Comments on: The Truth About OnStar http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/ Car News, Car Reviews, Test Drives, Car Blog, Car Pictures Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:47:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: OE http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/comment-page-1/#comment-130461 OE Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:08:26 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/#comment-130461 Hmmmm ok, as a brand new OnStar equipt vehicle owner you are entitled to 12 months of OnStar service 'complimentary', this is essentially built in to the price of your vehicle. I would call and inquire as to why you are only getting 3 months. If for some reason they insist that you are only getting 3 months, call your dealership and ask them why this is. Sometimes the dealer activates an OnStar acount prematurely and a sale falls through, the account is never cancelled. Normally the dealership would top up the service so you get your full free year in a case like this. Hmmmm ok, as a brand new OnStar equipt vehicle owner you are entitled to 12 months of OnStar service ‘complimentary’, this is essentially built in to the price of your vehicle. I would call and inquire as to why you are only getting 3 months. If for some reason they insist that you are only getting 3 months, call your dealership and ask them why this is. Sometimes the dealer activates an OnStar acount prematurely and a sale falls through, the account is never cancelled. Normally the dealership would top up the service so you get your full free year in a case like this.

]]> By: TonyG http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/comment-page-1/#comment-130459 TonyG Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:59:00 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/#comment-130459 OE My truck is brand new 09 model. I got it at the end of November, they sent me information saying mid feb it would cancel. I have not heard anything since . OE My truck is brand new 09 model. I got it at the end of November, they sent me information saying mid feb it would cancel. I have not heard anything since .

]]> By: OE http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/comment-page-1/#comment-130458 OE Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:57:55 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/#comment-130458 Marshall Bennet, My appologies on your accident/experience- purely for your information- Certain vehicles have automatic crash notification (your dealer can verify this for you but its generally on newer models, your malibu most likely has it) which means that there are crash sensors at certain points in the vehicle (varries per model and some older models do not have this at all) If your vehicle had this and those sensors were hit even if your airbag didnt deploy OnStar should be automatically notified telling them what direction and severity of impact was recorded for EMS use. Otherwise your vehicle would have automatic airbag notification which means that if any of your airbags deploy OnStar should be automatically notified. If your vehicle does not have these sensors and your airbags did not deploy unfortunately there is no way for OnStar to know you were in an accident if noone hit the red emergency button. I agree that some of the commercials are not the clearest although in their defence 30 seconds is really only long enough to get the basics out. The rest can be found in your glove box. I sincerely hope you dont have a need for the emergency services in your new vehicle and understand your lack of faith if your airbag did deploy. If it didn’t I hope that this has helped you to understand the system a bit better. Marshall Bennet, My appologies on your accident/experience- purely for your information- Certain vehicles have automatic crash notification (your dealer can verify this for you but its generally on newer models, your malibu most likely has it) which means that there are crash sensors at certain points in the vehicle (varries per model and some older models do not have this at all) If your vehicle had this and those sensors were hit even if your airbag didnt deploy OnStar should be automatically notified telling them what direction and severity of impact was recorded for EMS use. Otherwise your vehicle would have automatic airbag notification which means that if any of your airbags deploy OnStar should be automatically notified. If your vehicle does not have these sensors and your airbags did not deploy unfortunately there is no way for OnStar to know you were in an accident if noone hit the red emergency button. I agree that some of the commercials are not the clearest although in their defence 30 seconds is really only long enough to get the basics out. The rest can be found in your glove box. I sincerely hope you dont have a need for the emergency services in your new vehicle and understand your lack of faith if your airbag did deploy. If it didn’t I hope that this has helped you to understand the system a bit better.

]]> By: OE http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/comment-page-1/#comment-130457 OE Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:57:35 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/#comment-130457 TMBucz- Technically it is possible for OnStar to receive a notification initiated by your vehicle in a crash or if you hit your red emergency button. However, once your account is disabled and inactive they cannot guarantee this and often times the location information on a disabled vehicle is incorrect. Also once your account is disabled OnStar cannot track or unlock your vehicle under any circumstances, many people think they are lying or it is a money grab when they discover this- not the case and if it were OnStar would just allow you to renew unlock or track your car and take your money. OnStar needs the vehicle to be reactivated from inside to have any authority over the location/locks for your security. TMBucz- Technically it is possible for OnStar to receive a notification initiated by your vehicle in a crash or if you hit your red emergency button. However, once your account is disabled and inactive they cannot guarantee this and often times the location information on a disabled vehicle is incorrect. Also once your account is disabled OnStar cannot track or unlock your vehicle under any circumstances, many people think they are lying or it is a money grab when they discover this- not the case and if it were OnStar would just allow you to renew unlock or track your car and take your money. OnStar needs the vehicle to be reactivated from inside to have any authority over the location/locks for your security.

]]> By: OE http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/comment-page-1/#comment-130456 OE Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:57:10 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/#comment-130456 ALSO- Tony G- was this a brand new vehicle or a ceritfied previously owned vehicle? Brand new OnStar equipt vehicles get one full year of service free. Certified previously owned vehicles will only get 3 months of service as a courtesy to allow you to try the service and see if you like it. The first owner got the full year of service so that vehicle is no longer eligible for the full year. The advisor that you spoke with at the time of your activation was correct if it was previously owned. Sometimes your dealer is misinformed when it comes to OnStar and they just assume every vehicle they sell gets a full year which is not the case. The full free year is one time per vehicle. ALSO- Tony G- was this a brand new vehicle or a ceritfied previously owned vehicle? Brand new OnStar equipt vehicles get one full year of service free. Certified previously owned vehicles will only get 3 months of service as a courtesy to allow you to try the service and see if you like it. The first owner got the full year of service so that vehicle is no longer eligible for the full year. The advisor that you spoke with at the time of your activation was correct if it was previously owned. Sometimes your dealer is misinformed when it comes to OnStar and they just assume every vehicle they sell gets a full year which is not the case. The full free year is one time per vehicle.

]]> By: OE http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/comment-page-1/#comment-130455 OE Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:56:15 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/#comment-130455 As a CSR for OnStar for 7 plus years I can assure you that OnStar does not have any super power magical ways of getting your credit card if you don’t provide it to them or your dealer at some point. Also at the time that you provide it to OnStar (whether it be for minutes or to upgrade or renew your service) they also tell you it will be kept securely on file so that your service is not interupted when it is up for renewal. For legal reasons CSR’s must attempt to give you the scripting, and if there is any doubt, the calls are recorded. You can call to cancel or have it removed at any time. Most people don’t listen to this scripting but it is there, just like its on your service sales agreement that you sign with the dealer, granted as a consumer myself I’m sure this is in the small print but it is there. If they have overcharged you or you didn’t want to renew, all you have to do is call and a) ask that your credit card be removed from your file, and b) advise that you want your account closed and the amount reimbursed to your credit card. If this does not happen in a timely manor call and speak with a supervisor. I assure you that there is no conspiracy to overcharge you. Word of mouth is huge and they get that and their advisors are told to basically bend over backwards to keep their customers happy. If you don’t get a satisfactory answer, escalate your concerns to customer care or a supervisor and 9 times out of ten your concern will be addressed to your satisfaction. You do not have to provide your credit card to get your free year of service, however they will try and get you to put it on file so they don’t have to run around after people to get them to renew. You can’t please everyone because for every customer that calls to complain that their credit card was charged without their permission (when really they permitted to it when adding it to the file) we have just as many people calling for door unlocks that did not have a credit card on file and ignored our renewal notices. They now want to rip us a new one because we closed their account without telling them(when in reality we tried) and they have their dog or child locked in the car(For the record, just like any other service if it is not paid for we cannot provide unlock service. There is a more than fair grace period and then the vehicle hardware is disabled. No matter what the personal emergency is an unlock is not possible once this happens. The vehicle needs to be reactivated from inside the car with a button press before we have the ability to perform these services. This is for the former customers privacy). Also, you can decline OnStar service within the first year so I am going to hazard a guess that the advisor that you were speaking to did not know what they were talking about(unfortunately). I suggest asking to speak with a supervisor as that is incorrect information. OnStar has no desire to randomly track/call/monitor your vehicle and adviser activity in customer accounts is monitored. They have absolutely no reason to decline your request to cancel your service in the first year. My understanding is that your dealership can disconnect the system as well and some dealerships are more knowledgeable than others as with anything. If you aren’t sure about the answers you are getting with your dealership, check with the next closest! As a CSR for OnStar for 7 plus years I can assure you that OnStar does not have any super power magical ways of getting your credit card if you don’t provide it to them or your dealer at some point. Also at the time that you provide it to OnStar (whether it be for minutes or to upgrade or renew your service) they also tell you it will be kept securely on file so that your service is not interupted when it is up for renewal. For legal reasons CSR’s must attempt to give you the scripting, and if there is any doubt, the calls are recorded. You can call to cancel or have it removed at any time. Most people don’t listen to this scripting but it is there, just like its on your service sales agreement that you sign with the dealer, granted as a consumer myself I’m sure this is in the small print but it is there. If they have overcharged you or you didn’t want to renew, all you have to do is call and a) ask that your credit card be removed from your file, and b) advise that you want your account closed and the amount reimbursed to your credit card. If this does not happen in a timely manor call and speak with a supervisor. I assure you that there is no conspiracy to overcharge you. Word of mouth is huge and they get that and their advisors are told to basically bend over backwards to keep their customers happy. If you don’t get a satisfactory answer, escalate your concerns to customer care or a supervisor and 9 times out of ten your concern will be addressed to your satisfaction. You do not have to provide your credit card to get your free year of service, however they will try and get you to put it on file so they don’t have to run around after people to get them to renew. You can’t please everyone because for every customer that calls to complain that their credit card was charged without their permission (when really they permitted to it when adding it to the file) we have just as many people calling for door unlocks that did not have a credit card on file and ignored our renewal notices. They now want to rip us a new one because we closed their account without telling them(when in reality we tried) and they have their dog or child locked in the car(For the record, just like any other service if it is not paid for we cannot provide unlock service. There is a more than fair grace period and then the vehicle hardware is disabled. No matter what the personal emergency is an unlock is not possible once this happens. The vehicle needs to be reactivated from inside the car with a button press before we have the ability to perform these services. This is for the former customers privacy). Also, you can decline OnStar service within the first year so I am going to hazard a guess that the advisor that you were speaking to did not know what they were talking about(unfortunately). I suggest asking to speak with a supervisor as that is incorrect information. OnStar has no desire to randomly track/call/monitor your vehicle and adviser activity in customer accounts is monitored. They have absolutely no reason to decline your request to cancel your service in the first year. My understanding is that your dealership can disconnect the system as well and some dealerships are more knowledgeable than others as with anything. If you aren’t sure about the answers you are getting with your dealership, check with the next closest!

]]> By: greg http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/comment-page-1/#comment-130276 greg Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:23:59 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/#comment-130276 just call your credit card company and tell them that these are unauthorized charges and they will block it. simple takes about five minutes just call your credit card company and tell them that these are unauthorized charges and they will block it. simple takes about five minutes

]]> By: Tonyg http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/comment-page-1/#comment-127780 Tonyg Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:53:05 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/#comment-127780 So I told everyone I would be back in a year to see if onstar some how gets my credit card info outside of contacting me. I got a letter for them today saying that I have less then a month left on my free trial I was told the trial was for a year. Im at almost 3 months and they are getting ready to end my trial, its all very interesting. So I told everyone I would be back in a year to see if onstar some how gets my credit card info outside of contacting me. I got a letter for them today saying that I have less then a month left on my free trial I was told the trial was for a year. Im at almost 3 months and they are getting ready to end my trial, its all very interesting.

]]> By: clayton http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/comment-page-1/#comment-127062 clayton Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:52:21 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/#comment-127062 hello tmbucz,On star is notafied if any airbag is deployed,As far as contacting them without a subscription (onstar says no) however before i subscribed i once used the red button and after several minutes they did answer.I am a believer in the service especially the hands free phone,however every system has it 's pitfalls as marshall found out(sorry to say). hello tmbucz,On star is notafied if any airbag is deployed,As far as contacting them without a subscription (onstar says no) however before i subscribed i once used the red button and after several minutes they did answer.I am a believer in the service especially the hands free phone,however every system has it ’s pitfalls as marshall found out(sorry to say).

]]> By: TMBucz http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/comment-page-1/#comment-127029 TMBucz Sat, 16 Jan 2010 17:17:28 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/#comment-127029 So, if airbag deployment is required for Onstar notification, is that any airbag in the vehicle? ie: if only side curtain/head bags deploy? Also, what is the real truth behind whether or not OnStar can be contacted in an emergancy if you don't have an active subscription - either manually(red button) or automatic(airbag)? I just purchased a '07 Envoy SLT, my first vehicle with OnStar and am contimplating the service... thanks in advance. So, if airbag deployment is required for Onstar notification, is that any airbag in the vehicle? ie: if only side curtain/head bags deploy? Also, what is the real truth behind whether or not OnStar can be contacted in an emergancy if you don’t have an active subscription – either manually(red button) or automatic(airbag)? I just purchased a ‘07 Envoy SLT, my first vehicle with OnStar and am contimplating the service… thanks in advance.

]]> By: marshall bennett http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/comment-page-1/#comment-118562 marshall bennett Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:04:02 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/#comment-118562 hey thanks for that info. appreciated..however onstar never asked about airbag nor informed of that fact ..nor do i see airbags depoloyed on their dramatic commercials where onstar calls to check on accident victims to see if they are ok..it was a side impact and no airbags were deployed..thanks again for your useful knowledge, my friend. hey thanks for that info. appreciated..however onstar never asked about airbag nor informed of that fact ..nor do i see airbags depoloyed on their dramatic commercials where onstar calls to check on accident victims to see if they are ok..it was a side impact and no airbags were deployed..thanks again for your useful knowledge, my friend.

]]> By: clayton http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/comment-page-1/#comment-118553 clayton Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:40:59 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/#comment-118553 Very sorry to hear about the bad accident,but you left out some information,On star only knows of an accident IF the airbags deploy(usually only in a frontal collission)SO if you had a rear end collission or a side impact then possably the airbags did not deploy(hence no notification of onstar)I am in no way defending onstar,Just giving the facts as i know them.If the airbags deployed then there is absolutly NO excuse for there omission,Again so sorry to hear about your terrable accident and wish the very best for you and your wife. Very sorry to hear about the bad accident,but you left out some information,On star only knows of an accident IF the airbags deploy(usually only in a frontal collission)SO if you had a rear end collission or a side impact then possably the airbags did not deploy(hence no notification of onstar)I am in no way defending onstar,Just giving the facts as i know them.If the airbags deployed then there is absolutly NO excuse for there omission,Again so sorry to hear about your terrable accident and wish the very best for you and your wife.

]]> By: marshall bennett http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/comment-page-1/#comment-118535 marshall bennett Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:49:44 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/#comment-118535 my new vehicle with onstar was hit in a near fatal accident. i was never notified by phone or email and there was no damage to onstar. any info on this matter or direction would be appreciated. i have since purchased a new malibu and informed onstar i dont want or have faith in their service and explained why. they have no record and basically blew me off. however they offered me an estra year free and i informed them i dont want it but they credited me anyway. my wife is permanently disabled as a relult and our life has changed dramatacilly. any info on similar matters would be appreciated. my stomach turns when i see automatic crash res-ponse commercial on tv from onstar all the time. my new vehicle with onstar was hit in a near fatal accident. i was never notified by phone or email and there was no damage to onstar. any info on this matter or direction would be appreciated. i have since purchased a new malibu and informed onstar i dont want or have faith in their service and explained why. they have no record and basically blew me off. however they offered me an estra year free and i informed them i dont want it but they credited me anyway. my wife is permanently disabled as a relult and our life has changed dramatacilly. any info on similar matters would be appreciated. my stomach turns when i see automatic crash res-ponse commercial on tv from onstar all the time.

]]> By: Chris Burdick http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/comment-page-1/#comment-111611 Chris Burdick Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:00:25 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/#comment-111611 Great point Clayton, that might be a good idea for anyone. The CarChip is a great little small device that will record time, date, distance, speed, events and up to 4 separate engine parameters. It will note any hard acceleration or braking as well and can record up to 300 hours of data. This would be perfect to attach to your OBDII sensor (only on 1996 or newer cars) and keep on. Here's a link to it: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SKQD9O?ie=UTF8&tag=automoblog-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000SKQD9O" rel="nofollow">CarChip Pro</a> Great point Clayton, that might be a good idea for anyone.

The CarChip is a great little small device that will record time, date, distance, speed, events and up to 4 separate engine parameters. It will note any hard acceleration or braking as well and can record up to 300 hours of data. This would be perfect to attach to your OBDII sensor (only on 1996 or newer cars) and keep on.

Here’s a link to it:

CarChip Pro

]]> By: clayton http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/comment-page-1/#comment-111598 clayton Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:19:36 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/#comment-111598 This would be good for us HOWEVER the average joe cannot access the contents of the black box.The police have to show the vehicle manufacturer true cause before a special code is given that allows access to the recordings.However there is a plug in for the average person so we can plug it in the computer interface under the dash which monitors EVERYTHING from vehicle speeds to the location of said vehicle.It was intended to be a big brother for the parents to verify what there kids were doing when they use mom and dads car.The parent can just unplug the device and plug it into there computer and download all activaties since it was plugged in.I think if you got stopped by an unscripulous officer and got charged you could prove your innocence with it. This would be good for us HOWEVER the average joe cannot access the contents of the black box.The police have to show the vehicle manufacturer true cause before a special code is given that allows access to the recordings.However there is a plug in for the average person so we can plug it in the computer interface under the dash which monitors EVERYTHING from vehicle speeds to the location of said vehicle.It was intended to be a big brother for the parents to verify what there kids were doing when they use mom and dads car.The parent can just unplug the device and plug it into there computer and download all activaties since it was plugged in.I think if you got stopped by an unscripulous officer and got charged you could prove your innocence with it.

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