Is OnStar Free on a New Buick or GMC? 12 Months of OnStar One Included

October 3rd, 2026 by

Yes. Starting October 1, 2026, every new 2026 and 2027 Buick and GMC you buy at Jim Taylor Buick GMC comes with 12 months of OnStar One included, at no additional charge for that first year. It covers the in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, in-vehicle entertainment and more. We activate it with you before you leave the lot.

What does OnStar One include?

OnStar One bundles the features drivers use most into one plan:

  • In-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot for phones, tablets and laptops on the road
  • Stolen Vehicle Assistance to help locate and recover the vehicle
  • In-vehicle entertainment
  • Help on the road, including safety and roadside support through the blue OnStar button

Features vary by vehicle, device and software version, so we will show you exactly what your vehicle supports at delivery.

Which vehicles qualify?

New 2026 and 2027 model year retail vehicles activated on or after October 1, 2026. Some models receive three years of OnStar One instead of one, so ask us which applies to the vehicle you are looking at. Pre-owned vehicles are not part of this offer.

How do I activate it?

The included year starts when OnStar is activated, and we do that with you at delivery. It takes a few minutes:

  1. We enroll your vehicle in OnStar.
  2. You download the mobile app, create your account and add your vehicle.
  3. We confirm the vehicle is connected and run a quick remote command from your phone.
  4. We show you the two or three features you will use most, and where the blue OnStar button is.

You no longer need to wait for a welcome call. Once the app shows your vehicle, you are set.

What happens after the 12 months?

When the included period ends, you decide whether to keep OnStar on a paid plan. A year is long enough to know which features you actually use, from the hotspot on a road trip to Stolen Vehicle Assistance if the worst happens.

Browse new Buick and GMC inventory at Jim Taylor Buick GMC in Monroe, or read more on our OnStar page.

OnStar FAQ

Is OnStar free on a new Buick or GMC?

New 2026 and 2027 model year retail vehicles activated on or after October 1, 2026 include 12 months of OnStar One at no additional charge. Some models include three years. After the included period you can choose whether to continue on a paid plan.

What is included in OnStar One?

OnStar One combines the in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, in-vehicle entertainment and more in one plan. Available features vary by vehicle, device and software version.

Do used vehicles get 12 months of OnStar One?

No. The included year applies to new 2026 and 2027 model year retail vehicles. Pre-owned vehicles follow the standard OnStar process.

Do I need the OnStar welcome call?

No. The welcome call is no longer required. Jim Taylor Buick GMC enrolls the vehicle, helps you set up the mobile app and confirms the vehicle is connected before you leave.

Written by Sarah Pesek, Director of Sales and Marketing at Jim Taylor Auto Group, which includes Jim Taylor Chevrolet in Rayville, Jim Taylor Buick GMC in Monroe and Jim Taylor Ford in Ruston.

12 months applies to MY26 and newer vehicles activating OnStar services on or after Oct. 1, 2026. Select vehicles receive 3 years of OnStar One. OnStar plan, working electrical system, cell reception and GPS signal required. OnStar links to emergency services. Not all vehicles may transmit all crash data. Service availability, features and functionality vary by vehicle, device and software version. Subject to user terms. See onstar.com for details and limitations.

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