Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Have you used it? Do you have an onstar story?

When Onstar was first introduced my initial thought was, I wouldn`t use this. However, our last vehicle, which we bought just over a year ago came with 1 years free Onstar, ok, not really the selling point for me, but, it came with it.

So, we used it the first time last summer at 2:30 am, in downtown Detroit when we were lost (not really in a great area) for on the spot directions. Kind of cool.

Next, the week it was going to expire I locked my keys in the car. I haven`t done this in years, probably 10 years or more, I never do this, so, again, Onstar to the rescue, in less than 30 seconds, my car was unlocked and I was in it.  I now have another year of Onstar. So it sure paid off for them to give the first year free with the vehicle, must be the odds of someone using it and thinking they need it are pretty high, must be how they reel us in.

So, now, my friends think I have the perfect Onstar commercial. On my way to work I slammed on the brakes and my purse fell forward. Something fell out and I was able to retrieve it. I remembered I needed to make a call, (I am half way to work now, about a 25 minute drive), I am running late and I can`t find my phone. I am 100% sure I put it in my purse, or coat pocket or my bag I carry all my junk in. Can`t find it. At this point I don`t want to drive back home, Oh Yeah! Onstar, I would have never dreamed I would someday call my cell phone with my car satellite phone. I found it! It had also come out of my purse, fallen on the floor and wound up under the passenger seat when my purse tipped, it was wedged in near the seat track and I couldn`t see it as they are about the same color, besides I was driving down the highway!

So just curious, most everyone I know just lets the free year run out, does anyone else use this or did I just get suckered?

Nope your not alone...I too renewed after the first year expired.  I renewed because: my new vehicle broke down on the side of the road and Onstar diagnosised the problem and coordinated road side service.  Another time when the same vehicle`s gas sensor went bad, the gas gage read full but the vehicle ran out of gas.  Again, Onstar was there and sent a tow truck with gas to get me back on the road.    

-------------------------

Nicole Champagne
Email: influencialexpectations@gmail.com
Cell: (734) 262-3730
Soar With Influencial Expectations!

The last time I could`ve used onstar was during a snow storm in 2002, I locked my keys in the car. Before that think I would have to go as far back as the 80`s to find another opportunity were this service would`ve been valuable. At $ 200 a year 16+ years that would be $3,200 for that one time that I really needed it. Since you only pay $200 a year it is not very noticeable but it adds up.

I would imagine that this is a good service for people with very large amounts of disposable income, or that frequently get themselves in situations were help is needed.

Some large retail chains don`t buy insurance, if you think about it, it makes sense. They have upwards of 5,000 stores, replacing anyone of them would cost about $500k buying insurance costs at least $4k per year for each 5,000x4k=20,000,000 each year, and they don`t have a store burn down every year. Security is good, but at what cost?

Good point elids, I think it was the convenience factor for me, one of those wierd things, I hope I never use it, but now we have it. Also, have been in a couple of areas with no cell service but car phone works. Hmmmm, look what they have done to me, now I am pointing out their good points on a product I didn`t want, but bought.

We have Onstar but I am planning on cancelling it. I also have AAA
membership which is cheaper. Plus because I have a Scottish accent when
I try to use the phone it doesn`t recognize the numbers I am saying...very
frustrating
Sarah

-------------------------

Sarah Founder www.sarahsperfectgift.com Gift giving made easy

I like the security of having it for backup.

-------------------------

Our Goal Is Your Success!
Founder Girls with Goals