OnStar Ripoff
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,718
Likes: 80
From: Crossville Tennessee
When you registered the free account you probably signed up for continuous coverage. That authorizes them to charge your credit card when the subscription expires. That way you don't accidentally lose your coverage. I have always found the OnStar reps to be courteous and helpful and willing to work with a Customer. Sounds like you had one trying to help you but didn't realize it.
OnStar is like insurance. I have it on all 3 of my vehicles and I get a discount on my insurance because I have it on all of them. OnStar provides better phone connections than a hand held phone, emergency response when you need it, unlock capabilities when needed. At $159/yr for the basic plan it isn't a bad deal. The best cell phone on the market can't compete with it in fringe areas and it will work even when your cell phone is tossed to the other side of the car in a collision and you can't reach it because you are pinned in your seat or unconscious. Once you hear an actual story by somebody whose butt was saved by OnStar you will think differently.
Bill
OnStar is like insurance. I have it on all 3 of my vehicles and I get a discount on my insurance because I have it on all of them. OnStar provides better phone connections than a hand held phone, emergency response when you need it, unlock capabilities when needed. At $159/yr for the basic plan it isn't a bad deal. The best cell phone on the market can't compete with it in fringe areas and it will work even when your cell phone is tossed to the other side of the car in a collision and you can't reach it because you are pinned in your seat or unconscious. Once you hear an actual story by somebody whose butt was saved by OnStar you will think differently.
Bill
I've never had a problem, yet, with Onstar. However, XM is a totally different story. Do not ever give XM your credit card number.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 366
Likes: 175
From: North Carolina
It's good to know Onstar will change prices though like Sirius/XM does. I always tell them to cancel my Sirius whenever the bill comes up and instead of 16 a month or whatever it is they give you 25 bucks for 6 months or something similar.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
I did not want to give OnStar my credit card either, but if I remember correctly, it did not come with any phone minutes, so if I wanted any minutes, I had to pay them $6.00 with a credit card.
Sirius radio is just as bad... you can do everything online, except cancel the service... To cancel you have to call them.. I talked them down to $4 per month for awhile, and finally got tired of messing with them.
Sirius radio is just as bad... you can do everything online, except cancel the service... To cancel you have to call them.. I talked them down to $4 per month for awhile, and finally got tired of messing with them.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 719
From: Northeast MA & Mad Beach FL
I have 2 vehicles and used to get 14 months at $149.00 for "each" vehicle which amounted to a multiple vehicle discount.
Last time I called to renew was told they went up on the prices and no longer offer the extra months for multiple cars.
I've since let the subscriptions expire and not renewed.
I had no problem with Onstar with the way they do business or the way I was treated while I had Onstar.
I just don't want to pay for it anymore
Last edited by Dif; Oct 29, 2014 at 04:59 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,205
Likes: 67
From: Cumming GA
Moderator emeritus
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 18,599
Likes: 3,951
From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
Whelp, they didn't get your card number by reading tea leaves. If they have your number, you gave it to them. If you didn't read all the cute little "fine print", then you might have missed the part where you will get automatically charged after the trial period is over. If you don't like the service, cancel it. Change your card number if all else fails. They can't charge an inactive number.
Next time, don't give your number and be sure to read all the words that are displayed or e-mailed to you.
This is a message I got from OnStar
You’ve been enrolled in Continuous Coverage from OnStar. View online
Dear Elmer Boggs,
Settle in for a smooth ride—by associating a method of payment with your account, you’ve authorized OnStar¹ to enroll you in Continuous Coverage. This program allows you to cruise along, worry-free, with the safety and protection of OnStar. Plus you’ll get:
• The security of continuous OnStar service
• The convenience of automatic bill payment
• Express purchase of OnStar products
You’ll pay nothing until your current plan ends on 11/08/14. Your payment method on file will then be charged $##### each month. In the meantime, we encourage you to explore all of the amazing services and features OnStar has to offer.
You can modify your account at any time by visiting onstar.com, pressing your blue button, or calling 1.877.343.5735. Thank you for trusting OnStar to help you when you need it the most. Whether it’s locating a stolen vehicle, helping during an emergency, or automatically connecting to your vehicle during a crash, OnStar is there for you.
Sincerely,
Terry M. Inch
OnStar, Chief Operating Officer
Account Information
Account Number: 111-222-333
Service Plan: Directions & Connections Plan
Vehicle: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette
Hands-Free Calling Number: 555.464.4444
Plans and Services | Privacy Statement
facebook.com/onstar
twitter.com/onstar
onstarconnections.com
onstar.com
¹ Visit onstar.com for coverage map, details, and system limitations. OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. Services vary by model and conditions.
² Estimated tax included and subject to change. Credit card or automatic debit required for monthly payments.
If you dispose of, sell, or transfer your vehicle or your lease ends, it is your obligation to notify us immediately and terminate your OnStar service plan or Remote Link Key Fob Services and cease to use the application for the vehicle.
To fully deactivate your OnStar service plan or Remote Link Key Fob Services, please call 1.888.4.ONSTAR.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired, you may now use the dedicated TTY connection to call us toll free at 1.877.248.2080 or email us at TTY@onstar.com for assistance or with questions regarding your OnStar account.
Would you like to unsubscribe from future OnStar email communications?
Would you like to update your email address?
Do you have questions or concerns? Please do no reply to this email. Contact us for assistance.
Ensure future OnStar email delivery - add memberservices@email.onstar.com to your address book.
You can contact OnStar at the following address: Attn: OnStar Subscriber Services, P.O. Box 1027, Warren, MI 48090-1027.
© 2014 OnStar. All rights reserved.
EM-CONCOVNT-USE-1113
Seems pretty straight forward to me, but hell, I'm 70 years old, what do I know.
Elmer
Next time, don't give your number and be sure to read all the words that are displayed or e-mailed to you.
This is a message I got from OnStar
You’ve been enrolled in Continuous Coverage from OnStar. View online
Dear Elmer Boggs,
Settle in for a smooth ride—by associating a method of payment with your account, you’ve authorized OnStar¹ to enroll you in Continuous Coverage. This program allows you to cruise along, worry-free, with the safety and protection of OnStar. Plus you’ll get:
• The security of continuous OnStar service
• The convenience of automatic bill payment
• Express purchase of OnStar products
You’ll pay nothing until your current plan ends on 11/08/14. Your payment method on file will then be charged $##### each month. In the meantime, we encourage you to explore all of the amazing services and features OnStar has to offer.
You can modify your account at any time by visiting onstar.com, pressing your blue button, or calling 1.877.343.5735. Thank you for trusting OnStar to help you when you need it the most. Whether it’s locating a stolen vehicle, helping during an emergency, or automatically connecting to your vehicle during a crash, OnStar is there for you.
Sincerely,
Terry M. Inch
OnStar, Chief Operating Officer
Account Information
Account Number: 111-222-333
Service Plan: Directions & Connections Plan
Vehicle: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette
Hands-Free Calling Number: 555.464.4444
Plans and Services | Privacy Statement
facebook.com/onstar
twitter.com/onstar
onstarconnections.com
onstar.com
¹ Visit onstar.com for coverage map, details, and system limitations. OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. Services vary by model and conditions.
² Estimated tax included and subject to change. Credit card or automatic debit required for monthly payments.
If you dispose of, sell, or transfer your vehicle or your lease ends, it is your obligation to notify us immediately and terminate your OnStar service plan or Remote Link Key Fob Services and cease to use the application for the vehicle.
To fully deactivate your OnStar service plan or Remote Link Key Fob Services, please call 1.888.4.ONSTAR.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired, you may now use the dedicated TTY connection to call us toll free at 1.877.248.2080 or email us at TTY@onstar.com for assistance or with questions regarding your OnStar account.
Would you like to unsubscribe from future OnStar email communications?
Would you like to update your email address?
Do you have questions or concerns? Please do no reply to this email. Contact us for assistance.
Ensure future OnStar email delivery - add memberservices@email.onstar.com to your address book.
You can contact OnStar at the following address: Attn: OnStar Subscriber Services, P.O. Box 1027, Warren, MI 48090-1027.
© 2014 OnStar. All rights reserved.
EM-CONCOVNT-USE-1113
Seems pretty straight forward to me, but hell, I'm 70 years old, what do I know.
Elmer
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 912
Likes: 36
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I let my initial free OnStar lapse. After a couple of months, they offered me Safe and Sound for $149/yr plus 300 minutes for $10.
You can go to your OnStar online account and delete your Credit Card # after a payment.. A very wise move!
You can go to your OnStar online account and delete your Credit Card # after a payment.. A very wise move!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,074
Likes: 309
You can add DirecTV to the bait and switch club: I was wondering why my satellite bill was so high and I looked at my paper bill. Somehow, I have Football Direct Access for $39.99 a month, even though I don't remember ever discussing this with anybody.
When I called customer service I was informed that you cannot cancel service once it begins.
When I called customer service I was informed that you cannot cancel service once it begins.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 606
Likes: 7
From: Nashville, TN
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,030
Likes: 2,598
From: Northern VA, USA
You can add DirecTV to the bait and switch club: I was wondering why my satellite bill was so high and I looked at my paper bill. Somehow, I have Football Direct Access for $39.99 a month, even though I don't remember ever discussing this with anybody.
When I called customer service I was informed that you cannot cancel service once it begins.
When I called customer service I was informed that you cannot cancel service once it begins.
For OnStar, you can always cancel as soon as the charge hits, and they will prorate the difference, so the worst that happens is you pay for a partial month, which is still undesirable, but much better than having to pay for a year or season (as in the DirecTV example).
XM is another issue. They do seems to "misplace" cancellations and such too often.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,205
Likes: 67
From: Cumming GA
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 576
From: Pace Florida
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11
National Champs Gators 4 St. Jude '09
Recently bought a new Silverado and told the salesman that I did not want OnStar. All I had to do was decline the terms of service. You don't get the free trial period but I didn't want that either.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,956
Likes: 4,811
From: Camden SC
I just took a look at my OnStar account and noticed that I too have been enrolled in "Continuous Coverage" which expires this month. I also happened to notice that the credit card they have on file for me is one I cancelled a couple of months ago..
I wonder if I am going to be getting a call or note from my OnStar friends? I figure that would be a very good time to negotiate a better deal...
I wonder if I am going to be getting a call or note from my OnStar friends? I figure that would be a very good time to negotiate a better deal...
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Yes...that is the base price. The discounted price I was just offered is $149.00 and about 30 minutes ago I got off the phone with them requesting a bill for my renewal on 11/18. They said because it will take 10-15 business days to mail the bill to me that by the time they get my check it might be past the renewal. The young lady then said I might get my check back in the mail because it was too late. Really! How would that be for customer service?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 807
Likes: 21
From: Los Altos CA
There is a feature of Onstar that may not work as well as one would like. A couple of weeks ago, a woman in the San Jose Ca area had an accident but the location given by Onstar was wrong by miles. The police searched for the car but could not find it. She was finally located and rescued by information from her cell phone. This is based on an article in the San Jose Mercury News.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 6,391
Likes: 1,453
From: South Dakota
I just got a post card in the mail yesterday offering me a free 3 month trial subscription. Just need to push the button and tell them why I am calling. Problem is, in another month, my vette will be going into winter hibernation.
Pro
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 740
Likes: 206
From: Poulsbo WA
Same here for my Honda CR-V and C7.