Helpful Info

This is the first place to find answers to the most common questions asked about OnStar. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please contact us or call us directly at 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827). Or if you are an OnStar subscriber, push the blue OnStar button in your vehicle.

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> Plans and Services

OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation

Crisis Assist

Plans and Services

Service Plans

Q1.	What is the difference between each of the plans?
A1.	OnStar offers two plans to suit your preferences. Safe & Sound provides safety, security, and convenience services to help you stay protected and connected on the road. Directions & Connections offers the added convenience of driving directions and helpful travel information. OnStar plans come with access to OnStar Hands-Free Calling which provides Hands-Free Voice-Activated Calling. Just push the blue OnStar button to learn about your options. OnStar Hands-Free Calling-enabled vehicle, existing OnStar service contract, and prepaid calling minutes required. Available in most markets. OnStar voice recognition system may not work with some voices. Safe & Sound Plan offers: Emergency Services Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment¹ Roadside Assistance OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics² Remote Door Unlock³ Stolen Vehicle Assistance⁴ Remote Horn And Lights AccidentAssist The Directions & Connections Plan offers all of the services listed above, PLUS: Route Support OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation⁵ Information & Convenience Services ¹Not available on recreational vehicles. ²Not available on all vehicles. Capabilities vary by model. ³Not available on some Saab^® models or on recreational vehicles. ⁴Ability to locate vehicles varies with conditions. ⁵Antilock braking system and Directions & Connections plan required. Available only to subscribers residing in and initiating or updating route while traveling through OnStar's contracted carriers' enhanced service-capable areas. Click here for coverage map. Limited routing information available for some areas. Road, environmental and tire conditions that affect ABS or GPS may degrade service. Call 1.888.4.ONSTAR for details.
Q2.	What is the cost of each plan?
A2.	The Safe & Sound Plan costs $289 per year or $24.95 per month, plus tax. The Directions & Connections Plan costs $579 per year or $48.95 per month, plus tax.* Monthly credit card payment required on monthly subscriptions. Multi-year subscriptions can also be purchased. Subscribers who choose a multi-year subscription when they renew receive three to six complimentary months. Call 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) to find out how you can save on a multi-year subscription. *Packages/prices subject to change.
Q3.	Can a subscriber upgrade an OnStar Package?
A3.	Yes. If a subscriber has provided a credit card for billing at the time of enrollment or any time after enrollment. Push the blue OnStar button or call 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827).
Q4.	What is the warranty on the OnStar system?
A4.	It's covered under most new-vehicle limited warranties. Please check with your dealer for details.

Privacy

Q1.	Will anyone be able to tell whether I have this service by looking at my vehicle?
A1.	Subtle evidence of OnStar onboard includes a fixed-mast cellular antenna, a small GPS antenna, and the three buttons (or a handset on older models) mounted inside your vehicle. All other components of the system are hidden. Subscribers also receive a small window sticker that they have the option of displaying that says "OnStar Onboard" or Protected by OnStar." This is provided in the vehicle glove box along with the OnStar Owner's Guide.
Q2.	Does OnStar know where I am all the time?
A2.	No, OnStar does not continuously or routinely monitor, update or otherwise track the location of OnStar-equipped cars. OnStar only knows the location of a car when a user initiates a request for service, there is an Air Bag Deployment, an Advanced Automatic Crash Notification occurs, your OnStar equipment calls OnStar with data updates or when required to locate a car by a valid court order in criminal procedures or under exigent circumstances. OnStar requires police involvement for Stolen Vehicle Assistance and missing person requests.
Q3.	Can the OnStar system be used to monitor vehicle occupant's conversations without their knowledge?
A3.	Again, OnStar takes your privacy seriously. When voice connection is made into the vehicle, the occupants will be notified in several ways: a light will flash on the indicator next to the OnStar buttons, a phone ring will be heard, and the radio will mute. Depending on equipment, the occupant(s) may see the word "phone" or other indicator on the Driver Information Center or radio display. OnStar Advisors are also required to announce their presence immediately once they have established voice communication into a vehicle.
Q4.	Does OnStar work with Canadian law enforcement agencies on a regular basis?
A4.	In compliance with the law, OnStar will cooperate with official court orders regarding criminal investigations from law enforcement and other agencies.

Remote Door Unlock

Q1.	Can OnStar unlock a vehicle if it is parked in a garage, under an overpass, in a tunnel, etc.?
A1.	Yes. If the vehicle's electrical system is operating and cellular service is available to the vehicle, it can be unlocked in most cases.* *Remote Door Unlock capabilities will vary with conditions. Not available on some Saab® models.
Q2.	Can OnStar really unlock my vehicle from a thousand kilometers away?
A2.	Yes. Simply call OnStar at 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) and give the Advisor your PIN and account number. OnStar can delay opening your door for up to 15 minutes, giving you enough time to return to your vehicle.
Q3.	Can OnStar unlock my vehicle if my OnStar system is not activated?
A3.	No. If you would like to activate your OnStar system and enjoy all the protection and connection that OnStar provides, find out how you can activate now.
Q4.	Can the OnStar Call Center unlock a vehicle if its battery is dead?
A4.	No. If the vehicle battery is dead, the OnStar cellular connection cannot be used to unlock the door. However, the OnStar Call Center can contact a locksmith or other service provider as required. Refer to the OnStar Owner's Guide for details.
Q5.	Is the Remote Door Unlock feature available on all OnStar-equipped vehicles?
A5.	Remote Door Unlock is not available on some Saab models or on recreational vehicles.

Stolen Vehicle Assistance

Q1.	Will OnStar locate my spouse or someone who borrows my vehicle?
A1.	No. OnStar will locate a vehicle only if it has been reported stolen or a missing persons report is filed with the police. Then, tracking will be performed only in conjunction with law enforcement and only provided to the police.