Telematics systems and methods with multiple antennas

A method for communicating via a telematics system of a vehicle, the telematics system having a first antenna disposed at a first location of the vehicle and a second antenna disposed at a second antenna disposed at a second location of the vehicle that is remote from the first location, the method comprising the steps of:

• monitoring a parameter that is indicative as to whether the first antenna is operational;
• communicating using the first antenna if the parameter indicates that the first antenna is operational;
• and
• communicating using the second antenna if the parameter indicates that the first antenna is not operational.

A telematics system for a vehicle, the telematics system comprising:

• a first antenna disposed at a first location on the vehicle, the first location disposed on a first side of the vehicle;
• a second antenna disposed at a second location on the vehicle, the second location being remote from the first location and disposed on a second side of the vehicle that is remote from the first side;
• a cellular chipset configured to direct communications to a call center using the first antenna or the second antenna;
• and
• a processing device coupled to the cellular chipset, the first antenna, and the second antenna and configured to:
• monitor a parameter that is indicative as to whether the first antenna is operational;
• communicate with the call center using the cellular chipset and the first antenna if the parameter indicates that the first antenna is operational;
• and
• communicate with the call center using the cellular chipset and the second antenna if the parameter indicates that the first antenna is not operational.