How To Cancel OnStar? Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Have you been itching to cancel your OnStar subscription but find yourself stuck in an endless loop of on-hold jingles and persuasive retention offers? You’re not alone. Many drivers desperately want to cancel their OnStar plans but struggle to make it happen.

OnStar proudly boasts industry-leading customer satisfaction and retention rates. Why? Because getting out of an OnStar subscription is notoriously difficult, frustrating, and time consuming.

But it doesn’t have to be! This detailed guide will walk through exactly how to cancel OnStar smoothly in just a few easy steps. No more wasting hours on the phone being passed from agent to agent.

Here’s what we’ll cover to empower you to successfully sever ties with OnStar:

Common reasons for wanting to cancel
Step-by-step cancellation instructions
What to expect after canceling
If you can get a refund
Answers to frequently asked questions

Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

Why Do Drivers Want to Cancel OnStar?

Before digging into the cancellation process itself, it helps to understand the top reasons so many OnStar subscribers ultimately look to cancel. Knowing the key pain points in advance allows you to prepare counterpoints to questions about why you are cancelling.

Here are the most cited explanations for canceling OnStar:

Never Using Features

The #1 trigger for cancellation is that many drivers simply aren’t using OnStar’s features enough to justify the monthly or annual fees.

OnStar tempts subscribers by offering alluring services like hands-free calling, emergency assistance, and remote vehicle controls. However, many users try these features in the beginning then rarely access them again.

Once the novelty wears off, the reality sets in that they are paying for something they no longer get value from.

Didn’t Want It Originally

Since OnStar comes pre-installed on many new Chevy, Buick, GMC, and Cadillacs, some drivers end up stuck with a subscription they never explicitly signed up for. Realizing they have to start paying after a short free trial leaves them wanting to cancel OnStar immediately.

Too Expensive for Limited Use

Related to the first point, even OnStar’s least expensive subscription plan runs $14.99 per month.

Drivers doing a cost/benefit analysis realize that’s a steep monthly charge for something they may use only once or twice per year in a roadside emergency scenario. To many, occasional OnStar access simply isn’t worth nearly $180 per year.

And now that you know the primary reasons for canceling, let’s get into the step-by-step game plan.

How to Cancel OnStar in 4 Simple Steps?

Ready to stop paying for OnStar but unsure how to actually make it happen? Follow this walkthrough to cancel your account efficiently:

Step 1: Call 1-888-466-7827

Sorry to say there is no sneaky online cancellation form or mobile app self-service option. The only way to cancel OnStar is to call customer support directly at 1-888-466-7827.

You can also press the blue OnStar button in your vehicle to connect to an agent. But calling allows you to cancel from anywhere any time.

Calling also queues the cancellation request right away, rather than waiting until your next drive.

Step 2: Provide Account Details

Get ready to confirm some key details to verify account ownership when connected to a representative:

Full name on the account
Phone number on file
Email address associated with account
Full billing address
Vehicle make, model, and year
VIN number

Having this info handy makes the process much smoother.

Step 3: Clearly Request Cancellation

This is where it gets tricky andrequires tenacity. Once your identity and account is confirmed, explicitly state:

“I would like to cancel my OnStar service, effective immediately please.”

Expect to be met with some resistance at first. The agent will likely ask why you want to cancel, make their best pitch for you to stay, and offer discounts or deals to keep your business.

Politely yet unwaveringly reiterate that no matter what, you wish to cancel the service immediately. Avoid getting lured into promotions or temporary price cuts to renew your subscription.

Step 4: Receive Confirmation

Before wrapping up, request written confirmation that your OnStar subscription has been officially canceled. Make sure it includes:

Your full name
Complete account number
Exact service cancellation date

Save this confirmation securely just in case you need to provide proof of your cancellation request later for any reason.

And with that, your OnStar subscription is officially terminated!

Here’s what to expect next after canceling…

What Happens After Canceling OnStar?

Wondering what goes on behind the scenes after you successfully cancel OnStar? Here’s an overview of key changes once your subscription gets cut:

All Services Stop Immediately

The moment the agent fully terminates your account, expect that every single OnStar feature will cease functioning properly.

That means no more emergency assistance, hands-free calling, remote vehicle access via app, or any other web-connected capabilities.

Don’t be alarmed if the OnStar light stays on in your vehicle temporarily. Full deactivation takes some time.

Account Stays Active Temporarily

Although all services stop instantly after cancellation, it takes up to 30 days for the account to fully deactivate in OnStar’s systems.

So even once canceled, the OnStar hardware in your vehicle may stay temporarily active before shutting down completely.

Potential Reactivation Fees

Had a change of heart shortly after canceling? You can resume your OnStar subscription whenever you want.

However, be prepared to pay reactivation fees typically ranging $14.99 to $29.99 depending on how long it has been since you canceled.

The longer you wait to reactivate, the steeper the fees.

OnStar Still Access Vehicle Data

Back in 2011, OnStar released a troubling notification. Turns out they continue passively gathering vehicle diagnostics data EVEN AFTER a driver cancels.

The only way to completely prevent OnStar from collecting analytics about your driving patterns and vehicle health is to physically remove the OnStar module.

But more on that next…

Now that you know what happens post-cancellation, let’s go over subscription refund policies.

Can I Get a Refund for Canceling OnStar Early?

What if you prepaid for an entire year of OnStar upfront? Are you entitled to any subscription refund if you cancel halfway through your term?

Here is how OnStar handles refunds:

Prorated Refunds

Fortunately, OnStar issues prorated refunds based on when you cancel relative to your original service commitment.

So if you pre-paid for 12 months but end up canceling just 6 months in, you’ll receive roughly 50% of the full subscription cost back.

Refunds Within 30 Days

According to OnStar’s policy, they refund any payment made in full within 30 days prior to a cancellation request.

So if you paid your most recent monthly bill just a week ago and then cancel, you should expect that full month’s fee refunded.

No Refunds on Free Trials

If OnStar came included free for a set period when you purchased or leased the vehicle, you won’t receive any refund for canceling early.

Those temporary free subscriptions are considered part of the total vehicle price.

To get your prorated cancellation refund, contact OnStar billing support for next steps.

Now let’s go over some frequently asked questions about the cancellation process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canceling OnStar

Still have some lingering questions about the implications of canceling your OnStar subscription? Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:

Will OnStar features keep working in my vehicle after canceling?

No. All OnStar-specific features will stop functioning once the cancellation is processed. Emergency assistance, hands-free mobile access, remote commands via app – everything will cease connectivity.

Can I resume my OnStar subscription later if I change my mind?

Yes, you can reactivate OnStar anytime after canceling by calling their customer service line at 1-888-466-7827. However, you will likely need to pay fees ranging from $14.99 to $29.99 depending on how long it has been since you canceled.

Does canceling OnStar disable other vehicle features?

No. The only functions impacted after canceling OnStar are those tied specifically to their connected services. No other vehicle systems should be affected. For example, AC, radio, and window controls will continue working normally.

Can I prevent OnStar from accessing my vehicle data after canceling?

Unfortunately, no. Even after unsubscribing from OnStar services, the company still passively collects vehicle diagnostics like mileage, fuel usage, maintenance alerts, etc. The ONLY way to fully prevent this data harvesting is to physically remove the OnStar module from your vehicle.

If I paid upfront, can I get a refund for unused service time?

Yes, OnStar issues prorated subscription refunds based on when you cancel relative to your original service commitment term. So if you prepaid for 12 months but cancel halfway through at 6 months, you’ll receive roughly 50% of the full payment amount back.

What’s the easiest way to cancel OnStar hassle-free?

The simplest way to cancel OnStar while avoiding frustrating back-and-forth with customer service is to use the “Robot Lawyer” app called DoNotPay. It handles contacting OnStar for you to painlessly sever ties in just a few clicks.

We’ll explore DoNotPay’s seamless cancellation capabilities next.

Cancel OnStar Effortlessly with DoNotPay

As you now understand, navigating OnStar’s cancellation process requires steel resolve to fend off retention offers and service upsells.

Thankfully, the DoNotPay app offers an easy way out with simplified OnStar cancellation support.

Here’s how DoNotPay saves you hours of headaches:

Step 1: Download the free DoNotPay mobile app or browser extension

Step 2: Login to your account or sign-up if new

Step 3: Click “Find Hidden Money” on the homepage

Step 4: Enter “OnStar” when it asks which subscription you want to cancel

Step 5: DoNotPay handles contacting OnStar support to cancel your account for you!

It honestly couldn’t be more convenient. DoNotPay’s advanced AI takes care of emailing, calling, following up with, and finally convincing OnStar representatives to close your account.

No more waiting on hold forever or arguing with customer service about why you want to cancel.

The “Robot Lawyer” app brings the ease back to cancelling accounts. Give it a try for both OnStar closures or any other subscription you need to cut!

Key Takeaways for Canceling OnStar Smoothly

Let’s do a quick recap of the key tips for finally cutting ties with OnStar:

Understand the top reasons for canceling = not using features, didn’t want originally, too expensive
Call 1-888-466-7827 and provide detailed account info when prompted
Clearly and firmly request cancellation no matter what
Receive written confirmation of account closure
Expect immediate loss of all services after cancellation processes
You may qualify for a prorated refund for any unused prepaid time
Use DoNotPay mobile app for simplified, automated cancellation support

Phew…that was a lot of great information about properly closing your OnStar account!

In Closing

We know leaving a subscription you’ve had for years brings up many questions and concerns around what happens next.

Hopefully this guide delivered clarity around smoothly canceling your OnStar account in just a few minutes, what you can expect after cancellation, if you qualify for any refund of prepaid fees, and even how to prevent OnStar from continuing to monitor your vehicle.

At the end of the day, only you can decide if breaking up with OnStar is the right call long-term. But should you choose that route, now you have all the tools needed to make a clean break!

Were we missing any important points about canceling OnStar? What was your experience after unsubscribing? Let us know in the comments!