OnStar Ripoff
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 606
Likes: 7
From: Nashville, TN
OnStar Ripoff
Just a warning to check your credit card statements for Onstar charges you didnt authorize. Noticed a $29.90 charge from Onstar on my card statement that I dont recall authorizing. Called to find out about it and of course get someone in India who tells me its a monthly charge. So I say to cancel it and then I get to speak to a native english speaker who says my 6 month trial is over and tries to sell me over my objections, first 29.90 then 19.99 and then 9.99. Hate that crap. Will never trust them again
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,013
Likes: 9,775
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Just a warning to check your credit card statements for Onstar charges you didnt authorize. Noticed a $29.90 charge from Onstar on my card statement that I dont recall authorizing. Called to find out about it and of course get someone in India who tells me its a monthly charge. So I say to cancel it and then I get to speak to a native english speaker who says my 6 month trial is over and tries to sell me over my objections, first 29.90 then 19.99 and then 9.99. Hate that crap. Will never trust them again
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
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 5,887
Likes: 1,555
From: Calgary Alberta
Yeah, they asked for my credit card number when I signed up and I said no. I didn't even sign up until a month after I got my car because I'm still not sure what benefit there is to it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,615
Likes: 60
From: Haymarket Virginia
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
they automatically sign you up for continuous coverage. You can turn it off and they won't hit your card.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 606
Likes: 7
From: Nashville, TN
I recall signing up for $9.99 of cell phone minutes as a one time thing, not for any monthly thing. Shouldnt have done that as that was obviously a ploy to get the credit card number.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 606
Likes: 7
From: Nashville, TN
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
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 5,887
Likes: 1,555
From: Calgary Alberta
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,017
Likes: 2,590
From: Northern VA, USA
If you signed up for the monthly maintenance emails, look on the right side of the email under "packages and services". If you are enrolled in "Continuous Coverage", they will charge a card on file when your free trial (or annual subscription) expires.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 1,300
From: Fort McMurray Alberta
2018 C7 of Year Finalist
Not surprised at all. I have heard plenty of nightmare stories from Onstar. When I bought my C7 I was told to never give them my CC info because they will charge me when I don't want to be charged and its a huge pain to get it cancelled. My Free trial ended this month and I'm very happy I didn't have to deal with them. I seen friends on facebook make the mistake of giving them their CC info and getting charged.
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 182
From: South Dennis MA
Just a warning to check your credit card statements for Onstar charges you didnt authorize. Noticed a $29.90 charge from Onstar on my card statement that I dont recall authorizing. Called to find out about it and of course get someone in India who tells me its a monthly charge. So I say to cancel it and then I get to speak to a native english speaker who says my 6 month trial is over and tries to sell me over my objections, first 29.90 then 19.99 and then 9.99. Hate that crap. Will never trust them again
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 140
Likes: 9
From: Westerville OH
My Onstar experience
I have owned many GM cars, and have only extended the OnStar once beyond the trial period. When I decided to drop that one it took me 3 months to get it (and the charges) cancelled! They are very aggressive in their attempt to keep you, and sell you additional coverage/phone minuets. My current car (my 2008 'Vette I bought in September) I just activated the trial, but didn't give them any CC info. I have now converted to Bluetooth phone using a BlueSTAR II unit. Couldn't be happier. I also opted out of their "newsletters" and emails. Goodbye OnStar!
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 140
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From: Westerville OH
Team Owner
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From: Germantown, TN
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If you buy minutes with a cc, they keep that info on file.
Hit the Onstar button the following day and ask for the cc info to be removed. Takes about 30 seconds.
Hit the Onstar button the following day and ask for the cc info to be removed. Takes about 30 seconds.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: South Florida FL
I have 5 gm vehicles. All have Onstar and I have supbscriptions on none if them. They need a reasonable multi car plan. I can only drive one car at a time. $159 x 5 is just too rich for my blood.