Garmin Free Map DVD Policy

Mostly they want a fee for the Dvd now.Call sometimes it depends on who you talk to.

I'm not sure about DVD mailings anymore since most updates are done online. And from what I can find, the numaps guarantee may only apply to nuvi and zumo models--not sure about nuviphones:

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

But to check and see if you have a map update available, go here (you may need to have Garmin Communicator installed first) with your nuviphone connected to your computer:

https://my.garmin.com/maps/updates.htm?in=true&ni=ie8&device...

I did finally email this specific question to Garmin and I received this response:

Dear James,

Thank you for contacting Garmin International. To update the maps on a gps unit, you will need Internet connection. Even if using a DVD, the map update process needs to get software from our server for your gps unit. Garmin will give you a free map update on your unit, if the unit meets the nuMaps Gurantee program qualifiaction. What is the nuMaps Guarantee program?

The nuMaps Guarantee1 program allows customers who have purchased a new* nuvi or a new zumo device to update the map in the unit free of charge if:

The unit is registered at http://my.garmin.com within 60 days from the unit's first use (this is based on the first time the unit has acquired satellites)
A newer map than the preloaded map in the unit is available, or a newer map is released within 60 days from the unit's first satellite acquisition. (See notes for exclusions or limitations.)
Notes:

Limit one free map update per eligible nuvi or eligible zumo
This offer is non-transferable
Customer will not qualify for the free map update if the unit is registered with Garmin by telephone or more than 60 days from the unit's first satellite acquisition
The nuMaps Guarantee is only applicable to preloaded maps for North America and Europe
*Refurbished or newly overhauled devices may also be applicable. To check if an update is available, visit the nuMaps Guarantee page and enter your device serial number.

¹Guarantee applies to one Garmin nüvi or zumo unit. Not transferable to any other person or product. You will qualify for the free map update only if (i) you register your nüvi or zumo online at http://my.garmin.com within 60 days of first acquiring satellites while driving with your device, and (ii) a newer version of the map data was or becomes available for purchase from Garmin’s website at any time up to 60 days after first acquiring satellites while driving with your device. You will not qualify for the free map update if you register your nüvi or zumo with Garmin by telephone or more than 60 days after first acquiring satellites while driving with your device. Limit of one free map update per unit.

With Best Regards,

XXXXXXXX

Product Support Specialist

Automotive Team

Garmin International

913-397-8200

800-800-1020

913-440-8280 (fax)

"within 60 days of first acquiring satellites while driving with your device"?

That's wrong - it is from first fix.

Love those idiotic canned replies. They didn't answer the question about whether you could buy it for the phone, either.

Not to quibble, but I believe that they changed the verbiage to "within 60 days of first acquiring satellites while driving with your device" to get away from the issue where the units may have been turned on in a retail location.

Stright from the Garmin map page.

Simply register your new Garmin nüvi® or zümo® at my.Garmin.com within 60 days of first acquiring satellites while driving with your device and you'll be able to see if a free map update is available.

thank you for this info

They really need someone to help with their text:

Does it mean;

1. You have to register while driving?
2. You have to be driving when the unit makes first fix in order to qualify for a free update?
3. They won't tell you if there's an update available unless you do all of thw above in a specific order?

The deal is simple; They store the tff (time of first fix) in the unit and want you to register the unit on Garmin's web site within 60 days of that time.

If someone took the unit out of a box at ths store, turned it on and it picked up a satellite, the clock starts ticking unless they have changed something recently - I bought my last new unit in August of last year. They WILL recant if you complain because you bought that unit and the clock has passed the 60 day point. BTDT.

Once registered, you have one opportunity to download any available map update update for the unit that may be avaiable witin 90 days of registration.

My last map update was downloaded in December of last year, 5 months after I got the device.