Garmin nuMaps Guarantee
Garmin announced today a new program we’ve been hoping for, ever since they eliminated their map update policy. Although not available until October 15, and it only applies to devices purchased after August 17th, if a new map is available within 60 days of purchasing a “new Nuvi or Zumo”, you will now be entitled to download an updated map. (Trumping TomTom’s similar 30 day Latest Map Guarantee.)
What we don’t know for sure is what qualifies as a “new Nuvi or Zumo“. Does a Nuvi 350 qualify for example, even though it has been discontinued? We’ll seek clarification on which devices qualify.
“We’re pleased with Garmin’s efforts to make the freshest, most accurate map data available to its customers,” commented Cliff Fox, Senior Vice President, Map Division at NAVTEQ. “Our research indicates that portable navigation device users are more satisfied with their systems when the map data is up-to-date.”
We hoped along with this we would also get an announcement that Garmin has moved beyond the annual map release cycle in favor of quarterly releases, but we haven’t seen any specific indications of this.
I wrote Garmin about some issues and raised the frequency of map updates. From their response back to me: “Currently our mapping updates are released annually but this may not always be the case in the future.”
For what this adds to the discussion
FYI, just picked up a Garmin 350 and registered it last night. I was able to download for free the 2009 NA update. The unit came with the 2007 maps..
can you please let me know how and where to download 2009 map updates fo my garmin 350 thank you
I got my nuvi 350 on Aug 14, 2008, and it came loaded with the 2009 maps. Same with my friend who got a couple of 660 units around the same time.
I found this site seeking info on the nuvi 350 that i was going to buy. seeing the discontinued info i now ask you…what is the next great gps with the low price sticker that ‘replaces’ the 350 for another great option these days??
Cathy, the Garmin Nuvi 260 and the Garmin Nuvi 255 are essentially replacements for the 350 and are currently available at similar prices to the 350.
I just purchased a NUVI 350 and it came with an automatic map upgrade to 2009 when I registered it.
I purchased my nuvi 200 a few days ago at a “clearance” prices at a local dealer. I don’t know if that is the same thing as “discontinued” at Garmin. However, bottom line- The Garmin site permitted a map upgrade/download to NT 2009.
Updated maps annually? Unacceptable! Should be at least a quarterly update.
I just received the 750 for Christmas – am just reading about the map updates; I was told the updates are free for as long as you own the unit. Is this true? If not, about how much does an upgrade (after the initial one) cost?
I haven’t had time to really look at the unit but am excited about it, especially coming from t he Magellan.
Thanks in advance for any info you can supply.
Jan
No, that is not true. Map updates are not free after the first 60 days. So far Garmin has released one map update per year, typically in April. The update has been about $70. However there are strong indications that Garmin might soon offer quarterly updates, and/or offer a subscription type service that will be cheaper.
Thank you for such a quick response – I wish the sales people at BB had known more.
Are there any units (not just Garmin) that do give free updates?
Thanks, again.
Not really. TomTom offers MapShare which allows individuals to make corrections and share those with other users. But the official map updates still cost money and you can only get MapShare if your map is one year old or less. But generally all of the GPS companies buy their maps from a digital mapping company, so they have to offset those costs by charging you.
I recently purchased a Garmin Nuvi 370 and it came loaded with 2009 North America maps and 2008 Euro maps. I guess I’m lucky. Hope this helps.
The 2009 North America map was released in about April of 2008 and is based on a map Garmin received from their map supplier in the second half of 2007. So it isn’t a surprise that is the map that came with the device.
Does anyone know of a gps that gives free updates on their maps? I have a nuvi350 but do not feel like shelling out $70 bucks a year for updates.
Nobody offers routine free map updates. Well… I take that back. Devices like the TeleNav Shotgun do, but you are paying a monthly subscription fee for their services like traffic, live search, etc, and part of those services are map updates.
I purchased Nuvi 350 on 24th of the February. When I registered my device on Internet it showed me that new 2009 Map is available. When I try to download it asks me to pay $59. How come I am not eligible to receive this update free ?
Was it a refurb? What does my.garmin.com show as the first satellite acquisition date? You will likely need to contact Garmin Support for them to resolve the issue.
Yes however it was not used / registered by the earlier user. I purchased it on 24th Feb 09 and as per my.garmin.com the first satellite acquisition date is 27th Feb 09.
Then you should probably contact Garmin support.