Is Chevy Smart Driver free?
There is no universal, always-free program named “Chevy Smart Driver.” Access to driver-assist features and connected services typically depends on your vehicle’s trim, model year, and whether you’re within a trial period for OnStar/Connected Services; after any trial ends, a paid subscription may be required.
To understand what this means for Chevrolet owners, this report explains what “Smart Driver” might refer to, how Chevrolet packages driver-assist and connectivity, and how to verify your own vehicle’s status. It covers what portions may be free, what requires a subscription, and how to check your options in practice.
What counts as free vs paid
Here’s how the term “free” can appear in real-world Chevy ownership, depending on model year and promotions:
- Standard safety features included with the vehicle purchase in many newer Chevrolet models, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, forward collision alert, and other driver-assist features; these are typically included as part of the vehicle’s price or as standard in certain trims, not as a separate subscription.
- OnStar/Connected Services trials included with new vehicles, which may cover safety, navigation, diagnostics, remote access, and some connected features for a limited period (commonly several months); after the trial ends, continued access may require a paid plan.
- Marketing or dealer promotions that use the term “Smart Driver” as branding for a package or trial; the phrase may appear in ads or dealer materials but does not always reflect a standalone, universal product.
- Features accessible via the MyChevrolet app or the OnStar app that appear free during a trial or when connected to a vehicle, but many rely on an active service plan to remain functional.
In practice, you should expect either standard features included with new vehicles or temporary trials; ongoing free access is not guaranteed across all models or markets.
How to verify in your vehicle
To determine whether your car has free access to any “Smart Driver” features, try these steps:
- Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual or the infotainment system for “Connected Services” or OnStar status, often under Settings or Vehicle tabs.
- Log into the MyChevrolet app (and/or your OnStar account) to see which services are active, including any trial periods, expiration dates, or upgrade options.
- Contact your dealer or GM Customer Service with your VIN to confirm which services are included and what the pricing would be after any trial period ends.
- Examine the window sticker or packaging that came with the car, as it may note the length of any trial period for connected services.
If you’re unsure, a dealership representative can provide a VIN-specific breakdown of what’s active and what would require payment beyond any trial.
What to expect going forward
Understanding your options helps you prepare for future costs or savings:
- After any trial period, access to features that rely on connectivity typically requires an OnStar/Connected Services plan or a similar subscription from Chevrolet.
- Some safety features are standard on certain trims and do not require OnStar; verify which features your specific model includes.
- The MyChevrolet app may offer limited functionality without an active subscription, while more advanced “Smart Driver” features usually need connectivity services.
Bottom line: there isn’t a universal, always-free Chevy Smart Driver program. Availability and pricing depend on your vehicle, its trim, and any active promotions or trials. Check your VIN and consult GM/OnStar resources or your dealer for the exact terms.
Summary
Chevrolet does not offer a single, universally free “Smart Driver” program. Access to driver-assist and connected features is typically tied to the vehicle’s trim and to OnStar/Connected Services subscriptions, often with a free trial period that expires. To confirm what’s free for your car, review your manual and vehicle settings, log into the official Chevrolet/OnStar apps, and check with your dealer for VIN-specific details.
