OnStar Renewal
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
OnStar Renewal
This has probably been answered before but...Got a call from OnStar today as my free service was due to end. They offered a renewal for $12.95 a month. Does this seem worth it? My insurance (USAA) and credit card (AmEx) both cover roadside assistance. Thanks in advance for the input.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
$150 a year for Onstar is not worth it for me. I have a cell phone, Nav, and RSA so for me it is a waste. The only good argument I have heard is the air bag deployment. If you travel on long stretches of roads with no one else in sight this could be a viable option for you.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: Miami Florida
It is also invaluable when you lock your FOB in the car (Yes you can lock your FOB in the car). I have done this twice by accident going home from the gym and all it takes is a call and my car is opened again. Im pretty sure they can track your car if its stolen also.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Louisville KY
For me it is a no-brainer. For about 150 a year I have access to a phone in my car in case my cell is dead or out of range. I can also have my car tracked if stolen. Also, have it unlocked if I by accident I throw my jacket with my FOB in the front pocked and close the latch. In less then 2 minutes I was back on my way..would have been a small nightmare without onSTAR.
Also, there is the air bag deployment.
Of course, there will be some or do not believe it is worth it but for me it is.
Also, there is the air bag deployment.
Of course, there will be some or do not believe it is worth it but for me it is.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 341
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
I wish Onstar had extras like a surveillance camera for would be thieves and vandals. plus it would help in having a video recording of car accidents for insurance purposes. maybe that's too intrusive? O well!!!But I do think it's worth it for the reasons already stated.
Last edited by C6LS3; May 12, 2011 at 02:42 PM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Thanks for the input. Just the thought of being locked out of the car, which now that I know about it, is guaranteed to happen, is enough to make me renew. It would have been nice to get that rate from the outset without the threat of canceling first.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville Alabama
Besides all of the advantages already stated, It really paid off for me right after the tornadoes. Cellphone service was all but knocked out with the exception of a few backup towers. With no power or landlines I was unable to contact any of my family out of town to let them know I was ok. Then I decided to try onstar. The offered to allow me to make a couple of calls for free to see if I could get through. It worked. I added more minutes and called everyone. I don't know whether the phone automatically finds an available tower or not but I was thankful for whatever it does. You never know what situation you may find yourself in. I would renew it.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,610
Likes: 12
As for the OP...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville Alabama
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,610
Likes: 12
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 2
From: Cambridge Illinois
Just read the OnStar info sheet. They are dependent on local cell service providers also. They have a large list of exceptions to the availability of their services in many areas.
In the ten years of traveling that I have done since I retired, I have never been off of an interstate road and have never needed OnStar. The value is not even remotely close to the price of admission.
I had it in an 03 SUV and never used the free 12 month service. I have it in an 08 Corvette and let it die a useless death. I added the free 6 month extension with the contest to win a GM car or $100K.
It is on my wife's 11 Impala. It will not be renewed either.
My wife and I each have a cell phone with different providers. We have a portable GPS system to move between vehicles.
I use MapQuest if a trip is going to a new area to plan the route.
I just can't find a reason that makes OnStar worth anything.
Don't say if I lock my fob in the trunk. That just does not happen. My fob is hooked to my belt. Wife's fob is in her purse that she doesn't leave in the car.
In the ten years of traveling that I have done since I retired, I have never been off of an interstate road and have never needed OnStar. The value is not even remotely close to the price of admission.
I had it in an 03 SUV and never used the free 12 month service. I have it in an 08 Corvette and let it die a useless death. I added the free 6 month extension with the contest to win a GM car or $100K.
It is on my wife's 11 Impala. It will not be renewed either.
My wife and I each have a cell phone with different providers. We have a portable GPS system to move between vehicles.
I use MapQuest if a trip is going to a new area to plan the route.
I just can't find a reason that makes OnStar worth anything.
Don't say if I lock my fob in the trunk. That just does not happen. My fob is hooked to my belt. Wife's fob is in her purse that she doesn't leave in the car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 774
Likes: 0
From: Grand Prairie Texas
It will be up to you what OnStar is worth. As for me and being a LEO I think ONStar is the best thing since sliced bread and indoor plumbing. I know of four separate occasions where my dept. has been given turn by turn directions on stolen cars resulting in the apprehension of the a-holes and the return of the car. I have it on my Vette and the wife's CTS. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 919
Likes: 30
From: ST.PETE BEACH FL.
It will be up to you what OnStar is worth. As for me and being a LEO I think ONStar is the best thing since sliced bread and indoor plumbing. I know of four separate occasions where my dept. has been given turn by turn directions on stolen cars resulting in the apprehension of the a-holes and the return of the car. I have it on my Vette and the wife's CTS.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 10
From: Wisconsin
I renewed with them for TWO vehicles for $125. That's right, two vehicles for that price for one year.
They are willing to negotiate as soon as you tell them that you are longer interested in their service.
Good Luck
They are willing to negotiate as soon as you tell them that you are longer interested in their service.
Good Luck
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 368
Likes: 8
From: Clinton Township Michigan
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 198
From: Southington CT
I can also vouch for Onstar. Had it in my SUV, was taking my dog to the vet, put him into the car, my wife got out to get something, leaving her purse in the car, I also got out to help her, the car was running and the doors automatically locked. Dog in car, car running and both sets of keys in car. Called Onstar and they unlocked the door. Great ending. Do not know what I would have done without Onstar.