Jane Dotson
OnStar provides a range of services, including multimedia options, in-vehicle entertainment, safety features, and driving assistance technology. The cost of OnStar services is $64.99 per month, plus tax. OnStar services can be beneficial for those who want added safety and convenience features in their vehicles. On the other hand, insurance provides financial protection in the event of an accident or incident. The cost of insurance can vary depending on the provider and the coverage selected. When deciding between OnStar and insurance, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Both options offer different types of protection and can enhance your driving experience in different ways.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | OnStar: $64.99/month + tax or $25/month + tax |
| Insurance: $0.30/month (roadside assistance) | |
| Features | OnStar: roadside assistance, remote unlock, crash response, theft protection, hands-free driving, off-road upgrades, remote commands through the vehicle mobile app, streaming services (movies, music, podcasts), in-vehicle entertainment, 24/7 safety, built-in voice assistants |
| Insurance: roadside assistance | |
| Discounts | OnStar: GM Rewards Cardmembers can earn up to 10 points on GM purchases |
| Insurance: OnStar may be viewed as an anti-theft device and discounted accordingly |
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What You'll Learn
- Cost: OnStar is $64.99/month, insurance roadside assistance is 30 cents/month
- Crash response: OnStar provides emergency response and location sharing
- Theft protection: OnStar can track stolen vehicles
- Convenience: OnStar offers hands-free assistance and remote commands
- Discounts: Insurance companies may offer discounts for OnStar users
Cost: OnStar is $64.99/month, insurance roadside assistance is 30 cents/month
When it comes to cost, there is a significant difference between OnStar and insurance roadside assistance. OnStar's services come at a price of $64.99 per month, plus tax. This price point gives you access to a range of features, including safety, control, entertainment, and convenience. OnStar offers hands-free driver assistance technology, integration with apps like Google Assistant, remote commands through the vehicle mobile app, and more.
On the other hand, insurance roadside assistance is a much more affordable option, costing only 30 cents per month, as mentioned by a user in Los Angeles. While the features offered by insurance roadside assistance may vary, it typically includes services such as towing, jump-starts, flat tire changes, and lockout services.
The cost disparity between the two options is evident, with OnStar being significantly more expensive than insurance roadside assistance. For those who are budget-conscious, the insurance option may be more appealing, especially considering that the services provided by both options may overlap in certain areas, such as crash response and theft protection.
However, it is worth noting that OnStar offers a more comprehensive suite of features, including entertainment options like streaming movies, music, and podcasts, as well as hands-free driving and off-road upgrades. Additionally, OnStar may provide discounts on certain insurance policies as it is viewed as an anti-theft device, which could potentially offset some of the higher costs.
Ultimately, the decision between OnStar and insurance roadside assistance depends on individual preferences and budget constraints. While OnStar offers a wider range of features, the cost may be a deterrent for some, especially when insurance roadside assistance provides similar essential services at a much lower price point.
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Crash response: OnStar provides emergency response and location sharing
Crash response is a key feature of OnStar. In the event of a crash, an OnStar advisor will check in with you and alert first responders to your location and the kind of help you need. This feature could be life-saving, particularly if you are unable to call for help yourself.
OnStar's crash response feature is included in the OnStar Safety and Security plan, which costs $24.99 per month plus tax. This plan also includes emergency services, crisis assist, roadside assistance, and stolen vehicle assistance.
The value of OnStar's crash response feature depends on the individual's needs and circumstances. Some people may prefer to rely on their insurance for roadside assistance, especially if it is significantly cheaper. For example, one person on Reddit mentions that their roadside assistance through insurance is only 30 cents per month.
On the other hand, some people may feel that the peace of mind offered by OnStar's crash response feature is worth the cost. One person on Reddit mentions that the potential life-saving benefits of crash response and theft protection make OnStar "cheap insurance".
Additionally, OnStar offers a discount on GM Insurance for those who have an OnStar-capable car. GM Insurance is available to all drivers, even those without an OnStar-capable car, but certain discounts are only available with OnStar. However, it is important to note that GM Insurance is generally more expensive than competitors, and the available discounts may not make the rates competitive.
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Theft protection: OnStar can track stolen vehicles
OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Assistance can help you recover your vehicle if it's stolen. OnStar's technology and strong partnerships with law enforcement have helped recover stolen vehicles and capture thieves since 1996. In 2021, over 932,000 vehicle thefts were reported in the US, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau's Hot Spots Report, and many of those vehicles were never recovered.
OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Assistance employs sophisticated technology and a specially trained team of Stolen Vehicle Assistance Advisors to help law enforcement quickly and safely recover your vehicle. OnStar Advisors can work with law enforcement to help get your vehicle back quicker and safer. When you report your vehicle stolen, an OnStar Advisor can use GPS technology to pinpoint its location and share that information with the police.
If your vehicle is equipped with a GM factory-installed alarm system and the doors are locked electronically, OnStar can immediately alert you via text, email, or phone call when your vehicle's alarm sounds. Theft Alarm Notification can also be used to start the recovery process quickly. After reporting the vehicle stolen to law enforcement, contact an OnStar Advisor to begin the process of locating and recovering your vehicle.
If the vehicle is parked and turned off, the OnStar Advisor can use Remote Ignition Block™ to prevent the engine from being restarted, allowing the police to recover the vehicle. If the vehicle is moving and after police have confirmed the vehicle is in sight, the Advisor can activate its emergency flashers for verification purposes. When authorities confirm the conditions are appropriate, the Advisor can also activate Stolen Vehicle Slowdown to gradually slow the vehicle to an idle speed.
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Convenience: OnStar offers hands-free assistance and remote commands
OnStar offers a range of convenient features that provide hands-free assistance and remote commands for added convenience and safety.
The hands-free driver assistance technology allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel while accessing various features. For example, drivers can use voice commands to make calls, get directions, and play music. This integration with voice assistants provides a seamless and safe way to access information and entertainment during a journey.
The OnStar mobile app enhances convenience by enabling remote commands. Users can start their vehicle, lock and unlock doors, and locate their car via the app. This is particularly useful if you've misplaced your keys or need to warm up your car before departing. The app also allows users to send directions to their car's centre display, making navigation easier.
In addition to remote commands, OnStar offers a valuable roadside assistance service. With unlimited calls for roadside assistance, drivers can conveniently access help if they experience car troubles or require emergency services. This feature provides peace of mind, especially during long-distance travel or in unfamiliar areas.
The convenience of OnStar's hands-free and remote capabilities is further enhanced by its integration with other apps and services. For example, users can utilise Waze, Google Maps, or Maps+ for navigation, traffic updates, and discovering nearby places. The system also supports Google Assistant, allowing for a more personalised and intuitive hands-free experience.
OnStar's convenience features provide a seamless driving experience, combining safety and connectivity. The hands-free and remote capabilities offer assistance and ease of use, ensuring drivers can focus on the road while staying connected and in control.
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Discounts: Insurance companies may offer discounts for OnStar users
OnStar is a service that offers in-vehicle safety, entertainment, and convenience features. It provides hands-free driving assistance, real-time maps, off-road upgrades, and remote commands through a vehicle mobile app. One of its notable features is roadside assistance, which includes unlimited calls, remote unlock if keys are left inside, vehicle tracking, and emergency response in case of a crash.
When considering whether to call OnStar or one's insurance company, it's important to understand the potential benefits and discounts associated with OnStar. Some insurance companies may offer discounts for OnStar users, recognizing it as an anti-theft device. This discount can be applied to the comprehensive coverage amount on one's policy, although the exact dollar amount of the discount may vary and might be challenging to determine.
OnStar's ability to track driving habits and promote safer driving practices could be a factor in insurance discounts. Insurance companies may view OnStar data as a way to assess a driver's risk profile and offer corresponding discounts. While there are alternative methods for tracking driving habits, such as phone apps or OBD devices, OnStar provides a dedicated system integrated into the vehicle.
It's worth noting that the value proposition of OnStar depends on individual circumstances and preferences. While some users appreciate the peace of mind and convenience of OnStar's features, others may find the monthly cost of the service ($25/month or $64.99/month, depending on the plan) a deterrent, especially if similar features are already included in their insurance coverage. Therefore, it's essential to weigh the benefits, potential discounts, and cost when deciding whether to utilize OnStar or rely solely on insurance coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
OnStar is a service that provides safety, control, entertainment, and the convenience of hands-free driver assistance technology.
OnStar provides unlimited calls for roadside assistance, remote unlocks of your car, tracking, and emergency response if you're in a crash. OnStar Advisors are trained and certified to provide critical support until First Responders arrive on the scene in medical, fire, and police emergencies.
The cost of OnStar is $64.99/month + tax for the full package, or $25/month + tax for the basic package.
OnStar is viewed as an anti-theft device and discounted accordingly. The exact dollar amount given for the discount is unknown, but it is estimated to be around 10% off of the comprehensive coverage amount.
