One embodiment is directed to a method of authenticating a vehicle telematics device. The method includes receiving, at a server, identifying information for a vehicle telematics device and receiving, at the server, information identifying an account to which the vehicle telematics device is to be associated. The method also includes authenticating the vehicle telematics device by finalizing an association between the vehicle telematics device and the account if data that is specified for authentication is received at the server from the vehicle telematics device and if that data is obtained by the vehicle telematics device within a time window that is specified for authentication.