Paid Subscriptions For Your Car Could Save Your Life

Article content

Pop quiz! Did you know your car can call 911 for you if you’re incapacitated after a crash, potentially shaving minutes off response times and improving outcomes? Did you know some manufacturers enable this feature for the life of a vehicle while others bundle it into temporary trials and paid subscription plans? Do you know which is the case for your car — and whether this feature is currently enabled in your vehicle at all?

Article content

Article content

Article content

Not many people could get to the end of this list without scratching their heads. Here’s one thing there’s no question about: automotive subscriptions are one massive freight train that has officially left the station. The days of paying one price for a vehicle that goes unchanged until it’s crushed are long gone. Today’s drivers expect to remotely start their vehicles with their smartphones, upload navigation requests to infotainment systems, and a whole lot more. And automakers have learned that providing these features means owners can generate ongoing revenue for years. Such is progress.

But there’s a moral abyss between making people pay for convenience features versus disabling potentially life-saving technology if owners don’t pony up.

Article content

Either way, nothing about this situation tends to make people happy.

“I wasn’t even told about this when I bought it.”

I was already working on this story when, out of the blue, I received an on-topic text from my closest friend. Four years ago, I helped her choose a new vehicle — a 2019 Volvo XC60 PHEV, for those curious — and she’s mostly been happy with it since then. That is, until she received a notification saying her connected services trial is about to end and she’ll soon need to pay $220 per year to keep features she uses almost every day.

“I wasn’t even told about this when I bought it,” she fumed. (Truth be told, I’ve been working in the auto industry for more than a decade, and this wasn’t on my radar as something to ask about four years ago, either.) “I know car manufacturers are doing this all over the place, but I didn’t think Volvo was one of them. Like we don’t pay enough for a car.”

Article content

Automakers are doing this all over the place, so please don’t take this as singling out Volvo on the issue. In fact, Volvo’s part in this story has a happier ending than average, which you’ll read more about below.

The serendipitous timing of my friend’s message gave me all sorts of pause. She’s both whip-smart and meticulous with attention to detail. If she missed this, how many people out there have no idea what the end of an automotive service trial means, let alone how it will impact their ownership experience? And exactly what features will she and other owners lose if they don’t pay up?

Article content

Subscriptions and convenience versus safety

Let’s draw a hard line here between convenience features, i.e. those that make life easier and more comfortable, versus safety features, i.e. those that can save life and limb when properly enabled.

What are convenience features?

Convenience features include things like using an app to lock, unlock, start, or stop your vehicle, or to adjust climate controls. Even security features like stolen vehicle locator or geofencing — while arguably are more important than ever — make life better but not necessarily safer.

What are safety features?

Safety features also increasingly rely on remote technology. Some cars call 911 automatically via a connected smartphone after a crash, while others use an onboard mobile connection to contact an emergency call centre. Responders may even receive details such as your GPS location and how many people are in the vehicle. Either way, you’ll get help significantly faster with this feature than you would without it. Quick-press SOS buttons and in-app rear seat reminder notifications also fall into the safety category.

Article content

The issue arises when safety features are bundled together with convenience features in automaker subscription plans. Paying to turn your heated seats on remotely on a cold day is one thing. But imagine the venom from a parent who learns their car could have notified them their kid was left in the back seat, yet it didn’t because they forgot to renew a subscription. These scenarios are not on the same level — not even close.

And the real kicker? In Europe, eCall in-vehicle emergency response services have been mandatory standard equipment since March 2018. In Canada, eCall or SOS button features are not required by law in new vehicles as of 2024. As a result, too many of us have no clue our cars could save lives, if only we paid for the privilege.

Article content

Could automakers be held liable if a system doesn’t engage because you didn’t pay your bill?

Consider this: you buy a new-to-you used car, and you don’t know you need a subscription to enable automatic emergency calling or rear seat reminder notifications. Or maybe no one told you these features would be disabled if you let your connected services trial expire. Could an automaker be held liable if you or your passengers suffer a worse outcome where response was delayed because these systems didn’t activate?

Adam Wagman, Toronto-based Partner of Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP and specialist in personal injury litigation, says it’s foreseeable that an automaker could be held liable in such scenarios.

“If a consumer is led to believe in some fashion that their car is automatically going to advise 911 in the case of an emergency — and that’s the reasonable expectation of the consumer if that’s what’s being advertised by a manufacturer — and if that’s not what happens because of some fine print or something that wasn’t made clear to a consumer, then absolutely it is foreseeable that that customer is going to come to harm as a result of the negligence of the manufacturer,” Wagman told Driving.ca.

Article content

On the other hand, Wagman points out that automakers are unlikely to be found liable in such cases if they’ve clearly and demonstrably communicated the terms of said features and subscriptions to their customers.

“There is some argument from the manufacturer that monitoring these calls and installing this technology costs them money, and they can rationalize a subscription model,” Wagman says. “If that’s made crystal clear to the customer, then from a legal perspective the manufacturers will be able to get around those types of legal claims.”

Anecdotally at least, my friend’s situation demonstrates there are car owners out there who aren’t receiving effective communication, who don’t find any of this crystal clear, and who don’t even know exactly which features would be disabled if their trials or subscriptions do expire.

Article content

Which automakers bundle safety features into subscriptions?

Below, you’ll find information on how key high-tech safety features are handled relative to subscription services by every volume-selling automaker operating in Canada as of September 2024. The details provided below were independently confirmed by each manufacturer.

In some cases, these systems have extended trial periods of eight to 10 years. That would cover the lifespan of some vehicles, which to be fair is an improvement over shorter (and presumably somewhat lease-based) three to five-year models. However, we’d argue it’s also a long enough timespan for owners to forget how these safety features work, why they’re important, or that they exist at all. It’s therefore even more important for automakers offering longer trials to communicate loud and clear about what happens with these systems as vehicles age. That way, long-time owners or subsequent buyers are aware if a key safety feature will eventually deactivate and can make informed buying decisions accordingly.

Article content

We haven’t listed prices for automaker subscription plans here because they fluctuate frequently. To learn more about how much it will cost to activate or renew your car’s subscription, consult with the manufacturer or your dealer.

These automakers bundle safety features into subscription plans and/or these features can expire:

Audi

Audi has three subscription plans available under its Audi Connect banner — Security & Assistance, Remote & Control, and Navigation & Infotainment — which each cost extra once their four-year trials expire. The SOS button, automatic emergency calling, and roadside assist functions are packaged separately from Audi Connect, which means they’re not connected to any of these subscription plans. However, these systems don’t operate indefinitely: they remain active for up to 10 years from the vehicle delivery date.

Article content

General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac)

GM was an early adopter of in-vehicle emergency calling with its OnStar concierge service, which launched in 1996. The automaker announced early in 2024 that some functions that were formerly subscription-based will become standard equipment going forward, beginning with model year 2025 vehicles. Newly standard features include automatic crash response, remote vehicle commands, navigation, and voice assistance. However, the announcement notes these features come with an eight-year trial period, after which point they’ll require a paid subscription to remain operational.

Jaguar Land Rover

JLR’s InControl connected services bundle keeps the SOS button and automatic emergency calling active, on top of convenience features such as remote functionality and a stolen vehicle locator. InControl comes with a four-year trial period, after which a subscription fee is required to keep it active. Per the InControl FAQ: “When your Land Rover Assistance subscription expires the Optimized Land Rover Assistance Call button located in your vehicle will still connect you to the Land Rover Assistance call centre, however, you may be charged for any assistance provided.”

Article content

Kia

In Canada, Kia offers three different subscription plans for its Kia Connect service: Care, Plus, and Ultimate. A three-year trial of the Ultimate plan is included on new vehicles, and a subscription is required to retain access to connected services once it expires. The most important safety features are part of the base Care package, including automatic emergency calling, SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, and app notifications for the rear seat occupant alert.

Mazda

The MyMazda app currently has two tiers of Mazda Connected Services features. A two-year trial of the Convenience plan, including remote control functions and other features, is provided to new Mazda owners. A paid subscription is required to keep these services active once the trial expires. A 10-year trial is provided for the Basic plan, which includes automatic 911 calling through a connected smartphone, vehicle status alert, remote charging control for EVs and PHEVs, find my car functions, and more. On the 2024 MX-5 and most 2025 models, Private eCall (SOS button) and stolen vehicle assistance functions are newly included with a two-year trial. The eCall button is distinct from the basic 911 calling feature because it can operate even when a phone is not connected, as long as the car can access a mobile network. “Our Connected Vehicle team is currently working on developing a subsequent subscription plan for these services as well, which will be in addition to the Convenience subscription plan,” Product Communications Manager Chuck Reimer told Driving.ca.

Article content

Mitsubishi

There are two different subscription plans for Mitsubishi Connect, the terms of which are about to change. As of the 2025 model year, the Remote Services package (which includes exactly what you’d think: remote locks and climate control, car finder, geofencing, etc.) comes with a one-year trial, after which you’ll need to subscribe to keep it active. The Safeguard package activates automatic emergency calling, SOS button emergency assistance, stolen vehicle assistance, and other features. This comes with a five-year trial, after which a paid subscription is required to keep these services active.

Nissan

Nissan’s telematics services are bundled together under the NissanConnect Services banner. These are divided into three plans — Security, Convenience, and Premium — all of which require a monthly fee after the trial period expires. The trial delivers the Premium package for three years as of 2024. Automatic collision notification and emergency calling are part of the Security package, along with remote functions, stolen vehicle locator, geofencing, and other features.

Article content

Porsche

Porsche bundles its SOS feature separately from other connected services. However, it’s time-limited to 10 years from the vehicle’s delivery date, with or without a connected service subscription. The exceptions to this are the 718 and Macan models with internal combustion engines, where the emergency call feature requires a subscription to be active.

Subaru

In Subaru vehicles, automatic collision notification and SOS button functionality are part of Subaru Starlink connected services. Where equipped — and it’s not standard on every vehicle — Subaru Starlink comes with a three-year trial. Once it expires, you’ll need to pay for a subscription to keep these features active, as well as other technologies such as remote functions, stolen vehicle immobilizer and recovery, and more.

Article content

Stellantis (Alfa Romeo/Chrysler/Dodge/Fiat/Jeep/Ram)

With the Stellantis brands, there’s a significant difference between new and used vehicles. All vehicles with a 2024 model year or newer have an integrated SOS button that connects drivers to an emergency services call centre for assistance and to dispatch services as necessary. This service remains active for 10 years from the date of activation. For 2023 model year or older vehicles, the SOS button is not equipped on all models and trims. Where it is offered, the service expires after a one-year trial period, requiring a subscription to maintain thereafter.

Toyota/Lexus

The Safety Connect package included with most new Toyota and Lexus vehicles includes GPS-aided roadside assistance and automatic emergency calling. However, these services expire after a trial period of up to 10 years and can only be maintained thereafter with an active subscription, either to Safety Connect or to the Remote Connect and/or Drive Connect packages. Prior to September 2022, the trial period for Safety Connect was three years. Toyota and Lexus also package numerous other convenience features under subscription plans with trial periods that vary from three to 10 years. Drive Connect and its cloud-based navigation and enhanced voice recognition technology are offered as a three-year trial in some vehicles, while others require a subscription from the start.

Article content

Volkswagen

At Volkswagen, connected services are bundled together under the Car-Net banner. It includes automatic crash notifications and emergency assistance as well as convenience features like remote controls, vehicle health status, and more. Car-Net is standard on most models and comes with a four-year trial period, after which a subscription is required to keep these features active.

These automakers do NOT require subscriptions to keep key safety features active:

BMW

BMW has a group of connected services packaged under the BMW ConnectedDrive banner. This includes everything from remote vehicle access to upgraded voice activation and more. However, the SOS button and automatic collision notification functions, which BMW labels Intelligent Emergency Call, operate independently from BMW ConnectedDrive. Intelligent Emergency Call is available indefinitely where equipped without requiring a subscription. (Remote software upgrades, teleservices, smartphone integration and the BMW Digital Key feature are BMW ConnectedDrive Service features, but these also don’t require a subscription or renewal.)

Article content

Ford/Lincoln

Ford and its luxury Lincoln division offer connected services with trial periods on individual features ranging from 90 days to four years. The 911 Assist automatic emergency calling feature, though, is built separately into the in-vehicle infotainment system. This means it’s available in all Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC or Ford (or Lincoln) Digital Experience and stays active for the life of the vehicle.

Genesis

Hyundai’s luxury division has a Genesis Connected Services bundle of features that includes remote functions, phone-as-a-key technology, and more. Like many Genesis service offerings in Canada, Genesis Connected Services are complimentary for the first five years of ownership. After that time, you’ll need to pay a subscription fee to keep these functions active. However, roadside assistance and emergency services are operated separately and do not require a subscription for use, either during or after the initial Genesis Connected Services trial period.

Article content

Hyundai

Hyundai’s connected vehicle services are collectively called Bluelink. A wide variety of functions are integrated, including remote start and stop, locate vehicle, and Digital Key functions. Bluelink is included for three years on most Hyundai vehicles (excluding the Venue), after which point access to these features requires a paid subscription. However, roadside assistance and emergency services are separate functionalities from Bluelink and do not require a subscription for use, either during or after the initial trial period.

Mercedes-Benz

Emergency calling has been available in Mercedes-Benz vehicles since 2012 and standard since 2014, according to the brand’s global website. In Canada, as in other markets, the emergency call function remains active and free of charge throughout the vehicle’s entire lifecycle.

Article content

Volvo

Most connected services offered by Volvo Car Canada require a paid subscription after the four-year trial period expires. However, the automaker’s website notes the SOS button and automatic collision alert functions keep working as long as the vehicle has an internet connection, even if a subscription isn’t active. (There is one tiny caveat, though: whenever cellular carriers finally phase out 3G, Volvos from model year 2016 and earlier will lose this functionality and newer cars may require a dealer-administered software update.)

Other scenarios:

Honda/Acura

Important safety features are bundled with other technologies in HondaLink and AcuraLink connected services. However, if you buy certain vehicles such as a 2024 Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, or Acura MDX, automatic collision notification is a standard feature and doesn’t require a subscription. We sought clarification on whether automatic collision notification is standard on every Honda and Acura vehicle sold in Canada, but we did not receive a response before publication. You can look up the specifics of your individual vehicle’s coverage at this link for Honda and this link for Acura.

Article content

Keeping life-saving safety technologies active is “the bare minimum”

I let my friend know that while she will indeed need to pony up if she wants to keep her remote functions active, she can at least rest assured her XC60 will call for help in an emergency with or without a subscription.

“I feel like that’s the least they could do,” she responded. “It’s the bare minimum to not make me pay for the safety features that are already built in. Maybe I should be happy they’re not telling me I have to pay to use my heated seats at this point, but I still feel like I was misled.”

On the safety features point, Wagman agrees.

“Driving a car is statistically the most dangerous activity any of us will engage in during the course of our lifetimes on a very regular basis,” he says. “Billions of dollars are being spent to make cars safer. If this technology exists and is installed in your car, how can manufacturers in good conscience then charge people for an emergency service like that? It just feels wrong.”

Article content

If history is any indication, some automakers will answer this appeal with updated policies and others won’t. After all, big business is rarely universally compelled to spend money on the greater good unless they’re mandated to do so.

Many drivers have no idea this technology exists, and yet it could potentially save their lives. Europe did the right thing by making automatic emergency calling required as standard equipment. Let’s hope North American lawmakers follow suit — and while we’re at it, throw mandatory app-based rear-seat reminder notifications in there for good measure.

In the meantime, take the time to check what’s included with your vehicle, how it works, how to activate it, and how to keep it active. In a worst-case scenario, it could make a world of difference.

Article content

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about automatic emergency calling

How does automatic emergency calling work in a vehicle?

A vehicle with automatic emergency calling equipped can autonomously contact emergency services when it detects a crash. Depending on the vehicle, this function may place the call through a smartphone connected to the vehicle’s infotainment system, or it may use a transmitter built into the vehicle. Some manufacturers route calls directly to regional emergency services, while others have a dedicated call centre where response is overseen by an operator.

How a vehicle detects a crash varies by manufacturer. Many systems are triggered when airbags are deployed, while some monitor on-board sensors for dramatic changes that indicate a crash such as a sudden deceleration.

Article content

Does automatic emergency calling require connection to a mobile network?

Yes. Whether the technology operates through a connected smartphone or an in-car data point, the outgoing emergency call will require mobile phone service to connect. Automatic emergency calling therefore may not work in areas with weak or no mobile service.

Do I need to opt in to automatic emergency calling in my vehicle?

Yes. Enabling automatic emergency calling gives your car access to track and transmit information on your behalf. You’ll therefore need to manually opt in to ensure the system is functional, regardless of whether it requires a subscription. Consult with your dealer or your vehicle’s owner manual to learn how to complete this step.

Sign up for our newsletter Blind-Spot Monitor and follow our social channels on X, Tiktok and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest automotive news, reviews, car culture, and vehicle shopping advice.