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Helpful Info

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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.
> Renewal and Billing

Renewal and Billing
Q1. How do I renew my OnStar service?
A1. Renew online, using your account number to log in. You can also push the blue OnStar button in your vehicle or call 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) and an Advisor will help you renew.
Q2. Do I have to renew my subscription every year?
A2. To continue enjoying the safety, security, and peace of mind that OnStar offers, you must maintain an active service subscription. A convenient way to ensure uninterrupted service is with OnStar Continuous Coverage. As a subscriber, you have the choice to continue your OnStar subscription via credit card billing on a month-by-month basis or you can take advantage of a discounted subscription rate by paying for one year in advance, or enjoy more savings by purchasing additional years of service. OnStar Continuous Coverage ensures that when your OnStar subscription is due to expire, you will continue to receive OnStar services. If you choose the monthly plan, the subscription payment will be charged to your credit card each month until you inform OnStar otherwise.

You can subscribe monthly for as low as $18.95 per month* — renew online today using our convenient four-step process. If you do not renew your subscription and the OnStar system in your vehicle is then deactivated, you will not be able to contact OnStar for help when you need it.

* Plus applicable taxes. Monthly credit card payment required. Prices/packages are subject to change.

Q3. What payment options does OnStar accept for subscription renewal?
A3. The following forms of payment are accepted for:

Monthly billing:
Credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover) or debit card (with MasterCard and Visa logos)

Annual renewal:
Check, credit card, or debit card

Q4. Can I pay for my service by check?
A4. Yes. OnStar does accept payments by check for an annual OnStar subscription renewal. We accept credit cards for subscribers wishing to renew monthly or annually. Also, please note we do not accept payment by check for the purchase of Hands-Free Calling minutes.

Please send your annual payment by check to the following address:

Dept #77246
OnStar Subscription Center
PO Box 77000
Detroit, MI 48277-0246

Q5. When will my credit card be charged?
A5. After your credit card is authorized, it will be billed within a period of 12 to 48 hours.
Q6. How can I confirm that OnStar has received my payment?
A6. OnStar will send you a letter or email to confirm your renewal transaction. If you have any questions or concerns, push your blue OnStar button or call us at 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827).
Q7. If I renew beyond my complimentary year of service, when will my renewal start?
A7. Your paid OnStar subscription will begin only after your full complimentary year of service has expired.
Q8. Will my subscription continue if I place my credit card on file?
A8. Yes. When you place your credit card on file and choose the monthly plan, the subscription payment will be charged to your credit card each month. This ensures uninterrupted OnStar service. Your credit card will be charged the monthly fee until you instruct OnStar to do otherwise.
Q9. What is Continuous Coverage?
A9. Continuous Coverage provides you with ongoing access to all OnStar services after your first year expires. As a subscriber, you have the choice to continue your OnStar subscription via credit card billing on a month-by-month basis, take advantage of a discounted subscription rate by paying for one year in advance or enjoy additional savings by purchasing a multi-year plan. If you choose the monthly plan, your payment will be charged monthly to your credit card until you inform OnStar otherwise.
Q10. What are the benefits of Continuous Coverage?
A10. Continuous Coverage allows you to store your credit card information on file and experience benefits such as:
  • Uninterrupted OnStar service
  • Subscription that will be not be deactivated
  • Peace of mind knowing that OnStar Advisors are available around the clock
  • Convenience of allowing you to upgrade your service plan, change to an annual plan or purchase additional Hands-Free Calling minutes
To enroll in Continuous Coverage, push your vehicle's blue OnStar button or call 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827).
Q11. How can I update my account information?
A11. Simply log in to your account to update information such as your address, phone number, and credit card.
Q12. If I purchase a new vehicle, can I transfer my OnStar service from my previous vehicle?
A12. You may transfer your OnStar subscription if:
  • You have an active, customer-paid OnStar subscription and account.
  • The primary driver is the same for both vehicles.
  • The new vehicle comes equipped with OnStar hardware.
  • You still own your old vehicle; it cannot be deactivated or enrolled with a different owner.

You can transfer your OnStar existing subscription during your new vehicle enrollment, either through a dealer representative or by pushing your blue OnStar button.

Please note that the initial complimentary year of subscription included with your vehicle purchase remains with the vehicle should it be sold or traded-in within the first year.

Note: In the event that you are not eligible for subscription transfer, a refund, if applicable, will be given for any remaining subscription time you have purchased.

Q13. What should I do about my subscription if I've sold or traded my vehicle?
A13. To request to transfer your subscription to a new owner or ask the Advisor to explain your next steps, simply push the blue OnStar button. You can also call 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) and provide the Advisor with your OnStar account number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the date the vehicle was sold or traded.
Q14. If I've already sold my OnStar-equipped vehicle, can I transfer my subscription to the new owner?
A14. If you are no longer driving your OnStar-equipped vehicle and want to transfer your subscription to a new owner, please call 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) and an Advisor will assist you.
Q15. Does OnStar know when I've traded-in, returned a leased vehicle, or "totaled" my vehicle?
A15. No. OnStar is not informed of vehicle trade-ins, lease returns or when a vehicle is "totaled" due to accident damage. Therefore it is important for you to contact us as soon as possible in any of these situations. Please call 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) and provide the Advisor with your OnStar account number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the date the vehicle was sold, traded or "totaled."
Q16. Why can't I use the Hands-Free Calling feature without an OnStar subscription?
A16. Hands-Free Calling is a service available only to active OnStar subscribers. Without an active OnStar subscription the service is neither available nor functional.