Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’re locked out of your car and can’t find the spare key? It’s one of those moments that can leave you feeling helpless. Fortunately, technology has come to our rescue with services such as Onstar.
If you’re not familiar with Onstar, it’s a subscription-based service for General Motors (GM) vehicles that offers a variety of features, including remote unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance, emergency services, and more.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how Onstar works and whether or not it can unlock your car when you’re locked out. We’ll also discuss some alternatives to keep in mind just in case Onstar isn’t an option for you. So, let’s dive in and explore what you need to know about using Onstar to get back inside your car!
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Yes, Onstar Can Unlock Your Car
If you have ever locked your keys in your car, you know how stressful and time-consuming it can be to get back inside. Fortunately, for those who subscribe to the OnStar service, unlocking your vehicle is just a phone call away.
Onstar’s Car Unlocking Capabilities
OnStar has been helping drivers since 1996, providing safety and security services such as automatic crash response and stolen vehicle assistance. One of their most popular features is remote door unlocking.
If you lock yourself out of your car, all you need to do is call the OnStar number on your key fob or smartphone app, provide some information for verification purposes, and they will send a signal to unlock your doors remotely. This feature is especially helpful if you are locked out of your car in an unfamiliar area or during inclement weather.
Keep in mind that OnStar does have limitations when it comes to unlocking cars. They cannot unlock vehicles with dead batteries or damaged locks. Additionally, this service may not be available in certain areas, so make sure you check before relying on it.
How to Use Onstar to Unlock Your Car
The process of using OnStar to unlock your vehicle is straightforward:
- Call the OnStar number on your key fob or use the MyChevrolet/MyBuick/MyGMC apps on your smartphone.
- Provide your account information and verify your identity.
- Tell the representative that you need your vehicle unlocked.
- Wait for confirmation that your doors have been unlocked.
- Retrieve your keys and go about your day!
It is important to remember that this service is not meant to replace traditional keys or key fobs. Instead, it is a convenient solution for times when you forget your keys in the car or lock them inside.
“Remote door unlocking is just one of many services OnStar offers to provide peace of mind to drivers and enhance their driving experience,” says Joel Miller, General Director of Business Development at OnStar.
While it may be tempting to rely solely on this service, it is always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of emergencies. Keep an extra set of keys with you or someone you trust as a precaution.
OnStar is a service that can help you unlock your car remotely if you find yourself locked out. It is a great feature for those who tend to misplace their keys or are forgetful. However, it should not be used as a substitute for traditional keys or key fobs. Always have a backup plan in case of emergencies and ensure that you subscribe to the appropriate service plan with OnStar before relying on its features.
How Onstar Can Unlock Your Car in an Emergency
Onstar’s Automatic Crash Response System
If you ever find yourself involved in a car collision and unable to communicate with emergency responders, don’t worry – Onstar has got you covered. Their automatic crash response system can send help your way even if you are unable to speak. The system uses GPS technology to pinpoint the location of where the accident occurred and alerts first responders immediately.
According to Onstar, when an airbag deploys or its impact sensors detect a severe crash, the automatic crash response feature is activated. An advisor then attempts to contact the vehicle occupants through the built-in speakerphone. If no one answers, they will notify the nearest emergency services provider right away.
“Our advisors work with emergency responders regularly to get people help quickly and make sure they’re safe,” says Chris Hajdek, Onstar emergency manager.
Onstar’s Emergency Services
In addition to its automatic crash response system, Onstar provides a wide range of emergency services that users can access simply by pushing the emergency button on their dashboard. This button connects you directly to an Onstar advisor who is trained to handle all kinds of critical situations, including theft, medical emergencies, fire, and natural disasters.
Onstar’s emergency advisors can also connect you to roadside assistance if necessary. For example, if you run out of gas or experience a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, just press the emergency button and let Onstar take care of the rest.
“When someone calls in for help, they might be high stress, so our role as an advisor is to bring calmness and reliability to that situation,” says Lisa Prasse, Onstar emergency advisor.
Onstar’s Roadside Assistance
Speaking of roadside assistance, Onstar has a dedicated team that is available 24/7 to help you with any non-emergency issues that may arise while driving. Whether it’s a dead battery, a locked-out key situation, or any other minor issue, Onstar can connect you with trained technicians who will come out to assist you on the spot.
What sets Onstar apart from traditional roadside assistance services is that they use their remote diagnostic technology to determine what is wrong before sending out a technician, so there are no surprises when he arrives. The system also records the vehicle health report as evidence in case anything else goes wrong later.
“Our goal is to get people back on the road as quickly and painlessly as possible,” says Tim Albin, an Onstar roadside assistance advisor.
If you ever find yourself in some kind of emergency while on the road, don’t panic. With Onstar, help is just one press of a button away. Their automatic crash response system, emergency services, and roadside assistance can all work together to keep you safe and get you back on track.
What to Do When You Need Onstar to Unlock Your Car
It can be very frustrating when you lock your keys inside your car or misplace them. However, if you are an Onstar subscriber, there is good news as the service offers a remote unlock option that allows you to get into your vehicle without having the actual physical key in hand.
Contacting Onstar for Car Unlocking Assistance
If you need Onstar to unlock your car, the first step is to contact the service provider. You can do this via their customer care center through the phone number provided on your subscription plan. Alternatively, you can access help directly from the Onstar app using your smartphone or tablet.
It is important to note that Onstar may require some personal identification information to ensure that you are the rightful owner of the car before taking any action. Their agents will ask for necessary details like your name, address, phone number and/or registered email, license plate number, and make and model of the vehicle in question. Be sure to provide accurate information to expedite the unlocking process.
Providing Necessary Information to Onstar
Once you have contacted Onstar, the agent assigned to assist you will guide you through what actions you should take next. They may request further verification details, such as your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), so it is best to know where to find this information beforehand. The VIN is usually located on the dashboard on the driver’s side and can also be found on your insurance card.
Finally, the agent will try to remotely enable your car’s door locks by sending a signal to its OnStar system. In most cases, they should be able to unlock the doors in just a few seconds. After the process is complete, they will confirm with you if the doors have been unlocked and provide a few tips to avoid locking yourself out in the future.
“Remote door unlocking is one of the features that makes an Onstar subscription worth it – especially for those who travel frequently or tend to be forgetful,” says Charlie Romero, Director of New Business Development at General Motors. “It’s like having AAA right on your dashboard.”
It is reassuring to know that you do not need to go through the hassle of calling a locksmith or breaking a window to retrieve your keys when locked inside your car. With Onstar’s remote unlock service, you can easily gain access to your vehicle without physical contact.
How to Access Onstar’s Unlocking Services
Imagine this: you reach into your pocket or purse and realize that your car keys aren’t there. They’re locked inside your car, leaving you stranded and frustrated. But don’t worry, if you have an OnStar subscription, they might be able to help get you back on the road without breaking a window.
Using the Onstar Mobile App
The easiest way to access OnStar’s unlocking services is through the OnStar mobile app. You can download it for free from your smartphone’s app store, sign in with your account information, and request assistance right from your phone. In addition to unlocking services, the app provides other features like roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, and turn-by-turn directions.
To use the unlocking service via the mobile app, simply select “Request Service” and then click on “Unlock Vehicle.” The app will guide you through the next steps and prompt you to verify your identity before sending a signal to unlock your car doors remotely.
Using the Onstar RemoteLink Service
If you don’t have access to the app, another option is to use the OnStar RemoteLink service. This service allows you to manage your vehicle’s settings and features remotely using a web-based platform. To access this feature, log in to your OnStar account online and navigate to the RemoteLink tab.
Once you’ve accessed RemoteLink, select the “Services” option in the top navigation bar, and then choose “Vehicle Access.” From here, you’ll see an option to unlock your doors remotely. Just make sure you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) handy, as you may need to enter it to verify your identity.
Contacting Onstar via Phone or Online Chat
If for some reason you’re unable to use the OnStar mobile app or RemoteLink service, another option is to contact OnStar customer support directly through phone or online chat. Simply visit their website and click “Contact Us” at the bottom of the page.
From there, you can choose whether you’d prefer to contact them via phone or online chat. Be sure to have your account information and vehicle identification number (VIN) handy so they can quickly verify your identity and provide assistance with unlocking your car doors remotely.
“The OnStar app was a huge help when I accidentally locked my keys in my car. Within minutes, I was able to request assistance and get back on the road.” -Jon P.
If you’ve ever found yourself locked out of your car without access to a spare key, having an OnStar subscription could potentially save you time and money on locksmith fees. With several convenient options available, including the mobile app, RemoteLink service, and customer support channels, it’s worth considering if you value peace of mind on the road.
The Benefits of Having Onstar for Car Unlocking
Have you ever found yourself locked out of your car with no spare key in sight? This situation can be frustrating and stressful, especially when you are in a rush. Luckily, if you have an OnStar subscription, help is just a button away.
Convenience and Accessibility
With Onstar’s Remote Keyless Entry feature, you can easily unlock your car doors from your smartphone or tablet. No more fumbling through your purse or pocket searching for keys that may or may not be there. You can even lock your doors remotely if you forget to do it before leaving the car.
If you don’t have access to your phone, no worries. With the OnStar Guardian app, available on select vehicles, you can use Alexa or Google Assistant to unlock your car doors. It’s as easy as saying “Hey Google, ask OnStar to unlock my doors.”
Peace of Mind and Security
What about those times when you accidentally leave your keys inside your car? Or worse, what if your child or pet is trapped inside? OnStar can quickly connect you with a trained advisor who can remotely unlock your car door without causing any damage.
According to Tim Healey of Consumer Reports, “Remote unlocking services such as OnStar have saved many people from situations ranging from dangerous to simply embarrassing.”
You can also feel reassured knowing that OnStar has theft protection features built into their system. If your vehicle is stolen, OnStar can provide assistance in tracking down and recovering it quickly.
Cost-Effective Solution
While some insurance policies offer roadside assistance and lockout services, they often come at an extra cost. OnStar provides these services and more, including crash response and emergency assistance, as part of their subscription packages. Plus, with various plans available, you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
According to a study by J.D. Power, “Overall satisfaction among OnStar users is 55 points higher than among non-users in the Premium segment.”
Additional Onstar Services
Haven’t convinced you yet? OnStar offers a range of services beyond car unlocking, such as turn-by-turn navigation, hands-free calling, and remote vehicle diagnostics. With these features and more, you can stay connected and informed on-the-go.
Whether it’s for convenience or peace of mind, having an OnStar subscription can be a game-changer when it comes to car unlocking. With their reliable and efficient service, you’ll never have to worry about being stranded outside your car again.
Other Services Onstar Offers for Your Car
Vehicle Diagnostics and Maintenance Reminders
Onstar offers an array of benefits beyond unlocking your car if you accidentally left your keys in it. One of the most significant features is vehicle diagnostics, which allows car owners to monitor maintenance needs, including oil changes, tire rotations, etc.
Additionally, the system provides data such as tire pressure or engine health evaluation and can notify drivers when specific services are due. For people who want to keep their cars’ longevity, this service comes with a reliable resource that ensures timely maintenance and prevents potential breakdowns.
Stolen Vehicle Assistance
If your car gets stolen, Onstar’s automatic crash response service alerts authorities and sends them to your location immediately to recover your vehicle. Additionally, stolen vehicle assistance signals an alarm that disables the car once detected, preventing thieves from driving off with it.
Since anti-theft systems may not guarantee complete security, Stolen Vehicle Assistance helps track down your car, making sure police get notified and work on its prompt recovery.
Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Destination Download
While accidents on the road happen, getting lost shouldn’t be one of them. With the Onstar GPS navigation system, accessing turn by turn directions becomes easy. Using voice commands, drivers can search for their desired destination online and download directions into your dashboard’s touchscreen display.
The system includes access to real-time traffic updates, so rerouting takes place automatically. Moreover, Onstar advisors are just one button push away and can even send turn-by-turn direction straight to the driver.
Wi-Fi Hotspot and Entertainment Services
In today’s growing digital world, staying connected while in transit is a necessity. Onstar provides an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot service that enables connectivity to up to seven devices while on the go.
Entertainment is also critical when traveling, and OnStar offers numerous audio streaming options such as Pandora, Apple music, or even Spotify. In addition, passengers can enjoy movies through DVD players or watch content via Amazon prime video using Amazon Firestick synced with your vehicle system
“Our customers expect seamless connectivity and reliable technology no matter where they are and what they’re doing,” said Tony Johnson, Onstar marketing director for global connected customer experience. “Wi-Fi hotspots integrated into vehicles enable drivers and passengers alike to stay connected.”
Onstar provides far more than car unlocking services. It focuses on providing different tools towards enhancing driving experience regarding safety, security, and entertainment convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does OnStar unlock my car?
OnStar uses a remote signal to communicate with your car’s computer and unlock the doors. This signal is sent through a cellular network, so you don’t need to be near your car to use this service. Once you request the unlock, OnStar sends the signal to your car, which unlocks the doors. This process is quick and usually takes less than a minute.
Is it possible to unlock my car remotely with OnStar?
Yes, it’s possible to unlock your car remotely with OnStar. As long as your car is equipped with OnStar and you have an active subscription, you can use the OnStar app or call the OnStar RemoteLink service to unlock your car from anywhere. This is especially useful if you’ve locked your keys in your car or need to let someone in remotely.
What do I need to do to use OnStar to unlock my car?
To use OnStar to unlock your car, you’ll need to have an active OnStar subscription and a compatible device such as a smartphone or tablet. You can download the OnStar RemoteLink app to your device and use it to request the unlock. Alternatively, you can call the OnStar RemoteLink service and request the unlock over the phone.
Can OnStar unlock my car if I don’t have a key?
No, OnStar cannot unlock your car if you don’t have a key. The remote unlock service is designed to work in conjunction with the physical key. If you’ve lost your key or need a replacement, you’ll need to contact your dealership or a locksmith to get a new one.
Is there a fee for using OnStar to unlock my car?
Yes, there is a fee for using the OnStar remote unlock service. The exact cost depends on your OnStar subscription level and the number of times you use the service. However, many OnStar plans include a certain number of remote unlocks per year at no additional cost. If you frequently use this service, it may be worth upgrading your subscription to a higher level that includes more unlocks.