How to get the most out of OnStar

Sep 28, 2020

How to get the most out of OnStar

Sep 28, 2020

Use these tips to get the most out of your OnStar service plan

You already know OnStar* can bring added peace of mind to every drive, thanks to services like Automatic Crash Response.* But OnStar offers many more features that can help you on a daily basis by simplifying routine tasks and giving you the freedom to venture out farther into the world. And now with the OnStar Guardian^® app,* Members and their loved ones can take key OnStar safety services with them anywhere, anytime.

Here are nine ways to get the most out of your OnStar service.

1. Be prepared

When you need help, you can push your blue OnStar button to talk to an Advisor at any time. But there might come a time when you’re unable to push the button, such as if you’re locked out of your car, your battery is dead or your vehicle has been stolen. To be prepared for those unexpected situations, put the OnStar phone number, 1.888.4ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827), in your cell phone.

2. Make OnStar part of your crisis plan

If you’re caught in severe weather, like a tornado, hurricane or snowstorm, an OnStar Advisor can be there to help. With Crisis Assist,* specially trained Advisors can provide you with emergency assistance, evacuation routes and other valuable resources. They can also contact family members for you so your loved ones can stay updated. Learn more about Crisis Assist.

3. Take OnStar with you on the go

You can have added peace of mind in the palm of your hand with the Guardian app on your smartphone. Whether you’re in a friend’s car, in a rideshare, or out walking or biking, you have access to a number of features, including calling an Advisor from anywhere. The Guardian app also offers Mobile Crash Response, which can use your smartphone’s sensors to detect a crash and alert an OnStar Emergency Advisor* who can contact First Responders and provide them with your location; Roadside Assistance,* where an Advisor can request help for a flat tire or battery jump; as well as Location Status,* which allows family members* to see one another’s location on a live map, share locations and more.

4. Update your information

Keep your in-case-of-emergency (ICE) information current with OnStar. This includes your license plate number, insurance information and emergency contact information that could help an Advisor assist you in an emergency. You can update this information anytime by logging in here or by pushing your blue OnStar button.

5. Protect your vehicle

It’s easy to help keep your car safe from shady characters when you have a comprehensive suite of Stolen Vehicle Assistance* services.

With Theft Alarm Notification,* OnStar can notify you by text, email or phone call (your choice) if your car alarm sounds after you’ve electronically locked your doors. If your vehicle has been stolen, OnStar can work with authorities to help recover your vehicle quicker and safer. An Advisor can activate Remote Ignition Block™* to prevent a thief from restarting your vehicle once it has been turned off, and can assist law enforcement by pinpointing the vehicle’s location using GPS technology. And when appropriate, OnStar can work with law enforcement to use Stolen Vehicle Slowdown,^®* which slows the car’s engine to an idle speed.

6. Explore confidently

It’s an amazing world out there, and knowing you’ve got the support of OnStar can give you added confidence to explore it — just push your blue OnStar button whenever you need assistance. If you get lost while seeking out new adventures or just need directions, take advantage of Turn-by-Turn Navigation* to get where you’re going — it can guide you to more than 14 million points of interest. And in case of a flat tire, dead battery or other issue, know that you can conveniently call on Roadside Assistance* for help getting back on the road.

7. Be a Good Samaritan

As an OnStar Member, you have the ability to be a Good Samaritan when you encounter a situation where someone else needs help. If you witness a vehicle crash, a medical emergency or any other type of crisis, you can connect with an Emergency-Certified Advisor to help get aid to others — even if the person who needs help isn’t an OnStar Member. Read more about how Members have acted as Good Samaritans.

8. Teach kids about OnStar

Most of the time, the red and blue buttons are for parents or other adults to push. But there may come a time when children need to contact OnStar for assistance because an adult can’t. Prepare your kids accordingly by teaching them the basics of how to use OnStar with this quick, kid-friendly video.

9. Push the button, anytime

There is no additional cost no matter how often you push the button to talk to an Advisor, even if you just want to ask a question or need to hear another voice. And remember, if you’re in an emergency situation or feel like you’re in danger, always push the red Emergency button in your vehicle or on the Guardian app. We’re ready to help 24/7.