Courtesy Call: Chevrolet Adding Real-Time Theft-Alarm Notifications to OnStar Capabilities

Building on the technology already baked in to the OnStar system, Chevrolet, as well as many other OnStar-equipped GM vehicles, will soon have the capability to alert system subscribers in real time via a phone call, text, or email when their vehicle’s alarm sounds, signaling that their car may be in the process of getting stolen. An enhancement to Onstar’s existing Stolen Vehicle Assistance service, which, in certain models, already has the capability of letting OnStar track, slow, or disable a stolen vehicle as conditions dictate, the new Theft Alarm Notification service sends the alert only to the subscriber; calling the cops is up to you. Although aftermarket manufacturers offer similar alarm-notification systems, there’s something to be said for factory-integrated hardware, not to mention OnStar’s ability to connect a user to genuine human being with a single push of a button.

This latest development comes in the wake of GM’s earlier announcements that it would utilize the power of its OnStar technology to monitor and provide owners with prognostic vehicle data, track owners’ driving habits (ostensibly for reduced insurance rates), and allow retailers to target drivers with advertising, coupons, and services.

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The new Theft Alarm Notification feature is included with OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Assistance service, and is available to owners of compatible vehicles with a subscription to the Security or Guidance package. Chevrolet says most 2014 and newer Chevy vehicles are equipped to offer the service, but interested parties are advised to check this list, or speak with an OnStar adviser. Theft Alarm Notification should be available for customers in the U.S. and Canada by late-summer 2015.

Andrew Wendler

Associate Editor, Buyer's Guide

Andrew Wendler brings decades of wrenching, writing, and editorial experience with numerous outlets to Car and Driver. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including Car and Driver, Esquire, Forbes, Hot Rod, Motor Trend, MPH, MSN, and Popular Mechanics, among others. A Rust Belt native and tireless supporter of the region, he grew up immersed in automotive, marine, and aviation culture. A lifetime of hands-on experience and a healthy dose of skepticism provide him the tools to deliver honest and informative news, reviews, and editorial perspective. Of note, he once won a $5 bet by walking the entire length of the elevated People Mover up track that encircles downtown Detroit.