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Crisis Assist 

Crisis Assist 

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What is Crisis Assist? 

OnStar Crisis Assist* is a service for OnStar Members for help in a crisis situation, whether it’s a naturally occurring event like a hurricane or tornado or human error like a crash, explosion or chemical spill. Our OnStar Advisors can help you with emergency flood services, hurricane assistance and more. We can give you vital information about the crisis, provide routing assistance away from danger and connect you with a loved one. 

How to get Crisis Assist help: 

Push your blue OnStar button. You’ll reach an OnStar Advisor who can be your central point of contact, giving you vital information from the OnStar Command Center, including routing assistance and emergency aid. 

OnStar in a crisis situation 

When life sends the unexpected, our Advisors can help you 24/7 to: 

  • Find alternative routes 
  • Activate your in-vehicle Wi-Fi® Hotspot* 
  • Contact loved ones 
  • Provide up-to-date information about the crisis 
Heavy rain and strong winds whip through a street with bent palm trees and houses during a powerful hurricane.
A person's hand presses a button on the overhead console inside a modern vehicle.

Follow @OnStar on X for the latest situation updates 

Connect on X 

Advisors who care

Take a look at how OnStar Advisor Dalia was able to provide comfort to a family during a hail storm. 

Which plans include Crisis Assist? 

Features and pricing reflect 2025 and newer vehicles

One: Every OnStar feature, one plan

Experience our best in safety and connectivity at our best price.
Starting at $34.99/mo

Get It Now

Protect

Monthly

Starting at $19.99

Yearly

Starting at $199.00

Safety and peace of mind on every journey with 24/7 safety services.

Stolen Vehicle Assistance*
Safety Services*
OnStar Guardian® App*
Roadside Assistance*
Get It Now

Which plans include Crisis Assist? 

Enjoy personalized content in your vehicle or on any device.

One: Every OnStar feature, one plan

Experience our best in safety and connectivity at our best price.
Starting at $34.99/mo

Get It Now

Protect

Monthly

Starting at $19.99

Yearly

Starting at $199.00

Safety and peace of mind on every journey with 24/7 safety services.

Stolen Vehicle Assistance*
Safety Services*
OnStar Guardian® App*
Roadside Assistance*
Get It Now

Tips

Learn tips from real OnStar Members and Advisors. 
See All Tips
A straight paved road is heavily flooded with water, flanked by brown reeds under a cloudy sky.
SAFETY TIP

5 things you should know about Crisis Assist 

We’re always here for you in a crash. But we hope you won’t need us. These refresher driving tips can help. 
Read the Tips
Read the Tips
A black GMC Acadia SUV drives on a winding mountain road with foggy peaks in the background.
SAFETY TIP

Disaster can strike at any time 

If you live in a high-risk area, here’s some advice on what you can do to prepare yourself and your loved ones. 
Read the Tips 
Read the Tips 
A large wildfire blazes across a dark mountainside, casting an orange glow into the night sky.
SAFETY TIP

Be prepared for wildfire season with OnStar 

With wildfires becoming increasingly worse in the United States, OnStar has tips to help you be prepared. 
Read the Tips
Read the Tips

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Crisis Mode
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If a major disaster is happening in a specific area, OnStar activates Crisis Mode*. That means anyone who owns a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle in that area can push their blue OnStar button and get help.

Frequently asked questions

What services does OnStar offer in an emergency?

In an emergency, pushing the red Emergency button connects you to a specially trained OnStar Advisor who can notify first responders. Before help arrives, Advisors are certified to provide Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) assistance for situations such as shortness of breath, cuts, concussions, childbirth and other emergencies. 

 
You can use Emergency Services to help others on the road too. If you witness a crash or see a stranded vehicle or a downed power line, you can become a Good Samaritan by pushing the red Emergency button. A specially trained Advisor can use GPS technology and the information you provide to rush whatever assistance may be needed. Emergency services are only available to Members with a paid plan. 

What is Crisis Assist?

In severe weather conditions or a crisis, our Advisors provide a fast, knowledgeable resource if you need emergency assistance, help finding a route, or other services. They can also contact family members for you. 

What crisis situations can OnStar assist with?

  • Severe Weather: Thunderstorms, tornados, flooding, hurricanes or winter weather 

  • Natural Resource/Man-Made Disasters: Energy/power outages, hazardous material situations or terrorist activity 

  • Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, wildfires or volcanic eruptions 

How do I access Safety Services?

There are two ways to access Safety Services 24/7: 
 

  • Push your vehicle’s red Emergency button 

  • Call OnStar (1.888.4ONSTAR) 1.888.466.7827 to reach an Advisor in an emergency 

When should I push the red Emergency button?

  • To request police, fire or medical help 

  • To report an accident 

  • To request help for others on the road 

What do I do if I’m in a crash?

If you're in a crash, built-in sensors can automatically alert an OnStar Advisor and predict the likelihood of a serious injury. An Advisor is immediately connected into your vehicle to see if you need help, even if you can't ask for it. You don't have to do a thing. 

What if I don’t know where I am?

Don’t worry — we can still pinpoint your location and send help. When you push the red Emergency button, your OnStar Advisor can use GPS technology to locate your vehicle.   

What if I am unable to ask for help?

An OnStar Advisor can dispatch help to your location, even if you’re unable to ask for it yourself. 

How can I be a Good Samaritan?

It’s someone who pushes the red Emergency button to help someone else when they see an emergency on the road. An Advisor can use GPS technology and the information you provide to locate the emergency and contact the nearest emergency service provider. 

Does pushing the red Emergency button call 911?

No. Pushing the button connects you to a specially trained OnStar Advisor who is certified to provide EMD assistance. They will also contact emergency service providers like dialing 911 would. These EMD-certified OnStar Emergency Advisors can pinpoint your location and offer critical assistance until help arrives.   

How can I effectively prepare for a disaster?

For more information about how to prepare for a crisis, check out our Crisis Preparedness page.