OnStar is a vehicle safety and connectivity service you pay monthly to use features like emergency calling, roadside assistance, and remote vehicle access

OnStar is a subscription service built into General Motors vehicles that connects your car to a network of advisors and emergency responders. When you subscribe, you gain access to features like automatic crash response, emergency calling, roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, and the ability to lock or unlock your car remotely. The service runs through your vehicle's built-in hardware — you don't need to install anything extra.

OnStar comes with a trial period when you buy a new GM vehicle, usually three to twelve months depending on the model year and trim level. After the trial ends, you decide whether to keep paying for a subscription or let the service lapse. If you let it lapse, you lose access to the paid features, though some basic services like emergency calling may remain available depending on your plan.

Key Takeaways

  • OnStar subscriptions start after your trial period ends, and you choose whether to continue or cancel before being charged.
  • The service includes emergency response, roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, and remote access features depending on which plan you choose.
  • OnStar offers multiple subscription tiers at different price points, and you can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel at any time.
  • You manage your OnStar account through the OnStar mobile app or by calling customer service, and you can pause your subscription temporarily if needed.

OnStar subscription plans and what each one covers

OnStar offers several subscription tiers, and the exact names and prices vary by region and vehicle model year. The most common structure includes a basic plan, a mid-tier plan, and a premium plan. Each tier adds more features rather than replacing the previous one.

The basic plan typically covers emergency services like crash response and emergency calling, plus roadside assistance and basic vehicle diagnostics. The mid-tier plan adds remote features such as the ability to lock or unlock your doors, flash your lights, or honk your horn from your phone. The premium plan includes everything below it plus additional services like stolen vehicle tracking, remote start (on compatible vehicles), and priority customer service.

Prices vary significantly by region, vehicle age, and current promotions. A new vehicle's first-year renewal may cost less than a used vehicle's subscription. Some dealers offer discounted rates for the first year after your trial ends. You can see the exact price for your vehicle by logging into the OnStar app or calling OnStar customer service with your vehicle identification number (VIN).

How to manage your OnStar subscription

You manage your OnStar account through the OnStar mobile app, available on iOS and Android, or by calling OnStar customer service at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827). In the app, you can view your current plan, see your billing date, update your payment method, and make changes to your subscription.

If you want to cancel, downgrade to a lower tier, or pause your subscription temporarily, you can do any of these through the app or by phone. Some vehicles allow you to pause for up to three months at a time, which suspends charges without fully canceling your account. When you're ready to resume, you reactivate through the same channels.

Your billing date depends on when you first subscribed or when you last made a change to your plan. OnStar sends renewal reminders before charging your payment method on file. If your card declines or expires, OnStar will attempt to update it using information on file, but you should update your payment details proactively to avoid service interruption.

What happens when your trial period ends

When your OnStar trial is about to expire, you'll receive notifications through the app, email, and sometimes by mail. The notification tells you the exact date your trial ends and what will happen if you don't take action. You have three choices: subscribe to a paid plan, let the service lapse, or pause your subscription.

If you do nothing and let the trial expire without subscribing, OnStar will stop providing paid services. Emergency calling may still work in some cases because it's tied to your vehicle's cellular connection, but you lose access to remote features, roadside assistance, and advisor-based services. You can resubscribe at any time after your trial ends.

Some owners choose to let OnStar lapse because they don't use the features or prefer to handle roadside assistance through their auto insurance or a separate membership like AAA. Others subscribe because they value the emergency response and remote access, especially if they have teenage drivers or drive in remote areas.

OnStar versus other vehicle connectivity services

OnStar is exclusive to General Motors vehicles, so if you own a Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, or Buick, OnStar is your built-in option. Other manufacturers offer similar services: Ford has Ford+, Toyota has Toyota Connected Services, and BMW has ConnectedDrive. Each service works only with that brand's vehicles and has its own pricing and feature set.

If you own a non-GM vehicle, you can't use OnStar. You can instead purchase a standalone roadside assistance membership through AAA, Better World Club, or your auto insurance company. These services don't include remote vehicle access or crash response, but they cover towing and lockout services at a lower cost than some OnStar plans.

The main advantage of OnStar over standalone services is that it's built into your vehicle and automatically connected — you don't need to carry a separate device or remember to renew a membership card. The main disadvantage is that you can only use it with a GM vehicle, and you're locked into OnStar's pricing and feature choices.

Billing, payment methods, and cancellation

OnStar charges your subscription to the payment method on file, typically a credit card or debit card. You can update your payment information at any time through the app or by calling customer service. If a charge fails, OnStar will attempt to retry it, but repeated failures may result in service suspension.

Your subscription renews automatically on your billing date each month or year, depending on which plan you chose. You can change your plan or cancel at any time without penalty — there are no long-term contracts or early termination fees. If you cancel mid-cycle, you typically lose access to paid features immediately, though some plans may allow you to use the service through the end of your current billing period.

If you sell your vehicle, your OnStar subscription stays with your account, not the car. The new owner can set up their own OnStar account and subscribe if they wish. You should cancel your subscription before selling to avoid being charged after you no longer own the vehicle.

Common reasons to keep or cancel OnStar

Owners who keep OnStar often cite emergency response as the main reason — the automatic crash detection and ability to speak with an advisor without dialing can be valuable in a serious accident. Remote access features appeal to owners who want to lock their doors or start their engine from their phone, or who have teenage drivers they want to monitor.

Owners who cancel often say they don't use the features enough to justify the cost, or they prefer to handle roadside assistance through their auto insurance or AAA membership. Some cancel because they're uncomfortable with the data collection involved in connected vehicle services, or because they don't want another monthly subscription.

Your decision depends on how you use your vehicle, whether you drive alone or with family, and whether you value the convenience of built-in emergency response. If you're unsure, you can let your trial expire and resubscribe later — there's no penalty for canceling and coming back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use OnStar if I don't have a cell phone?

OnStar uses your vehicle's built-in cellular connection, not your personal phone. You can use emergency calling and crash response without owning a cell phone. However, some features like the mobile app and remote access require a smartphone to control from outside the vehicle.

What happens to OnStar if I don't pay my bill?

If your payment fails, OnStar will attempt to retry the charge. If it continues to fail, your service will be suspended. You can reactivate by updating your payment method and paying any past-due balance. There's no long-term contract, so you can cancel instead if you prefer.

Does OnStar work if my vehicle is out of cellular range?

OnStar requires a cellular signal to function. If you're in an area without coverage, you won't be able to reach an advisor or use remote features. Emergency calling may still work if your vehicle has any signal, but it's not may provide in dead zones.

Can I transfer my OnStar subscription to a new vehicle?

Your OnStar account is tied to your vehicle's VIN. If you buy a new GM vehicle, you'll need to set up a new OnStar account for that vehicle. Your old account remains active until you cancel it, so you'll need to manage both separately or cancel the old one.

Is OnStar data private, and who can see my location?

OnStar collects location data and vehicle diagnostics as part of its service. You can review OnStar's privacy policy in the app or on their website. Only OnStar advisors and emergency responders can access your location during an active call or emergency. You control whether to share diagnostic data for other purposes.