Do you have to pay for OnStar on your car?

In most cases, you will need a paid subscription to keep OnStar’s core services beyond any introductory trial. New GM vehicles typically include a free OnStar trial, after which ongoing access to features generally requires payment. Some limited functions may be accessible during the trial or via related apps, but long-term use is usually paid.

OnStar bundles safety, connectivity, and convenience features that can vary by vehicle, model year, and region. This article explains how pricing works, what you get with each plan, and how to manage or cancel service if you decide OnStar isn’t right for you.

Costs and what you get

The exact price and features depend on your vehicle and location, but here are the common components and how pricing tends to work. Use this as a guide to understand what you’ll be paying for and what you’ll receive with each tier.

• Safety & Security plan: Emergency assistance, crash response, automatic crash notification, SOS, and often stolen vehicle assistance. This is a core paid option that many customers keep for safety features.


• Remote Access and Premium features: Remote unlock/lock, remote start, vehicle locating, and virtual ownership tools. These are typically included with paid plans or offered as part of higher-tier packages.


• Navigation, destination services, and diagnostics: Turn-by-turn navigation, destination services, and vehicle-health alerts. Availability and depth depend on the plan and model year.


• Cost range (varies by vehicle and region): Most OnStar plans fall roughly within a broader monthly range, with discounts for annual commitments or multi-vehicle accounts. Exact prices depend on your car, trim, and location.

To confirm the exact price for your vehicle, check your OnStar account, the vehicle’s window sticker, or contact your GM dealer or OnStar support.

Free trials and what happens after

New GM vehicles usually include a complimentary OnStar trial that lasts several months. After the trial ends, continued access to most features typically requires a paid subscription. The specifics depend on your model and any promotions in effect at purchase.

• Trial duration: Commonly between 3 months and 12 months, depending on model and promotion.


• What ends with the trial: Access to most features beyond the trial period is restricted or disabled unless you subscribe.


• Automatic renewal and cancellations: Plans may renew automatically if you agree to terms during setup; you can cancel at any time through the OnStar app or your account settings to avoid future charges.

If you don’t want to pay after the trial, you can still use some non-OnStar features via GM’s mobile apps for vehicle status or location, but you won’t have access to the safety and remote services that OnStar provides with a paid plan.

How to manage or cancel your OnStar service

Know how to verify what you’re getting and how to adjust or cancel your plan when needed. Use these steps to stay in control of your subscription.

• Check status: Review your plan status in the OnStar app or via your online OnStar account.


• Explore options: Talk to your dealer or OnStar support about promotions or a plan that fits your use case, especially around purchase or lease term.


• Change or cancel: Change plans or cancel through the OnStar app, online account, or by contacting customer care. Be aware of any terms or possible fees tied to cancellation.

Some owners opt to keep OnStar for safety features like emergency response or stolen-vehicle assistance, while others decide they don’t need ongoing service and rely on their smartphone for convenience tasks.

What you should know about free/alternative options

Depending on your model year and region, certain basic or trial features may be accessible without a paid subscription, and some features can be explored through the GM mobile app. Always verify the exact terms for your vehicle with your dealer or the owner’s manual, because offerings can change over time.

Summary

Bottom line: most new GM vehicles come with a free OnStar trial, and continued access to OnStar’s core safety and remote services usually requires a paid subscription after the trial ends. Prices and plans vary by vehicle, model year, and location, so check your OnStar account, the owner’s manual, or consult your dealer for the exact terms. If you don’t need ongoing OnStar service, you can still use some vehicle features via apps, but you’ll forfeit the dedicated safety and remote capabilities that come with a paid plan.

What does OnStar cost per month?

OnStar costs range from $9.99 to $64.99+ per month, depending on the plan, with basic options starting around $9.99 and premium plans costing more. For example, the basic "Connect" plan is $9.99/mo, while the premium "OnStar One Super Cruise" plan is $64.99/mo. OnStar also offers the Guardian app separately for $15/mo. 
OnStar plan costs

• Connect: Starts at $9.99 per month, includes services like remote key fob services and vehicle diagnostics. 
• Connect Plus: Around $19.99 per month, includes all Connect features plus Wi-Fi hotspot capability and in-vehicle apps. 
• Safety & Security: Around $22.99 per month, includes safety services like Automatic Crash Response and Roadside Assistance, with or without the Guardian app. 
• OnStar One: Approximately $34.99 per month, includes safety, security, and connectivity features. 
• OnStar One Super Cruise: Approximately $64.99 per month, includes the premium plan and Super Cruise functionality for compatible vehicles. 
• OnStar Guardian App: A standalone subscription for $15 per month, providing safety services on your phone even when you're not in your car. 

Important to know

• Pricing can vary and may be subject to additional taxes and fees. 
• New 2025 and newer vehicles often come with OnStar Basics included at no cost for a limited time, which typically includes key fob services and vehicle diagnostics. 

Does OnStar work without a subscription?

No, most OnStar services do not work without a paid subscription, but some basic functions like calling 911 are still available. Without a subscription, you lose features like automatic crash response, remote access via the mobile app, roadside assistance, and the in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot. However, a non-subscribed OnStar system can still be used to make a manual emergency 911 call, similar to an inactive cell phone, by using the voice command button. 
What does not work without a subscription

• Automatic Crash Response: The system will not automatically connect with emergency services after a crash. 
• Remote access via the mobile app: Features like remote start, locating your vehicle, and locking/unlocking doors from the app require an active plan. 
• Roadside Assistance: You will not be able to request assistance from OnStar. 
• In-vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot: A subscription is required to power the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot. 
• Certain built-in navigation and other features: Some advanced or integrated services, especially on newer vehicles, may require a subscription to use. 

What still works

• Emergency 911 calls: You can manually press the voice command button to call 911 for help. The system will connect to emergency services, and your location will be transmitted, similar to an inactive cell phone. 
• Basic vehicle functions: Many standard features that are part of the car itself (not OnStar) will continue to work as they don't depend on the OnStar service. 

Important considerations

• Automatic cancellation: If you cancel or let your OnStar service plan expire, all connected services, including emergency services, will be shut off. 
• Future changes: General Motors has announced it may be increasing subscription-based services in the future, so it is best to check the specific details of your vehicle's plan. 

Can I use OnStar for free?

Yes, new buyers of 2025 and newer GM vehicles receive OnStar Basics at no cost for eight years, which includes basic features like key fob services and OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics. However, more advanced plans like {Protection}, {Security}, and {Guidance} require a paid subscription. Additionally, OnStar offers free trials, typically three months, for certain services. 
Free OnStar Basics

• Eligibility: Owners of new 2025 model year GM vehicles receive this plan included at no cost for eight years. 
• Key features:
  • Remote key fob services via the myChevrolet, myBuick, myGMC, or myCadillac app. 
  • OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics. 
  • Dealer Maintenance Notification. 
  • Automatic Crash Response (included in OnStar Basics for 2025 and newer models). 
  • Built-in voice assistance for hands-free help on the road. 
  • Real-time traffic and navigation. 

Paid OnStar plans

• Protection: Includes all Basic plan features plus Emergency Services like Automatic Crash Response, Crisis Assist, and Roadside Assistance.
• Security: Adds Stolen Vehicle Assistance to the Protection plan.
• Guidance: Includes all Security plan features, plus Turn-by-Turn Navigation via a live OnStar Advisor and 30 minutes of Hands-Free Calling per month. 

Free trials

• OnStar often offers a free trial, typically for three months, to new customers for certain service plans.
• Eligibility and terms can vary, so it is recommended to check with OnStar for the most current trial information. 

Do you get charged for OnStar?

There are a few different pricing levels for OnStar services. The most basic plan is the Connected Vehicle plan and this costs $24.99 per month. With this plan, you get services like vehicle location and remote personalization. The next plan is the Safety and Security plan, which costs $29.99 per month.