What OnStar is and how subscriptions work

OnStar is a vehicle safety and connectivity service built into General Motors vehicles. It connects your car to a network of emergency advisors, navigation tools, and remote vehicle controls through a combination of cellular and satellite technology. When you buy or lease a GM vehicle, OnStar hardware comes installed, but you need a paid subscription to use most features.

OnStar operates on a tiered subscription model. Your vehicle comes with a trial period — usually three months to one year depending on the model year and trim level — during which you can use the service at no cost. After the trial ends, you choose whether to continue with a paid plan, downgrade to a lower tier, or cancel entirely. If you do nothing, your subscription typically converts to a paid plan automatically.

The service works through your vehicle's built-in cellular connection and GPS. When you press the OnStar button in your car or use the OnStar mobile app on your phone, you're connecting to OnStar's call centers or cloud-based systems. Emergency advisors can hear you, see your vehicle's location, and in some cases unlock your car or flash the lights remotely.

Key Takeaways

  • OnStar subscriptions come in three main tiers: Safe & Sound (emergency services only), Guidance (adds navigation and vehicle diagnostics), and Protection Plus (adds remote vehicle controls like door unlock and engine start).
  • Monthly costs range from roughly $15 to $35 depending on the plan and your vehicle model year, with annual and multi-year payment options available at a discount.
  • Your vehicle includes a free trial period that lasts between three months and one year; after it ends, you must actively choose a paid plan or the service will stop working.
  • OnStar's emergency services (crash detection, emergency call button, roadside information) work on the Safe & Sound plan, the lowest-cost option.
  • You can change, downgrade, or cancel your subscription at any time through the OnStar website, mobile app, or by calling customer service.

The three OnStar subscription tiers and what each includes

Safe & Sound is the entry-level plan. It includes emergency services (automatic crash detection and the ability to call an advisor with one button), roadside information, stolen vehicle information, and the ability to locate your vehicle on a map through the OnStar app. You cannot use remote vehicle controls or turn-by-turn navigation on this plan.

Guidance adds navigation features and vehicle diagnostics. You get turn-by-turn directions through the OnStar app, monthly vehicle health reports that show maintenance alerts and fuel economy data, and the ability to set up automatic reminders for service. Everything from Safe & Sound is included.

Protection Plus is the highest tier and adds remote vehicle controls. You can unlock your doors, start your engine, flash the lights, or honk the horn from the OnStar app or by calling an advisor. This plan includes everything in Guidance and Safe & Sound. Some vehicles also support additional features like climate control or trunk release on this tier, though availability depends on your vehicle's model year and trim.

Not all features are available on all vehicles. Older model years may not support remote start, for example, or may have limited navigation options. When you check your subscription options through the OnStar website or app, you'll see only the plans and features your specific vehicle can use.

Monthly, annual, and multi-year pricing

OnStar pricing varies by vehicle model year, trim level, and region. Safe & Sound typically costs between $15 and $20 per month when paid monthly. Guidance usually ranges from $20 to $28 per month. Protection Plus generally runs $25 to $35 per month. These are approximate ranges; your exact price depends on your vehicle and location.

You can reduce the per-month cost by paying for a full year or multiple years upfront. Annual plans typically offer a 10 to 20 percent discount compared to paying month-to-month. Some dealers or GM promotions offer discounted or free extended trial periods, especially on new vehicle purchases, which can delay when you need to pay.

OnStar occasionally runs promotions for existing subscribers — for example, discounted rates for the first few months if you upgrade from Safe & Sound to Guidance. These offers appear in the OnStar app or are sent by email to your account. Pricing can also change when you renew, so review your renewal notice before your current plan expires.

How to check your current plan and change it

You can view your subscription status, plan details, and renewal date through the OnStar mobile app (available for iOS and Android) or by logging into your account on OnStar.com. The app shows which features are active on your vehicle and displays your next billing date.

To change your plan, open the OnStar app, go to the subscription or account settings section, and select "Change Plan" or "Manage Subscription." You'll see all available plans for your vehicle with their costs. Select the plan you want and confirm. The change takes effect when ready if you're switching to a higher tier mid-month; if you're downgrading, the change usually takes effect at your next renewal date.

You can also call OnStar customer service at 1-888-466-7827 to change your plan, ask questions about pricing, or request a temporary pause on your subscription. Some customer service representatives can offer limited-time discounts or promotional rates, particularly if you're considering cancellation.

What happens when your trial period ends

When your free trial is about to expire, OnStar sends you an email and in-app notification with the renewal date and the plan you're set to convert to. If you do nothing, your account will automatically convert to a paid subscription on that date, and you'll be charged the monthly rate for the plan you're enrolled in.

If you don't want to pay, you must cancel before the trial ends. Cancellation stops all OnStar features except emergency calling (which remains available on all GM vehicles regardless of subscription status). You can cancel through the OnStar app, website, or by calling customer service. Cancellation is when ready and you won't be charged.

If you cancel and later want to reactivate, you can do so through the app or website. Reactivation is treated as a new subscription, so you may not receive another free trial period — you'll be charged at the standard rate for your chosen plan starting when ready.

Emergency services and roadside information included in all plans

Every OnStar subscription tier includes emergency services at no additional cost. If your vehicle detects a crash, OnStar automatically attempts to connect you with an advisor who can assess your condition and dispatch emergency services to your location. You can also press the emergency button in your vehicle to call an advisor manually.

Roadside information is included on all plans and covers services like towing, lockout information, fuel delivery, and jump starts. When you call OnStar for roadside help, an advisor dispatches a service provider to your location. You typically don't pay out of pocket for the service call itself, though some providers may charge a fee for certain services (like fuel delivery beyond a certain distance) depending on your plan and the provider's terms.

Stolen vehicle information is also standard across all tiers. If your vehicle is stolen, OnStar can work with law enforcement to locate it using GPS and can disable the engine remotely on supported vehicles to prevent the thief from driving it further.

Canceling OnStar and what to know before you do

You can cancel your OnStar subscription at any time without penalty. Cancellation through the app or website is when ready; if you call customer service, cancellation takes effect within one business day. You won't receive a refund for any unused portion of a paid plan — cancellation ends your service on the date you request it, and you're charged through that date only.

After cancellation, your vehicle loses access to OnStar features like remote start, navigation, and vehicle diagnostics. However, emergency calling remains available on all GM vehicles as a built-in safety feature, even without an active subscription. You can still press the emergency button to reach an advisor in a crisis.

If you cancel and later want to reactivate, you'll need to set up a new subscription. You won't receive another free trial period in most cases — you'll be charged at the standard monthly rate for your chosen plan starting when ready. Some promotions or dealer offers may include reactivation discounts, so it's worth asking customer service if any are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use OnStar features without a paid subscription?

Emergency calling is always available on GM vehicles at no cost. All other OnStar features — remote start, navigation, vehicle diagnostics, roadside information — require an active paid subscription. Your vehicle comes with a free trial period that lasts three months to one year depending on the model year; after the trial ends, you must pay to use these features.

What's the difference between paying monthly and paying annually?

Annual payment plans typically cost 10 to 20 percent less per month than paying month-to-month. For example, if Safe & Sound costs $15 per month, an annual plan might cost around $150 to $160 for the full year instead of $180. You pay the full amount upfront, and your subscription renews on the anniversary date.

Can I pause my OnStar subscription instead of canceling?

OnStar doesn't offer an official pause feature, but customer service may be able to temporarily suspend your account for a limited time (typically 30 to 90 days) without charging you. Call 1-888-466-7827 to ask about suspension options. After the suspension period ends, you'll need to reactivate and will be charged at the standard rate.

Do I have to use the OnStar app, or can I only use the button in my car?

You can use either. The button in your vehicle connects you to an OnStar advisor through your car's cellular connection. The OnStar mobile app lets you access features like remote start, navigation, and vehicle location from your phone. Both require an active subscription, and both connect to the same account and vehicle.

What happens to OnStar if I sell or trade in my vehicle?

Your OnStar subscription is tied to your vehicle, not to your account. When you sell or trade in your car, the new owner can set up their own OnStar account and subscription. If you buy a different GM vehicle, you'll need to set up a new subscription for that vehicle; your old subscription doesn't transfer.