Advantages and Disadvantages to Using Onstar

Have you ever thought about getting Onstar? In case you don't know, Onstar is a GPS(global positioning system) navigation system that is installed into your vehicle. With it, you can do many things. But it does have its drawbacks. In this article, I will discuss some advantages and disadvantages to using Onstar.

No need for a back up key.

You no longer need to worry about carrying a back up key with you. If you happen to lock your keys inside your car then all you have to do is call Onstar. They will unlock the car for you, and you can get on your way.

Tracking your car.

In the past, if car thieves managed to steal your car then there was a fairly good chance that you would never see it again. Thanks to some of the satellites that hover above our planet though, it has become much easier to track stolen vehicles. So if your car is stolen, the chances of it being recovered are much better thanks to Onstar.

Forget the maps.

With Onstar, you no longer need to worry as much about getting lost. You also don't have to pack your vehicle full of paper maps because Onstar is paper free. Simply push a button and ask for directions. A real person will come on the line to assist you. You'll also save some trees by not having to rely on paper maps, so everyone benefits.

Fees.

Be prepared to shell out some money for the Onstar service, though. So if you're on a budget then Onstar may not work for you. As for the cost, you have two different ways to pay. The first way to pay is by purchasing minutes. This is similar to a prepaid cell phone. All you do is pay around fourteen dollars and you have Onstar.

Once you use up your minutes then you have to buy more, which can easily be done online. Or you can use other payment methods such as your phone or regular mail. Your other option is to combine your Verizon cell phone plan with the Onstar service. This is nice if Verizon is your phone company, but if they are not then it may be albeit of a pain.

Coverage.

On the Onstar website there is a map depicting where Onstar is available. I would estimate that about eighty to ninety percent of the United States is within the coverage area. However, your area still might not be so be sure and check. If you would like to see if you're in the coverage area, click here.

Big brother.

Any of you who might be conspiracy theorists will probably resent the fact that you can be found almost anywhere in the United States with the Onstar service. The idea that Big brother or some other agency may be watching you might be albeit unnerving in your case. So if this bothers you, don't buy Onstar.

There are many advantages and disadvantages to using the Onstar service. If you want some extra peace of mind and safety then go ahead and purchase the Onstar package. But if the idea of Big brother watching you bothers you then you may want to avoid the Onstar service. The choice is yours.