Free map updates

Their policy now is that if there is a map update released, or already available, within 60 days of when you first get a satellite lock on your new device you receive that update for free.

Open a MyGarmin.com account and register your Nuvi and you will be told if a map update is available that you are eligible for from there.

There is no more fooling around with not registering for a year so you get the next new maps and all the stuff we used to go through. Also the maps are now released up to 4 times a year and not just the annual schedule we used to see.

One more thing, you will find that there is now a "Lifetime" map update program that you can purchase. Basically for about $120 you can get up to 4 map updates a year for the life of your Nuvi. See Garmin's website for details.

https://my.garmin.com/maps/nuMaps.htm

The best price I have been able to find on Garmin Lifetime Map updates are from Amazon.com for around $95 with free shipping. They will send you a plastic card with a licence number that will allow you to download the latest maps.
Sometimes they run a promotion, I got mine for $89.12.

So really, nothing's free.

Sure it is.

If you have a unit that is eligible for the nuMaps guarantee, that unit will get a single free map update.

How free is the "free" map update when you have just purchased a gps?

Let's put it this way, it won't cost you any extra to update the maps if it is done within the first 60 days. Otherwise you will need to purchase either the one-time or lifetime update package.

I hate to think of how many electrons were inconvenienced discussing if purchasing a one-time, lifetime, or new unit were the most economical. I think it boiled down to the cost of the original unit and how long you anticipated the unit remaining in service.

Do you think Garmin will ever put the lifetime maps on dvd and mail them?

I would love to have the lifetime maps but am in the outer areas and have no cable, dsl, or anything like that available to us. I use Verizon Wireless broadband and can only use 5gb a month. I normally use anywhere from 1gb to 2 1/2 gb a month. If I go over it is unreal what they charge.

Does anyone know just how big the total download is for the lifetime maps???

I was hoping Garmin had plans to mail out dvds with the lifetime maps. I know it would cost more but not as much as buying a new map each year.

Getting ready to update my map and can't find a way to get the lifetime to me.

Any ideas????

Beat's the "not so free" updates anytime after 60 days.

I updated mine in April or May of this year & I occasionally get a "Your maps are over a year old.." message when I turn it on. Crafty little buggers.

I'm in the same predicament about Internet speeds. I went to Starbucks one evening during the week and did my download using their wifi. Once downloaded, I then disconnected and went home to do the actual update which didn't require Internet connection.

I have never used wifi. That is a great idea. How long did it take you to download?

Like everything else in life, it depends on your connection. It took about 2 1/2 hours as the store had only a DSL connection. Some stores have higher speed connections so it could go faster depending on the location.

Thanks a_user. Will research and find where I can go.

You might also try your local public library for Internet services.

mgarledge - try calling Garmin and ask if you can get the latest update on DVD. I recall someone else on this forum saying that Garmin would send the update on DVD but you would be charged a small amount, $5 or $10. I'll try to find the prior thread.

I can confirm the charge for Garmin sending the map update on a DVD is $5.00. I complained about it and they waived the charge and sent it to me for free. So YMMV .. depending on the Customer Service Rep. you get.

I've seen Safeway stores and McDonalds offer free wi-fi as well. There has to be some place nearby that has it available. Pick some place you like though cause you'll likely be there for awhile.

Some of the establishments offering free WiFi limit the connection time to 30 minutes or so and then you have to reestablish your connection. Having the connection drop when trying to download the maps is a killer - no recovery. At least that was my experience.

Couldn't you just "whip out" your magic wand and give the little cutie behind the counter a wink? She might be able to give you an "extention"... what cha think?

Is Garmin the only place to buy lifetime Updates for my 885T

You can buy the lifetime maps at many retailers and online stores, including Amazon.

Would it better to purchase the Lifetime Maps from garmin.

You will download the map updates from Garmin whether you purchase the Lifetime updates directly from them or from another reseller.

Can you recommend any place to purchase it from?

As another has posted, if the service life of your unit is 3 years, you would get potentially 12 updates from the Mother Ship, for $120 or so, as opposed to $79 per. Pick your poison. The Lifetime is a no brainer!

Edit - After re-reading, I don't know it makes a difference who you purchase them from. It's the same offer, for (maybe) less money.

Try amazon ... www.amazon.com. Put Numaps lifetime in the search field.

a_user, alandb, GadgetGuy2008, jakas, Frside007...
Thanks, you are all so great at the information. I did several searches with no information found and in just a few seconds you had the answers for me.

I will call Garman and see what they can do. Thanks so very much. That will be so much eaiser if I don't have to spend several hours at a wifi spot.

Thanks again!!