How to Lower Your OnStar Costs
2026 Cost Reduction Guide
Current Pricing
OnStar costs $29.99 per month as of February 2026.
OnStar offers retention discounts when you call to cancel. Typical: 30-50% off for 6 months. First year is often free with new vehicle. Cancel via phone (1-888-466-7827) or online.
Before you pay — do you already have OnStar?
OnStar is included free (or heavily discounted) with these plans. Check if you're double-paying:
GM vehicle purchase — includes 3 month trial and core features for 8 years on 2025 plus models
Comes with the purchase or lease of an eligible new GM vehicle, with core safety features included free for 8 years on model year 2025 and newer
OnStar — includes OnStar One $34.99/mo
Paid directly through your GM or OnStar account after the trial ends
What Happens When You Cancel OnStar
How to cancel
My Account, OnStar, My Plans, select plan, Cancel My Plan
Steps (3 screens)
- 1Log in to My Account on onstar.com or the GM brand app.
- 2Select OnStar, then open My Plans.
- 3Select the name of the plan you want to cancel.
- 4Review your selection and click Cancel My Plan, or call 1.888.466.7827 and say Cancel service.
- 5You can also press the blue OnStar button in the vehicle and ask an Advisor to cancel.
- 6Confirm the effective date and request a confirmation number and email.
What they'll try to keep you
In-flow discount offer?
✅ Yes
Win-back email after?
✅ Yes
Access after cancel
Paid features stop at cancellation, though 2025 and newer GM vehicles retain core safety features that are included free for 8 years.
Your data
Account and vehicle data remain tied to your GM account so service can be reactivated later.
Phone cancellation takes about 15 minutes on average. Retention offers are dynamic and account specific. Have your VIN ready.
OnStar Safety & Security is $29.99/mo, Premium is $49.99/mo. First year is typically free with new GM vehicle purchases. OnStar offers retention discounts (30-50% off) when you call to cancel. If you mainly want crash detection and roadside assistance, your auto insurance or AAA may cover similar features at lower cost.
Quick Wins
OnStar Subscription
GM vehicle subscription. Safety & Security ($29.99/mo), Premium ($49.99/mo with navigation + remote access). Often free for first year with new GM vehicle purchase.
OnStar Price History
Tracking: Safety and Security
| Date | Price |
|---|---|
| 2021-01 | $24.99 |
| 2023-04 | $29.99 |
| 2024-01 | $29.99 |
| 2025-05 | $22.99 |
| 2026-06 | $22.99 |
Price forecast
GM cut OnStar prices in 2025 as it bundled more features free into newer vehicles, so the paid plan price is likely flat or rising only slightly over the next year.
Best time to subscribe
Activate when buying a vehicle to capture the free trial, and for 2025 and newer GM cars wait to see what is already included before paying.
How to Pay Less for OnStar
Save up to $12.00/month with these proven strategies
Retention Offers (2)
OnStar retention advisors frequently offer a reduced monthly rate or a few free months when you call to cancel and cite cost as your reason.
Save $5 to $15 per month or get 1 to 3 free months
Show Script →
Call 1.888.466.7827, ask to cancel, and say: I like the service but the monthly price is too high for how often I use it, so I am ready to cancel unless there is a better rate.
Offers are dynamic and account specific. Advisors may transfer you to a retention specialist.
Stepping down from a higher OnStar One or Super Cruise plan to the Connect or Safety and Security tier keeps core safety features at a lower cost.
Save $12 to $42 per month versus the top tier
Show Script →
In My Account under My Plans, change rather than cancel and select a lower tier that still keeps Automatic Crash Response and Emergency Services.
Model year 2025 and newer vehicles already include many core features free for 8 years, so a paid downgrade may be unnecessary.
Hidden Discounts (1)
New eligible vehicles often include a 3 month OnStar trial, and used GM vehicle buyers can sometimes activate a fresh trial.
See current terms
Plan Downgrade Opportunity
If you mainly want crash response and roadside help, drop to Safety and Security at $22.99 and save $12 per month over OnStar One. Owners of 2025 and newer vehicles should check what is already included free before paying at all.
- In-vehicle apps
- Voice assistant
- Connected navigation basics
- Adds in-vehicle data and streaming
- Remote app commands
Free Alternatives (2)
Phone built in crash detection
Modern iPhone and Pixel phones offer free crash detection and SOS, covering part of the safety value.
Vehicle myBrand app
Many GM remote commands like lock and start are available through the free brand app on 2025 plus vehicles.
Best Strategy:
Owners of 2025 and newer GM vehicles get core OnStar safety features free for 8 years, so confirm what is already included before paying for a plan.
OnStar vs Alternatives — Feature Comparison
Connected Vehicle and Roadside Services
| Feature | onstar | aaa |
|---|---|---|
| Service Type | In vehicle telematics | Membership roadside and travel |
| Entry Monthly Price | $9.99/mo Connect | About $5.42/mo Classic |
| Safety Tier Price | $22.99/mo Safety and Security | $99.99/yr Plus |
| Automatic Crash Response | Yes on Safety tier | No |
| Roadside Assistance | Included on Safety and Security | Core benefit all tiers |
| Long Distance Towing | Dispatch only | Up to 200 miles on Premier |
| Works Across Any Vehicle | GM vehicles only | Yes, follows the member |
| Discounts and Travel Perks | Limited | Extensive discounts and travel insurance |
Verdict: OnStar is built into GM vehicles and adds crash response and telematics, while AAA is a vehicle independent membership focused on roadside and travel. They solve different needs: pick OnStar for in car safety and AAA for portable towing and discounts.
How Much Are You Overpaying?
OnStar is just one piece. Take the free 30-second quiz to see your total savings across all your subscriptions.
About OnStar: GM vehicle subscription. Safety & Security ($29.99/mo), Premium ($49.99/mo with navigation + remote access). Often free for first year with new GM vehicle purchase.