I don't see the answer to this. I am having the same problem on genuine Garmin Nuvi devices - several of them. I don't have chips in them. They currently have the lower East Coast US maps installed. The only option in Express is the stupid Canada and surrounding states. I just put one in the trash can. Guess I will retrieve it and hope for an answer to this. Garmin Express should give a message stating that the device no longer is supported with the LIFETIME Maps unless you add a chip to the device. It should state this INSTEAD of just offering the Canada maps.
Well it normally does prompt for an sd card if there isn't enough space for an update. Are you running the latest version of Express? Which device do you have as a few older devices won't allow Express to access the sd card, and an alternative method is required.
I just put one in the trash can.
Don't do that, ship them all to me, I live in Canada, I could use them.