Onstar Or Insurance: Who Should You Call For Roadside Emergencies?

should I call onstar or my insurance for roadside assistance

OnStar and insurance providers both offer roadside assistance, but which one should you call when you're stranded on the road? OnStar offers a range of plans that include roadside assistance services such as emergency towing, fuel delivery, jump-starting your vehicle, and unlocking your car. On the other hand, insurance providers may offer roadside assistance as an add-on to your policy, which can be a more cost-effective option. So, when deciding whether to call OnStar or your insurance company for roadside assistance, it's important to consider the specific services you need, the cost of each option, and the convenience and reliability of the services offered.

Characteristics Values
OnStar Roadside Assistance Available through the OnStar button in the vehicle, OnStar Guardian app, Vehicle Mobile App, or by calling 1.888.4ONSTAR (1.888.466.7287) from any phone.
Insurance Roadside Assistance Not mentioned in the search results

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OnStar's roadside assistance services

OnStar offers a range of roadside assistance services to help with common vehicle issues. These services are included in some OnStar plans, while others require additional payment.

Roadside assistance can be requested in several ways, depending on the situation and your plan. If you have a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle and a paid OnStar plan, you can push the blue OnStar button in your vehicle to speak with an advisor. They will then contact a local service provider to arrange assistance. This option is also available through the OnStar Guardian app or your vehicle's mobile app (myChevrolet, myBuick, myGMC, or myCadillac). Additionally, you can call 1.888.4ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) from any phone to request help.

It is important to note that while OnStar promotes its roadside assistance services, some users have shared mixed experiences. Some individuals have found the services valuable, especially in emergencies, while others have expressed concerns about the cost and the likelihood of needing certain features. Ultimately, the decision to utilise OnStar's roadside assistance services depends on your personal preferences and the specifics of your insurance coverage.

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Insurance roadside assistance vs. OnStar

When it comes to roadside assistance, there are several options available to motorists. Two of the most popular choices are insurance roadside assistance and OnStar. Both have their own unique features and benefits, and understanding the differences between the two can help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Insurance roadside assistance is typically offered as an add-on to your existing car insurance policy. This means that you will need to have a valid insurance policy in place before you can add on the roadside assistance coverage. The cost of insurance roadside assistance can vary depending on your insurance provider and the level of coverage you choose. In some cases, it may be offered as a standalone product, but it is usually more cost-effective to bundle it with your existing policy. Insurance roadside assistance typically covers a range of common issues, such as flat tires, dead batteries, and towing services. However, the level of coverage and the response time can vary depending on your insurance provider.

OnStar, on the other hand, is a subscription-based service that offers a wide range of features, including roadside assistance. OnStar can be added to any vehicle and provides services such as emergency towing, fuel delivery, flat tire assistance, and jump-starts. One of the unique features of OnStar is the blue OnStar button, which allows you to instantly connect with an OnStar Advisor who can assist you with your roadside needs. OnStar also offers a mobile app, known as the OnStar Guardian app, which allows you to request roadside assistance directly from your phone. Additionally, OnStar provides automatic crash response, medical emergency assistance, and weather emergency assistance. The cost of OnStar plans can vary, and it's important to note that roadside assistance may only be included with certain paid plans.

One advantage of OnStar is that it offers a more comprehensive range of services compared to insurance roadside assistance. With OnStar, you have access to features such as vehicle tracking, remote unlock, and crash detection. These additional services can provide peace of mind and enhance your overall safety on the road. OnStar also has a 24/7 connection to Advisors, ensuring that help is always just a button-push away. However, the monthly cost of OnStar may be higher than the cost of insurance roadside assistance, especially if you only require basic services.

Insurance roadside assistance, while potentially more limited in scope, can be a more cost-effective option, especially if you already have a comprehensive insurance policy in place. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to understand exactly what is covered and what the response time will be in an emergency. Additionally, insurance roadside assistance may offer more flexibility in terms of payment options, allowing you to bundle it with your existing policy or pay a low monthly fee.

In conclusion, both insurance roadside assistance and OnStar have their own unique advantages. Insurance roadside assistance may be more suitable for those who already have a comprehensive insurance policy and are looking for a cost-effective way to add roadside coverage. On the other hand, OnStar offers a wide range of features and services, including roadside assistance, vehicle tracking, and emergency response. OnStar's 24/7 connection to Advisors and convenient blue button access can provide added peace of mind and convenience on the road. Ultimately, the decision between insurance roadside assistance and OnStar depends on your individual needs, budget, and the level of coverage and services you require.

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Requesting OnStar roadside assistance

You can also request roadside assistance through the OnStar Guardian app by tapping the Roadside Assistance button. If you are a member with the Safety & Security plan, you will have access to the Guardian app. This app provides a 24/7 connection to advisors and all safety features for the road.

Additionally, you can call 1.888.4ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) from any phone to request roadside assistance. This option is available even if you don't have access to your phone or vehicle.

It's important to note that while roadside assistance is included with some paid OnStar plans, you can still request it without an active subscription. However, you will need to pay for any services rendered if you are not enrolled in an OnStar plan.

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OnStar's paid plans and trials

OnStar offers a range of paid plans and trials to cater to different needs and vehicle types.

Paid Plans

OnStar offers a variety of paid plans with different features and pricing options. The most basic plan, starting at $9.99/month, offers safety, control, and entertainment features, including hands-free driver assistance technology. The company also offers a $25/month plan that includes additional features such as an ever-expanding network of compatible roads and integration with apps like Google Assistant.

For those seeking a more comprehensive package, OnStar provides a plan priced at $64.99/month, which includes all the features of the previous plans, plus enhanced hands-free driver assistance technology. This top-tier plan also offers the convenience of an ever-expanding network of compatible roads.

Trials

OnStar also provides trial periods for customers to experience its services. When you purchase a 2015 or newer Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac, you are eligible for a complimentary OnStar trial. This trial offers a range of features, including safety, control, and entertainment options, as well as the convenience of hands-free driver assistance technology.

Even if your vehicle is older, you can still experience OnStar features through the OnStar Guardian® app. Additionally, 2025 and newer vehicles come with OnStar Basics, which include core features such as Automatic Crash Response and remote commands for eight years.

Overall, OnStar provides a range of paid plans and trials to suit different customer needs and preferences, allowing users to experience the benefits of their services and choose the option that best fits their requirements.

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OnStar's app and in-vehicle assistance

OnStar offers a range of services to assist drivers in various situations, including roadside emergencies. OnStar's roadside assistance can be requested in several ways, depending on the specific situation and your personal preferences.

The OnStar app, known as the Guardian app, is one convenient way to access roadside assistance. The app provides 24/7 help and is available for download on mobile devices. This option is particularly useful if you don't have access to your vehicle or its built-in OnStar system. Through the app, you can request assistance for issues such as flat tires, towing needs, jump-starts, and unlocking your vehicle if you've locked yourself out.

For those who prefer in-vehicle assistance, OnStar offers a dedicated button for roadside help. Simply push the blue OnStar button located in your vehicle to connect directly with an OnStar Advisor. This feature allows you to speak with a representative and explain your situation, whether it's a flat tire, an empty gas tank, or any other issue. The Advisor will then arrange for assistance by contacting a local service provider. This option is ideal if you're already in your vehicle and need immediate support.

Additionally, OnStar provides a phone number, 1.888.4ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827), that you can call from any phone to request roadside assistance. This number can be especially useful if you don't have access to your vehicle's OnStar system or if you're unable to use the mobile app for any reason.

It's worth noting that while OnStar offers a range of plans with different features, roadside assistance may be included in specific packages, such as the OnStar One, OnStar One Super Cruise, and OnStar Safety & Security plans. However, even if you're not actively enrolled in an OnStar plan, you can still request roadside assistance, although you may have to pay for the services provided.

Frequently asked questions

OnStar is a service that provides roadside assistance for common vehicle issues, such as running out of gas, fixing a flat tire, or towing to a repair center. It also offers help with jump-starts, unlocking doors, and emergency response in the event of a crash.

There are multiple ways to request roadside assistance from OnStar. If you have a paid OnStar plan, you can push the blue OnStar button in your vehicle to speak with an advisor. You can also request assistance through the OnStar Guardian app, your vehicle's mobile app, or by calling 1.888.4ONSTAR (1.888.466.7287) from any phone.

It depends on your specific needs and preferences. OnStar offers a variety of plans that include roadside assistance, as well as additional features like crash response and theft protection. On the other hand, your insurance company may offer roadside assistance as part of your policy, which could be more cost-effective. Ultimately, you should compare the features and prices of both options to determine which one best suits your needs.

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