Does OnStar Have Good Roadside Assistance Coverage?
Last Updated on January 11, 2026
Some Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles come with OnStar trials or included connected services. With an active OnStar plan, you can press the blue button to reach an Advisor and request help if you’re stranded.
So, is OnStar roadside assistance worth it? The answer depends on what you want beyond basic towing—because OnStar typically bundles roadside help with safety, security, and connectivity features (like emergency services, stolen vehicle assistance, and the Guardian app), not just a stand-alone roadside membership.
Below is what OnStar roadside assistance usually includes, how to request service, what the current plan lineup looks like, and how to decide if the cost makes sense for your household.
Our Rating of OnStar Roadside Assistance
3.7
out of 5
★★★★☆
Summary
Bottom line: OnStar can be a good fit if you want roadside help plus connected safety features, but it may cost more than stand-alone roadside options.
OnStar roadside assistance is accessed through an active OnStar plan (often via the in-vehicle blue button, the mobile app, or Member Services) and generally covers common breakdown services like towing, flat tire help, fuel delivery, jump-starts, and lockout support. The program is typically packaged with other features such as emergency services, stolen vehicle assistance, and connected-vehicle tools, depending on your subscription tier. While the benefit set can be broad (including complimentary towing to nearby destinations), plan pricing and feature availability vary by subscription level and vehicle eligibility.
Best for
- GM drivers who already want an OnStar safety and connectivity bundle
- Households that value in-vehicle and app-based access to request help
- Drivers who want broad towing support to nearby service locations
Not ideal for
- Drivers shopping only for low-cost roadside assistance
- People who already have strong roadside benefits elsewhere and want to avoid overlap
- Anyone who prefers a stand-alone membership with simple, predictable pricing
- Our Rating of OnStar Roadside Assistance
- What OnStar Roadside Assistance Covers
- How To Request OnStar Roadside Assistance
- OnStar Plans And Pricing
- What Makes OnStar Different From Basic Roadside Assistance
- What Roadside Services Usually Cost Outside OnStar
- Privacy And Insurance Considerations
- When OnStar Roadside Assistance Is Worth It
- When A Cheaper Roadside Option May Be Enough
- Final Word On OnStar Roadside Assistance
- FAQs on OnStar Roadside Assistance Coverage
What OnStar Roadside Assistance Covers
OnStar describes roadside assistance as help for common “stuck on the road” situations like towing, flat tires, fuel delivery, lockouts, and dead batteries. Coverage details can vary by plan, vehicle, and location, so always check your plan terms before you rely on it.
| Service | What OnStar Typically Arranges | Common Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Towing | Emergency towing arranged through a local provider. | OnStar’s tips note towing may be to the nearest dealer; destination limits and restrictions can apply. |
| Flat Tire Help | Inflation help or a tire change when you have a usable spare. | If your vehicle has no spare or the tire is unsafe to repair, towing may be required. |
| Fuel Delivery | Emergency fuel delivery if you run out of gas. | Fuel quantity/charges may vary; confirm what’s included under your plan. |
| Battery Assistance | Jump-start support for a dead 12V battery. | A jump-start is different from replacing a failing battery. |
| Lockout Help | Help if you’re locked out of your vehicle. | Availability and method can vary by vehicle and location. |
If you want a broader overview of what roadside assistance add-ons typically cover (including what insurers may and may not pay for), see our guide to emergency roadside assistance coverage.
How To Request OnStar Roadside Assistance
OnStar explains that you have multiple ways to request roadside assistance, depending on what’s available and whether you can access the vehicle.
- Press the blue OnStar button in an eligible vehicle (with an active plan).
- Use the OnStar Guardian app on your phone (OnStar notes this can help even when you’re not in your GM vehicle).
- Request help from your vehicle mobile app (myChevrolet, myBuick, myGMC, or myCadillac) or the infotainment screen when equipped.
- Call OnStar Member Services: 1-888-466-7827 (1.888.4ONSTAR).
OnStar’s “How to Get Roadside Assistance” tips page summarizes these options and notes roadside assistance is included with some paid plans; if you’re not enrolled, you can still request help but may have to pay for services rendered: How to Get OnStar Roadside Assistance. For general contact options (including mail/TTY), see: OnStar Contact Us.
Quick tip: If you can’t access your vehicle (for example, you’re locked out and your phone is in the car), calling 1-888-466-7827 from any phone can be the fastest way to start the request.
OnStar Plans And Pricing
OnStar updated its plan lineup and pricing structure. The OnStar store notes that older plan names like Premium, Essentials, and Safety & Security are no longer offered and have been replaced by newer plan names (including Connect, Connect Plus, Protect, and OnStar One). You can see the current plan lineup and starting prices here: OnStar Plans & Pricing.
Pricing can vary by vehicle model year and eligibility. For example, OnStar’s plan pages indicate “features and pricing reflect 2025 and newer vehicles” for certain plan comparisons, while the store also shows pricing for other model years. Always confirm pricing for your VIN/account when you sign in.
| Plan | What It’s Mainly For | Roadside Assistance Included? | Example Published Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| OnStar Protect | Safety + security bundle (Guardian app, safety services, stolen vehicle assistance). | Yes (per OnStar plan comparison pages). | $19.99/mo for 2025+ plan comparison pages (check eligibility). |
| OnStar One | “All-in-one” bundle that combines safety + connectivity features. | Yes (per OnStar plan comparison pages). | Starting at $34.99/mo for 2025+ plan comparison pages (check eligibility). |
| Protect | Store-listed safety/support bundle. | Yes (listed in the plan features on the OnStar store). | $29.99/mo (as listed on the OnStar store page). |
| Connect / Connect Plus | Entertainment/connectivity features (apps, Wi-Fi hotspot, streaming, etc.). | Typically no for Connect/Connect Plus; bundle specifics vary by model year. | $14.99/mo (Connect) and $24.99/mo (Connect Plus) on the OnStar store page; other OnStar pages show Connect Plus starting at $19.99/mo for 2025+ comparisons. |
If you’re considering Connect Plus mainly for Wi-Fi, note that the plan highlights mention hotspot use for “up to 7 devices,” and the product page also references device limits depending on vehicle and setup: OnStar Connect Plus.
What Makes OnStar Different From Basic Roadside Assistance
Most roadside assistance memberships focus on a small set of services (tow, flat tire, fuel delivery, jump-start). OnStar’s value proposition is that roadside help is usually part of a larger ecosystem that can include:
- Safety services and emergency support (depending on plan).
- Stolen vehicle assistance features (depending on plan).
- App-based access via OnStar Guardian and/or your vehicle mobile app, which OnStar says can be used even when you’re not in the vehicle for certain features.
- Connected services like in-vehicle apps, navigation features, and Wi-Fi hotspot options (depending on plan/vehicle).
If you’re mainly shopping for a lower-cost tow/jump-start add-on, compare OnStar against what your insurer already offers for towing and roadside services (for example, towing coverage details and what a roadside endorsement usually includes).
What Roadside Services Usually Cost Outside OnStar
One reason OnStar can feel “expensive” is that you’re often paying for a bundle that includes more than roadside assistance. If you only want help with common breakdown problems, you might already have similar protection elsewhere—like an insurer add-on, a membership club, a credit card benefit, or a warranty program.
For example, if you’re looking specifically for help with a flat, fuel delivery, or a jump-start, you may want to compare:
- Flat tire assistance and what insurance may pay
- Emergency fuel delivery coverage basics
- Jump-start coverage and common limitations
- Battery replacement vs. emergency service coverage
Privacy And Insurance Considerations
OnStar and connected vehicle services can involve telematics (vehicle data and connectivity). If you’re considering OnStar because you’re interested in potential insurance savings, it’s worth understanding how telematics programs generally work, what data may be collected, and how discounts are typically earned.
Start here: can telematics help you save on auto insurance. And if you’re specifically shopping for an insurer discount tied to OnStar, review this overview: OnStar car insurance discount.
When OnStar Roadside Assistance Is Worth It
OnStar roadside assistance tends to make the most sense when you value the broader bundle, not just towing:
- You want app + in-vehicle access to request help quickly and keep everything tied to the vehicle ecosystem.
- Your household wants a safety-focused bundle that can include emergency services and stolen vehicle assistance (plan-dependent).
- You travel often and want a single subscription that consolidates services and support.
- You don’t already have roadside elsewhere (or you’ve been unhappy with your current provider’s response times/limits).
Quick tip: If you only want towing, confirm how far a tow will go under any plan you’re considering. Some programs focus on “nearest facility” service, while others advertise specific mileage allowances.
When A Cheaper Roadside Option May Be Enough
If you’re looking for basic help a few times a year—like a short tow, a tire change, or a jump-start—OnStar may be more than you need. In that case, you might be better served by:
- a lower-cost roadside add-on through your auto insurer,
- a membership club, or
- paying out of pocket for occasional service calls (especially if you rarely need help).
If your main concern is tow costs, see our breakdown of free towing options and what “free” usually means in the fine print.
Final Word On OnStar Roadside Assistance
OnStar roadside assistance can be a solid choice if you want roadside help plus the broader safety/security and connected services ecosystem that comes with certain plans. But if you only want basic towing and tire help, you may find better value with a standalone roadside option or an insurer endorsement.
Before you subscribe, confirm your vehicle’s eligibility, your plan’s roadside terms (including towing destination limits), and the total monthly cost for the features you’ll actually use. Start with OnStar’s official roadside overview here: OnStar Roadside Assistance.
