[jemez]

I'm looking at buying a new Volt (2017 or 2018) and want to figure out what happens after the 5 year free basic Onstar expires. I asked my dealer how much Onstar basic would be after 5 years, he suggested I look at the Onstar web page. Web page only shows Basic as free for 5 years, with no info on charges afterwards. I emailed Onstar, they replied with generic info but no info on being able to continue with the Basic plan after 5 years - the cheapest option they sent me was $200/yr.

All I really want from the Onstar system is the ability to remote start in winter, the plug ins at work are about a 10 min walk from my desk.

Anyone have an idea if it's possible to continue a cheap plan after the basic plan expires?

 

[ghostgs1]

The basic service covers data collection and remote fob function and it is free. Our 2011 is now only getting the basic service and that works for me.

 

[hellsop]

The basic service covers data collection and remote fob function and it is free. Our 2011 is now only getting the basic service and that works for me.

Quick questions for the data pile then, if you don't mind? Can you send an address to the car? Does the car have built-in nav?

 

[TSquare]

I'm looking at buying a new Volt (2017 or 2018) and want to figure out what happens after the 5 year free basic Onstar expires. I asked my dealer how much Onstar basic would be after 5 years, he suggested I look at the Onstar web page. Web page only shows Basic as free for 5 years, with no info on charges afterwards. I emailed Onstar, they replied with generic info but no info on being able to continue with the Basic plan after 5 years - the cheapest option they sent me was $200/yr.

All I really want from the Onstar system is the ability to remote start in winter, the plug ins at work are about a 10 min walk from my desk.

Anyone have an idea if it's possible to continue a cheap plan after the basic plan expires?

After the 5 year free Basic expires you will have to pay for at least the minimum plan offered. Currently that is the Protection Plan at $19.95 per month, which I believe is the same plan they told you about for $200 per year.

 

[dogunter]

Crappy OnStar reliability is why I will be buying an EV made by anyone other than GM after my 5 years is up. Love the car but OnStar has totally pissed me off compared to the data I see Prius and Tesla owners being able to access.

 

[Barry]

Currently the basic connectivity for remote start, etc. is free for Volt owners. But there is no telling what the pricing structure will be 5 years in the future. I would count on having to buy something like the basic plan mentioned above. Prices may change and plans may change.

 

[jemez]

Currently the basic connectivity for remote start, etc. is free for Volt owners. But there is no telling what the pricing structure will be 5 years in the future. I would count on having to buy something like the basic plan mentioned above. Prices may change and plans may change.

OK, maybe it's just that people are (mostly) still in their free period so Onstar hasn't started offering a low cost basic plan outside of the 5 year period. I guess if they don't get enough people willing to pay for the Protection Plan after Basic expires they'll start offering a paid Basic.

 

[2VoltFamily]

Quick questions for the data pile then, if you don't mind?

Can you send an address to the car?

No. My 3 yr free FULL service has now ended on both my 2013s. I think it collects data which I don't use and has keyfob functions. that's it.

Does the car have built-in nav?

Yes.

 

[2VoltFamily]

I had the 3 yr FULL service and it has now ended. I had to call from the car using the ONSTAR button and talk my way through a couple of reps until I found someone who knew how to extend with the simple basic service. Hopefully by the time that plan ends they will issue free basic service to their entire fleet.

 

[llninja]

I had the 3 yr FULL service and it has now ended. I had to call from the car using the ONSTAR button and talk my way through a couple of reps until I found someone who knew how to extend with the simple basic service. Hopefully by the time that plan ends they will issue free basic service to their entire fleet.

When I went through the same thing, the person I talked to said they would switch me to basic service, but somehow I got switched to some premium $35 per month service that I didn't ask for. It took a few more phone calls to straighten it out and get the charges dropped.