Can You Get a Car Insurance Discount for Having OnStar?
Last Updated on February 5, 2026
If your vehicle has OnStar, you may qualify for certain auto insurance discounts—but it’s not automatic, and savings vary by insurer and state. In most cases, the discount comes from (1) OnStar’s security/anti-theft capabilities or (2) optional safe-driving/usage-based programs that use driving data to adjust pricing.
Some insurers offer discounts for technology like remote shutdown and connected security systems because these features can reduce theft losses and improve recovery odds. Other discounts depend on whether you choose to share driving data for a usage-based program.
One more important note: connected vehicle data and privacy have become a bigger topic in recent years. If you’re considering any “driving data” discount, it’s smart to read the program terms and make sure you’re comfortable with what’s being collected and how it’s used.
- OnStar Discounts Aren’t Automatic: Some insurers may offer savings for factory security/anti-theft features or connected-car programs, but eligibility varies by insurer and state.
- Telematics Can Lower or Change Your Rate: Safe-driving programs may reward low-risk driving patterns, but results depend on how the insurer prices the data and what the program measures.
- Theft Protection Ties Back to Comprehensive Coverage: Anti-theft features may support a discount, but theft claims are typically paid under comprehensive coverage—not liability or collision.
- Comparing Quotes Is the Best Way to Capture Savings: Ask each insurer about anti-theft discounts, low-mileage rating, and driving programs using the same coverages so you can compare prices fairly.
- How OnStar Insurance Discounts Work
- OnStar Good Driver Discounts
- OnStar Low Mileage Discounts
- General OnStar Member Discounts
- OnStar Insurance Services Discounts
- OnStar Anti-Theft Insurance Discounts
- Compare Quotes to Save Money
- Get Customized Car Insurance with OnStar Insurance Services
- Final Word on the OnStar Insurance Discount
- FAQs on the OnStar Insurance Discount
How OnStar Insurance Discounts Work
OnStar is a connected vehicle service that can include features like in-vehicle connectivity, GPS-based services, and roadside assistance coverage. From an insurance standpoint, OnStar can help you qualify for discounts in a few different ways—usually by reducing risk (anti-theft) or by verifying driving habits (usage-based pricing).
Here are the most common ways OnStar can affect your insurance rate.
| Discount Type | How OnStar Can Help | What You Usually Need to Do | Common Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-theft / security discount | Connected security features can reduce theft losses and increase recovery odds | Confirm your vehicle’s factory security features and ask your insurer to apply any eligible discounts | Not all insurers offer an OnStar-specific discount; some only discount certain anti-theft features |
| Low-mileage discount | Connected mileage reporting can support a low annual mileage rating | Ask if your insurer offers a low mileage discount and whether proof is required | Eligibility thresholds vary by insurer and state |
| Usage-based (telematics) pricing | OnStar/connected car data may be used for a safe-driving program | Opt into an insurer’s driving program and confirm whether your vehicle can connect without a separate device | Rates can go up or down based on driving patterns |
| Vehicle safety feature discounts | Some insurers discount factory safety/security equipment | Verify your vehicle’s equipment list (VIN lookup or build sheet) and have your insurer rate it correctly | Discounts vary and may not be available in every state |
OnStar Good Driver Discounts
Many insurers offer discounts for safe driving through usage-based programs. These programs fall under telematics (also called usage-based insurance) and are often marketed as a good driver discount tied to actual driving behavior, not just your past record.
Depending on the insurer and your vehicle, you might be able to use a smartphone app, a plug-in device, or built-in connected car data to participate. Programs vary, but common examples include Progressive’s Snapshot, GEICO’s DriveEasy, and State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save.
Insurers typically track patterns like speeding events, phone distraction, rapid acceleration, and hard braking. If the data shows safer, lower-risk driving, you may qualify for better pricing at renewal.
Important: Usage-based programs aren’t a guaranteed discount. If your driving patterns look riskier (for example, frequent late-night driving or aggressive braking), pricing may not improve—so it’s worth understanding the rules before you opt in.
OnStar Low Mileage Discounts
If you drive significantly less than the national average, you may qualify for a low-mileage discount. Many insurers consider annual mileage because fewer miles typically means less exposure to accidents. For context on mileage benchmarks, see how many miles the average American drives each year.
OnStar and other connected vehicle tools can help verify mileage, which is useful if an insurer requires documentation. If you’re shopping, ask each carrier whether annual mileage changes your rate and what proof (if any) they require.
General OnStar Member Discounts
Some insurers offer discounts for factory-installed safety and security equipment, and OnStar-equipped vehicles may benefit depending on how the insurer rates the vehicle. In practice, this often shows up as an “anti-theft,” “vehicle recovery,” or “factory security” discount rather than a discount labeled “OnStar.”
Even when a discount exists, it usually depends on accurate vehicle information. Make sure your insurer has the correct VIN and trim details so they can rate the equipment properly. If you’re shopping with State Farm specifically, it can help to review what discounts State Farm offers and ask which ones apply to your vehicle’s equipment and your driving habits.
OnStar Insurance Services Discounts
General Motors offers an insurance program that was previously branded as “OnStar Insurance” and is now branded as General Motors Insurance. GM Financial announced the rebrand beginning January 2024: OnStar Insurance to Rebrand as General Motors Insurance.
General Motors Insurance advertises pricing that can be influenced by driving behavior (where available and when drivers opt in) and is offered in select states, with availability and discounts varying by location and eligibility. You can learn more or check availability here: General Motors Insurance.
This type of “automaker-backed” insurance is similar to other in-house or tech-enabled insurance offerings, including Tesla Insurance. It can be worth quoting alongside traditional insurers—especially if you want connected-car pricing features—but it’s still smart to compare multiple carriers before deciding.
OnStar Anti-Theft Insurance Discounts
OnStar is often associated with theft deterrence and stolen vehicle assistance features, which can reduce theft losses. Many insurers offer insurance discounts for anti-theft devices, but the exact discount depends on the insurer’s rules, your state, and which security features are installed and active.
It’s also important to understand where theft coverage comes from. In most standard auto policies, theft is covered under comprehensive coverage, not liability or collision. Here’s a full breakdown: Does my car insurance cover theft?
If you’re shopping for savings, ask your insurer whether they offer a specific discount for factory anti-theft systems or vehicle recovery technology—and whether the discount applies to the comprehensive portion of your policy.
Compare Quotes to Save Money
OnStar-related discounts and connected-car pricing features vary widely between insurers. The most consistent way to save is to compare quotes and ask each insurer the same questions about eligibility.
| What to Ask | Why It Matters | What to Have Ready |
|---|---|---|
| Do you offer an anti-theft discount for factory security/vehicle recovery systems? | Some carriers discount factory equipment; others don’t | Your VIN, trim level, and the vehicle’s factory option list (if available) |
| Do you offer a low-mileage discount and how is mileage verified? | Mileage can significantly impact pricing for some drivers | Estimated annual miles and recent odometer readings |
| Do you offer a driving/telematics program and can it use connected vehicle data? | Participation rules can change the price at renewal | App access, consent preferences, and driving habits (time of day, commute, etc.) |
| Which discounts did you apply and which did I miss? | Some discounts are not automatic | A copy of your current declarations page to compare coverages |
If you’re comparing discounts by insurer, it helps to review each carrier’s discount list and requirements. For example, here’s a breakdown of National General auto insurance discounts and how discount eligibility can vary by policy and state.
Get Customized Car Insurance with OnStar Insurance Services
Some drivers look to GM’s insurance offering because it can incorporate connected vehicle technology into pricing and service (where available). However, any program that relies on driving data should be evaluated carefully for privacy and consent.
In January 2025, the Federal Trade Commission announced a proposed order related to how GM and OnStar handled certain connected vehicle data. The FTC stated that GM and OnStar would be required to obtain affirmative express consent before collecting certain connected vehicle data (with limited exceptions) and would be restricted from disclosing certain driver data to consumer reporting agencies for a period of time: FTC press release on GM/OnStar connected vehicle data.
GM also published a statement about discontinuing its Smart Driver program and updating its privacy controls as part of its settlement agreement: GM reaches settlement agreement with FTC on Smart Driver.
Quick tip: If you’re signing up for any “safe driver” or connected-car discount, ask two questions first: (1) Will my rate ever increase based on the data? and (2) How do I opt out or delete my data if I change my mind?
Final Word on the OnStar Insurance Discount
OnStar can help you qualify for auto insurance discounts mainly through anti-theft/security features and optional usage-based driving programs. But discounts aren’t guaranteed, and not every insurer prices OnStar-equipped vehicles the same way.
To get the best result, ask your insurer which discounts apply to your vehicle’s factory equipment, compare quotes with multiple carriers, and review any telematics program terms carefully before agreeing to share driving data.
