almost never ever review. 

Uswitch car insurance expert, Leoni Moninska, says drivers need to be more aware of the information gathering their vehicle is carrying out. She points out that you can limit certain data collection by taking some simple actions. For example, turning off the GPS when not required and by not connecting to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or Bluetooth. 

Installing mobile apps associated with a car can also be a gateway to information stored on phones, giving car manufacturers or third parties potential access to more personal data. This can be limited in app permissions, such as denying access to microphones or cameras and asking the app not to track.

Source material with thanks to Uswitch Car Insurance.