General Motors' OnStar safety and security system is available for most of its current models like the new three-row Buick Envision Plus, Cadillac Escalade, and Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, providing connected services such as roadside assistance, automatic crash response, and a stolen vehicle assist that can track your car if it gets stolen. Last year, GM expanded the OnStar service to smartphones with the OnStar Guardian app, but you still needed to own a GM vehicle and have an active subscription to use it.

Now, you don't even need to own a GM vehicle, as GM is offering the OnStar Guardian app to anyone in the US and Canada who owns a compatible Apple or Android smartphone. Using the app, customers can access GM's safety and security services on their smartphone and get assistance from an OnStar Advisor.

These services can also be shared on up to seven devices by using the My Family section in the Guardian app. One of the app's best safety features is Mobile Crash Response, which can detect crashes using your smartphone's sensors and alert an OnStar advisor.

Other available services on the app include a location status allowing users to view and share locations with anyone added to the subscription and a roadside assistance service where advisors can help with charging a battery, changing a flat tire, or get fuel delivered if the tank is empty. In an emergency, the app allows users to contact OnStar emergency service advisors who will assess the situation, provide guidance, and contact first responders if required.

This month, the location status service will be updated with a new feature that lets users save and share favorite locations on the app's embedded app and receive notifications when family and friends leave and arrive at a destination.

"We are excited to deliver the power and promise of OnStar's key safety features to more people in more places with the expanded launch of OnStar Guardian," said Santiago Chamorro, GM vice president of Global Connected Services. "Over the past year, we've heard incredible stories that illustrate how OnStar Guardian has helped our members. As pandemic-related restrictions relax and people begin to travel again, we understand it is important that everyone feels protected and connected. That is why we are expanding this subscription offering based on our expansive insights."

GM is offering a 30-day free trial for the OnStar Guardian app. After that, a monthly subscription costs $15 a month.